Al Smith Dinner (Cardinal Dolan explains reason he invited Obama)

Archdiocese of New York ^ | August 14, 2012 | Timothy Cardinal Dolan

[NYer]

FEAST OF ST. MAXIMILLIAN KOLBE

Last week I was out in Anaheim for the annual Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus. It was, as usual, a most uplifting and inspirational event.

In his rousing address to the thousands of delegates, representing 1.8 million knights, Dr. Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight, exhorted us to a renewed sense of faithful citizenship, encouraging us not to be shy about bringing the values of faith to the public square. This duty, he reminded us, came not just from the fact that we are Catholic, but also from the fact that we are loyal Americans.

He then went on to announce a promising initiative of the Knights of Columbus to foster civility in politics. Quoting a very recent study, he noted that over 80% of Americans are fed up with the negativity, judgmentalism, name-calling, and mudslinging of our election-year process, and eagerly want a campaign of respect, substance, amity — civility!

For seven decades, the Al Smith Dinner here in New York has been an acclaimed example of such civility in political life. As you may know, every four years, during the presidential election campaign, the Al Smith Dinner is the venue of history, as it is the only time outside of the presidential debates that the two presidential candidates come together, at the invitation of the Al Smith Foundation, through the archbishop of New York, for an evening of positive, upbeat, patriotic, enjoyable civil discourse. This year, both President Obama and Governor Romney have accepted our invitation. I am grateful to them.

The evening has always had a special meaning, as it is named after Governor Al Smith, the first Catholic nominated, in 1928, as a candidate for president, who was viciously maligned because of his own Catholic faith. Smith was known as The Happy Warrior, because while he fought fiercely for what he believed was right, he never sought to demonize those who opposed him. And, the dinner named in his honor is truly life-affirming as it raises funds to help support mothers in need and their babies (both born and unborn) of any faith, or none at all.

The Al Smith Dinner has never been without controversy, since, as Carl Anderson reminded us, politics can inspire disdain and negativity as well as patriotism and civility.

This year is surely no exception: I am receiving stacks of mail protesting the invitation to President Obama (and by the way, even some objecting to the invitation to Governor Romney).

The objections are somewhat heightened this year, since the Catholic community in the United States has rightly expressed vigorous criticism of the President’s support of the abortion license, and his approval of mandates which radically intruded upon Freedom of Religion. We bishops, including yours truly, have been unrelenting in our opposition to these issues, and will continue to be.

So, my correspondents ask, how can you justify inviting the President? Let me try to explain.

For one, an invitation to the Al Smith Dinner is not an award, or the provision of a platform to expound views at odds with the Church. It is an occasion of conversation; it is personal, not partisan.

Two, the purpose of the Al Smith Dinner is to show both our country and our Church at their best: people of faith gathered in an evening of friendship, civility, and patriotism, to help those in need, not to endorse either candidate. Those who started the dinner sixty-seven years ago believed that you can accomplish a lot more by inviting folks of different political loyalties to an uplifting evening, rather than in closing the door to them.

Three, the teaching of the Church, so radiant in the Second Vatican Council, is that the posture of the Church towards culture, society, and government is that of engagement and dialogue. In other words, it’s better to invite than to ignore, more effective to talk together than to yell from a distance, more productive to open a door than to shut one. Our recent popes have been examples of this principle, receiving dozens of leaders with whom on some points they have serious disagreements. Thus did our present Holy Father graciously receive our current President of the United States. And, in the current climate, we bishops have maintained that we are open to dialogue with the administration to try and resolve our differences. What message would I send if I refused to meet with the President?

Finally, an invitation to the Al Smith Dinner in no way indicates a slackening in our vigorous promotion of values we Catholic bishops believe to be at the heart of both gospel and American values, particularly the defense of human dignity, fragile life, and religious freedom. In fact, one could make the case that anyone attending the dinner, even the two candidates, would, by the vibrant solidarity of the evening, be reminded that America is at her finest when people, free to exercise their religion, assemble on behalf of poor women and their babies, born and unborn, in a spirit of civility and respect.

Some have told me the invitation is a scandal. That charge weighs on me, as it would on any person of faith, but especially a pastor, who longs to give good example, never bad. So, I apologize if I have given such scandal. I suppose it’s a case of prudential judgment: would I give more scandal by inviting the two candidates, or by not inviting them?

No matter what you might think of this particular decision, might I ask your prayers for me and my brother bishops and priests who are faced with making these decisions, so that we will be wise and faithful shepherds as God calls us to be?

In the end, I’m encouraged by the example of Jesus, who was blistered by his critics for dining with those some considered sinners; and by the recognition that, if I only sat down with people who agreed with me, and I with them, or with those who were saints, I’d be taking all my meals alone.

[risen_feenix]

Yet another example of why those who believe in Catholic principles should in no way support the Catholic Church.

Honoring a president who lied RIGHT TO YOUR FACE, Dolan, and whose surrogate never take a break demonizing you. That’s principled, right there.

[demsux]

I suppose he will also invite Pelosi, Kerry, McCaskill and the other upstanding Catholics?

