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To: georgiabelle
Pick up the trash and take it off.

I don't know if you are referring to illegal aliens, but they are human beings, perhaps more loved by God because they are poor and suffer than some of the rest of us who take being an American for granted.

I really am trying not to put you down but.............

but you are. I will roll over and let you get away with it.

Here's what the pope has to say about the matter. I don't blindly follow the pope btw. I would like to think he was referring to legal immigrants, but it's a little vague. He does say to obey countries' laws. Before they get here? While they are sneaking in? After they are here?

Pope Asks Catholics to Welcome Immigrants

By Victor L. Simpson Associated Press Writer Published: Dec 2, 2002

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope John Paul II denounced racism, xenophobia and the "terrible crime" of human trafficking in a message Monday, calling it a Christian duty to welcome immigrants.

At the same time, the pope said immigrants must "honor the countries which receive them," respecting the laws, culture and traditions. "Only in this way will social harmony prevail," the pope said.

he pontiff issued his message for the Roman Catholic Church's annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which comes at a time when the movement of millions of people from country to country has raised political and social tensions in many parts of the world.

A number of countries, including predominantly Catholic Italy, have recently tightened immigration laws.

The pope lamented that the most vulnerable immigrants, especially women and children, are often victims of "the terrible crime of human trafficking."

"Even in the recent past we have witnessed tragic instances of forced movements of peoples for ethnic and nationalistic pretension, which have added untold misery to the lives of targeted groups," John Paul said.

He said it is a "Christian duty to welcome whoever comes knocking out of need."

"Often solidarity does not come easily," the pope acknowledged. "It requires training and a turning away from attitudes of closure, which in many societies today have become more subtle and penetrating."

He urged parents and teachers to combat racism and xenophobia by "inculcating positive attitudes based on Catholic social doctrine."

At a news conference introducing the pope's message, a Vatican official, Monsignor Agostino Marchetto, said stepped up controls following the Sept. 11 attacks cause problems for immigrants.

Marchetto said "certainly terrorism is the priority of the day" but that the "honest immigrant" can be made to suffer. AP-ES-12-02-02 1039EST

Tampa Bay Online

571 posted on 12/03/2002 6:10:39 PM PST by Aliska
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To: Aliska
He said it is a "Christian duty to welcome whoever comes knocking out of need."

The next time a homeless alcoholic asks you for money, remember this. When you see a dug addicted hooker waving at the cars trying to attract a date, stop and give her $50.

583 posted on 12/03/2002 6:42:38 PM PST by B4Ranch
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