Category: Editorial

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Don’t forget to vote! State has first primary in August since World War II

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Don’t forget to vote! That’s something we haven’t heard in August for many years. In fact, this is Wisconsin’s first partisan primary in August since World War II, according to the Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.).

The state Legislature moved the partisan primary from the second Tuesday in September to the second Tuesday in August so Wisconsin can comply with a federal law designed to give military and overseas voters enough time to vote by absentee ballot, said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B.

Wisconsin last held partisan primaries in August in 1944 and 1946. That means that only voters over age 84 would remember voting in August.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Continuing the Olympic tradition: In a spirit of peace and healthy competition

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

It’s so sad that we mourn the deaths of 12 people and the injuries of so many others following the tragic rampage of the suspect, 24-year-old James Holmes, at the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., all happening shortly before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Let us join in prayer with the religious leaders in Colorado and throughout the world for those affected by this tragedy. Pope Benedict XVI at his weekly Angelus address at Castel Gandolfo July 22 expressed his sadness over the tragedy, saying he was “deeply shocked by the senseless violence,” adding, “I share the distress of the families and friends of the victims and the injured, especially the children.”

Much as we are saddened by the tragedy in Colorado, we should not let our sorrow marr our joy as we we look forward to the Olympic Games beginning on July 25.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Protecting children: In learning from its mistakes, Catholic Church can be role model

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Ten years ago in Dallas, Texas, in June of 2002, the United States Catholic bishops passed their Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It was a bold move to deal with the sexual abuse of minors by priests and prevent such abuse from happening again.

As we learn more about the sex abuse scandal at Penn State and reports of incidents involving pornography, rape, and sexual abuse at other colleges and universities, it might be wise for our society to pay attention to how the Catholic bishops have dealt with these issues.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Moving on from here: In a renewed kind of politics based on faithful citizenship

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Now that the Wisconsin recall election is over, some people are rejoicing and others are disappointed in the outcomes. However, I think almost every citizen in our state is happy to be moving on, away from the incessant political ads, phone calls, and media hype.

Now that the recall is in the history books, the question is: Where do we go from here? I think most Wisconsinites want to live and work together peacefully, yet the climate in our state — and in our nation, for that matter — has been so contentious.

Steps towards healing

Governor Scott Walker took one step by inviting legislators and staff members of both political parties to what was called the “Brat Summit” at the governor’s mansion. The governor himself grilled the brats, and it seemed that those attending enjoyed themselves.

Spending time talking with each other might be a first step in the process of healing in our state. If we listen to what people say, we might start understanding their point of view. It doesn’t mean we have to agree with everything they say, but we might be able to find some common ground and ways to work together.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Importance of families: Making family a priority in our lives

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

This is the time of year when families celebrate in so many ways. We have Mother’s Day, First Communions, graduations, Father’s Day, and the start of the wedding season.

It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy each other’s company and emphasize the good things that are happening in their lives. I hope that most people are able to take time away from other commitments and spend time with their family members of all ages.

Most families do get together for some of these occasions, but I know that other families do not have the opportunity to get together. These days some families are split apart by geographic distance, difficulties with health, or divorce and separation.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

A man for all seasons: We need St. Thomas More’s example today

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Back when I was in high school, I first saw the movie A Man for All Seasons about the controversy between King Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More.

Sir Thomas was lord chancellor of England at that time and a loyal member of the Catholic Church. When the king wanted Sir Thomas to approve his marriage to Anne Boleyn after he divorced the queen, Sir Thomas refused.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Protecting our first freedom

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Many of the early settlers to our land came to  America in order to practice their faith freely.

It was so important that the very First Amendment to the United States Constitution says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Threats to religious liberty

However, what Pope Benedict XVI has called the “most cherished of American freedoms” — our religious liberty — is being threatened in many ways. We have heard much discussion about the Health and Human Services mandate requiring insurance coverage of contraception, sterilization, and abortion. But that is not the only way freedom of religion and conscience is being threatened today.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Congratulations, graduates! Catholic schools have prepared you well

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

This is the season of graduations. Students, family members, friends, and teachers are celebrating graduation from pre-schools, grade schools, high schools, and colleges.

It’s a time of great joy mixed with some sadness, as students celebrate their accomplishments but also leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown.

Parents of high school graduates especially find themselves looking forward to their children growing into adults and possibly leaving home for college. Some parents may face the empty nest with trepidation — and others may high five their spouses!

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