Sorry, no sale Cardinal.

[Da Coyote]

I would not allow the Obamadork into my house. I’ve actually earned my house, and have had real jobs for my entire life. I hold my garbage man in much higher esteem than I do the dork. After all, the garbage man has done more useful work in five minutes of his life than the dork has done in his sorry lifetime.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

A Warning For The Cardinal

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 11:11 AM Comments (24)

Since Cardinal Dolan extended an invitation to President Obama to attend the Al Smith Dinner, along with Governor Romney, many Catholics have found themselves somewhere on the spectrum between concerned and outraged.

Many people consider it a scandal for a Catholic foundation and the Cardinal to host the virulently anti-life President when the Church is locked in an existential struggle against that same President.

After enduring so much criticism for this decision, Cardinal Dolan has taken to his Archdiocesan blog to defend and explain his decision. He makes several point in his explanation. First, the invitation is not an award. Second, the point of the Dinner is as an interfaith gathering, the whole point is to open the doors. Third, you gather more flies with honey. He paraphrasically says, Remember I am the same Cardinal leading the charge against the administration's attacks on the Church. This is a prudential decision, so pray for me and trust me.

For sure, Cardinal Dolan has been the outspoken champion of the Church's rights and the rights of individuals to practice their religion in public free from coercive immoral mandates. For this and by virtue of his position in the Church, he rightly deserves our praise, respect, and a fair amount of trust.

Cardinal Dolan, We trust you. I trust you. But I also have a warning for you.

You wrote about what the perception would be if you refused to meet with the President saying "And, in the current climate, we bishops have maintained that we are open to dialogue with the administration to try and resolve our differences. What message would I send if I refused to meet with the President?"

We understand your point, Your Eminence. But you must remember that dialogue is a two way street and so is perception. President Obama's Chief of Staff has made it clear that the President is done compromising. The President is also the same man who gave a speech at Notre Dame touting his commitment to conscience protections. He is the same man who looked you in the eye last year and promised the same. This is the same man whose own Whitehouse website still falsely claims the endorsement of the Catholic Health Association. He lied. He lies.

Cardinal, our ongoing concern is not merely that this opportunity for dialogue and civility will be wasted on the President. If that were the worst that could happen, I think we could all live with that. Our real concern is that the President will use this opportunity to convince as many people as possible that the Church isn't really serious in its opposition. One can easily imagine a picture of you and the President smiling arm in arm being posted to the Whitehouse website right next to the false CHA endorsement the morning after the dinner.

Our ongoing concern Your Eminence is that this will not just be a wasted opportunity for dialogue, but an un-wasted opportunity for the President to sell his lies, to the detriment of faith and liberty for all.

Cardinal Dolan, we trust you. But do not ever trust President Obama.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

An Open Letter to Cardinal Dolan [from Judy Brown of the American Life League]

August 14, 2012

His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archdiocese of New York
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Your Eminence,

During the last week, there has been much written on diocesan websites and by other bishops concerning the controversy created by your invitation to President Obama to attend the Alfred E. Smith dinner. Much of what has been written seeks to justify that invitation.

American Life League recently launched an effort to convince you to rescind that invitation. The reason for this memo is to let you know exactly why we are doing what we are doing.

First, let me point out that Cardinal Egan invited Mr. Obama to this same dinner four years ago and we did not object. Although we disagreed with Obama’s basic philosophies, we felt that an attempt by the cardinal to show congeniality was worth trying.

However, it is now four years later and it is clear that whatever the cardinal hoped to accomplish at the 2008 dinner did not work. In four short years, President Obama has done everything in his power to undermine the teachings of the Catholic Church. As you know, he is implementing programs and policies that may soon make it necessary for the Church to repudiate our basic beliefs or close down all of our charitable and educational organizations.

Your Eminence, Mr. Obama has a long history with the Catholic Church. From his days as a community organizer working with Catholic churches in Chicago to his current attack on our beliefs, Obama has shown himself to be a shrewd politician with a captivating personality. How else do you explain the fact that, despite his very public support of abortion, contraception, and Planned Parenthood, he received 54 percent of the Catholic vote in 2008?

The question is NOT why you invited Mr. Obama to the dinner. The real question is why he accepted.

I submit to you that the reason he accepted is that he has nothing to lose. The Al Smith Foundation website touts that, at the 2008 dinner, Obama displayed “wit, wisdom, warmth, and wile.” I am sure the author of those words thought he was being totally complimentary, but the fact is that he was very accurate. Synonyms for “wile” are, of course, “hoax,” “ploy,” “scam,” and “deception.”

I believe Mr. Obama sees the 2012 Al Smith dinner as an opportunity to, once again, use his wiles to entice the Catholics in America to “trust” him—-a trust that he has betrayed time and time again.

Your Eminence, when I think of the outcome of the event—-where you are seen hosting both candidates for president—-I am convinced the idea that will be transmitted through the images of that dinner will be that a vote for either candidate is okay with the hierarchy.

This is precisely why American Life League launched the No Dinner for Obama campaign. We don’t want Catholics to be confused about the most pro-abortion president in American history. Our duty is to be faithful and to defend moral principles, while begging our hierarchy to do the same.

