Opinion – Page 71 – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

To the editor:

Personhood is the fundamental civil rights issue of our time. The pro-life movement is founded on the bedrock principle that all human beings, at all stages of development, deserve full protection under the law.

Our nation’s history of civil rights progress has been fueled by this principle. But one injustice remains: the legal discrimination against pre-born babies, who can be freely mutilated and killed throughout all nine months of pregnancy.

The Wisconsin Personhood campaign seeks to pass an amendment to the state constitution legally recognizing that all preborn human beings are “persons” whose unalienable right to life is protected by the state.

Editorial

On October 31, 2013February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Care for the dying: We must resist efforts to legalize physician-assisted suicide

Often when we speak of respecting all human life, we talk about the full spectrum of life from “womb to tomb.” However, it seems as if more of our energy and attention seem to focus on the beginning of life rather than the end of it.

That’s probably because most people don’t like to think about death and dying. Even though we will all die sometime, we usually prefer to put off any discussions about dying until we’re forced into it.

Physician-assisted suicide

However, we should be concerned about issues involving care of the sick and dying, particularly in light of increased efforts to pass laws legalizing physician-assisted suicide.

Thanks Monroe community for supporting program on dangers of drinking, driving

To the editor,

On September 25, Monroe Clinic and Hospital Foundation presented the “Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth” (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program to 11 different high schools in the area. The 75-minute presentation at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) featured a dramatization depicting the tragic results that can occur from drinking and driving.

This year, more than 600 students from Illinois and Wisconsin high schools were in attendance from Albany, Argyle, Belleville, Blackhawk, Juda, Le-Win, Monroe, Monticello, New Glarus, Orangeville, Pecatonica, and Pearl City.

Letters to the editor

On October 24, 2013

Eugene Hruby

Politicians and Pentagon have committed country to wars around the world

To the editor,

Regarding your editorial, “Haven’t we learned? Pursue negotiations before taking military action in Syria” (September 5 issue, Catholic Herald), yes, the people have learned a long time ago, but the politicians have sold out to the corporations and will not listen as long as there is money to be made. It also keeps the Pentagon employed.

Editorial

On October 24, 2013February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Oppose the death penalty: Join Pope Francis in supporting abolition of capital punishment

As we continue our observance of October as Respect Life Month, perhaps one of the most difficult issues for many Catholics is opposing the death penalty. Yet it is an issue that should be remembered as we consider respect for all human life.

Many people still seem to have the “eye for an eye” mentality when it comes to crime and punishment. They want to see criminals punished by death, especially for heinous crimes. They believe that society is better off without these hardened criminals in our midst.

However, as followers of Christ, we believe that God will show mercy to all sinners if they repent. We should allow everyone the opportunity for forgiveness.

Letters to the editor

On October 17, 2013

Fr. Don Lange

New Evangelization reaches out to inactive Catholics

To the editor:

We hear much about the New Evangelization. Here is why:

The Catholic Church is the largest Church in our country. The second largest denomination, although it isn’t an organized church, consists of former “fallen-away” Catholics. Ouch!

Editorial

On October 17, 2013February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Respect life: Help keep families safe from violence

Besides being Respect Life Month, October is also designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States.

In respecting all life, our Catholic faith encourages us to treat all persons with love and dignity. Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote about this in his encyclical, The Gospel of Life, warning against violence against others. He also outlined the importance of the family as the primary community of life and love in which children are nurtured.

Interview with Pope Francis offers much for reflection

To the editor:

To learn about Pope Francis’ extraordinary interview with the Jesuit magazine America, nobody needs to rely on reports from media outlets, secular or Catholic. The full interview can be found easily at America’s web site, and it rewards close reading by anyone interested in the pope’s view of the Church, and where he might lead it.

There is much to reflect on in the interview. Particularly striking are the pope’s harsh words for those who bring a spirit of pride and certainty to their faith and to their dealings with fellow Catholics:

Editorial

On October 10, 2013February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Loving our neighbor: Following in the footsteps of St. Francis and Pope Francis

When Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio received the 77 votes to become pope during the conclave on March 13, his friend, Cardinal Claudio Hummes of Brazil, told him, “Don’t forget the poor.”

Pope Francis took the words of his friend to heart and chose to be named after St. Francis of Assisi, “the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.”

Respect for all human life

Time and time again, Pope Francis has emphasized the need for respect for all human life at all its stages, but especially for children (pre-born and born), the poor, the disabled, the sick, and the elderly.

In his October 4 visit to Assisi, the home of his namesake, Pope Francis — as he often does — took time to meet personally with sick and disabled persons. Man of them reached out to him, clasped his hand, and talked with him.

I couldn’t help think that St. Francis would have been so happy to see Pope Francis — the Vicar of Christ on earth — living out the Gospel message he preached in Assisi.

What’s in a license plate? This one can help save lives

The Respect Life Program begins anew each year in the Catholic Church on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October.

During the month of October, I like to devote my “Editor’s View” space to various aspects of respect for life. Something I have always supported are pregnancy care centers, which especially offer help to pregnant women and encourage them to choose life for their unborn babies.

‘Choose Life’ license plates

The state Legislature is considering a bill which would provide a new source of funding for these pregnancy care centers: a “Choose Life” license plate, which features a baby’s footprint along with the “Choose Life” message.

Representative Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) and Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) have introduced companion legislation (Assembly 206/Senate Bill 176) to establish the “Choose Life” specialty license plate. The plates would be available for $15 and those who purchase them would also be charged an annual $25 fee.