Jakubczyk on Common Sense

Applying faith and reason to ideas, issues and events in today's world

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

The Trenton Times news exposure continues

The story about the Trenton Times misrepresenting the Catholic position on the lie issues and the responsibility of voters has received more attention. Deal Hudson wrote on InsideCatholic.com that

There will be much media mischief aimed at Catholic voters between now and November 4. Perhaps the best example thus far appeared in the Trenton Times on July 30.
The headline of reporter Jeff Trently's article tells you all you need to know about his intentions: "U.S. Bishops: Vote your conscience, Catholics urged to weigh stands on all issues."
But Trently's version of the erroneous conscience-is-king argument is notable for several reasons: First, his bias is more obvious than usual; secondly, he puts the worst possible spin on a controversial line from "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" published by the USCCB. Finally, he misinterprets quotations from Bishop John Smith of Trenton, the bishop's communications director, Ravenne Bennett, and the director of the Office of Social Concerns, Rev. Ronald Cioffi.

Not only did InsideCatholic pick up on the story but today there is a statement by Bishop John M. Smith of the Diocese of Trenton in LifeNews.com addressing the Trenton Times news story. The Bishop noted that the headline and the story gave the wrong impression of the USCCB document.

It is so important that we all remain vigilant and not allow the press to misrepresent Catholic teaching on the subject.

Actually it is very simple. We who value the sanctity of innocent human life do not vote for pro-abortionists like Barack Obama.