We pray for you, and all members of the hierarchy, “Lead us out of temptation and toward truth, particularly today when so much is at stake.”

You and the bishops of the Church have convinced us over the last several months that the future of the Catholic Church in America is hanging in the balance. We MUST oppose the contraceptive mandate and all of the other affronts the current administration is throwing at us.

Inviting the head of that administration to dinner and a night of humor and congeniality is NOT how we are going to save our Church.

Please, your Eminence, cancel the invitation or cancel the dinner. If you do neither, I am very afraid that, at this time next year, you may be forced to cancel most Church activities that take place outside the confines of your physical churches.

Asking the blessing of Your Eminence, I am,

Yours respectfully in Christ,
Judie Brown, President
American Life League

Cc: All United States Catholic Bishops

Action: Visit all.org/No-Dinner-for-Obama for more information and instructions. You may also contact Cardinal Dolan’s office directly at 212-371-1000 weekdays prior to 12 noon (EST) – Cardinal Dolan’s secretary is Kathleen. Or, you can email your concerns to the Communications Director of the Archdiocese, Mr. Joseph Zwilling, at joseph.zwilling@archny.org.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Al Smith Dinner Willing To Accept Pro-Abortion Group

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Editor

Rockford, Il – (ProLifeCorner.com) – 8 14-2012 – by Rockford Pro-Life Initiative -Al Smith Foundation is happy to include a pro-abortion group table and take their $25,000.  Sadly, with the permission of Cardinal Dolan, the 67th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York is honoring the most radical pro-abortion president in American history.

Update: New Sting

In an effort to see how accepting the Al Smith Dinner really is of the “pro-choice” message,  an email was sent to the organizers of the dinner from a fictitious “pro-choice” minister thanking them for moving beyond abortion politics and offering to back-up this “pro-choice” support by purchasing a table for the Al Smith Dinner that could cost as much as $25,000.

It was hoped this offer of big money, from a clearly identifiable pro-abortion group, would be turned down.

But in New York it seems that money talks, even if it is being offered to a Catholic organization by a pro-child killing group.

In a response to the pro-abortion email sent to the Al Smith Dinner, a reply email was sent directly from a representative of the Al Smith Dinner thanking the pro-abortion group for “the kind words” and expressing a clear willingness to have a table from a pro-abortion group at the Al Smith Dinner.

It is a bitter pill to swallow to realize that many in the Church turn a blind eye to abortion when prestige, power, acceptance by the culture, and big money are involved.

In 2004, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement on “Catholics in Political Life.”  It said:  “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.  They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.”

When Obama spoke at the 2008 Al Smith dinner he said:  “Contrary to the rumors that you’ve heard, I was not born in a manger.”  And:  “If I had to name my greatest strength, I guess it would be my humility.”  “Greatest weakness?  It’s possible that I am a little too awesome.”

Even if these comments were meant to be amusing they are certainly not respectful of Christianity and clearly show his arrogance.

Some argue that money is raised by this dinner to help the poor.  Blessed John Paul the Great said:  “You cannot do good with one hand and evil with the other.,”  Obama’s position on abortion was known in 2008 and he should not have been invited then.  Obama has since attacked pro-life citizens labeling them terrorists, shut down Catholic Charities in Illinois, shredded the Constitution on freedom of religion and currently is forcing a government takeover of health care, read here socialized medicine.  In short, he is the enemy of freedom and religion.  To invite Obama to this dinner would be the same as if the Jews were to have invited Hitler to a fundraising dinner in the late 30’s.  Judas sold out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  The only difference with the Al Smith dinner is the current rate of exchange.

_________________________

Update: New Sting

Purpose Of Al Smith Dinner Is Flawed

http://prolifecorner.com/purpose-of-al-smith-dinner-is-flawed/

___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

From: Susan Beil <coalitionforchoice@ymail.com>
To: “alsmithfoundation@archny.org” <alsmithfoundation@archny.org>
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 1:25 PM
Subject: Ticket information

 

Dear Al Smith Dinner,

I am writing to inquire about reserving a table at the 67th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday, October 18, 2012
at the Waldorf Astoria.

If spaces are still available we would like to reserve a table for ten or twelve people for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

Could you let me know if this can be done by credit card on the Internet or over the phone.

You have our full support in the invitation issued to President Obama and we want to financially show our support for this decision to move past the corrosive political fighting that often accompanies the issue of reproductive choice.  We stand with you.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on October 18.

Rev. Susan Beil

coalitionforchoice@ymail.com

http://rcrc.org/

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From: Al Smith Foundation <alsmithfoundation@archny.org>
To: ‘Susan Beil’ <coalitionforchoice@ymail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2012 7:10 PM
Subject: RE: Ticket information

Hi Rev. Beil,

Thank you so much for your email and your kind words.  Tickets to the event are $2,500 each and tables start at $25,000.  If you are still interested please send me your mailing address and I can send you an invitation when they go out in late August.

Many thanks,

Meghan

 

 

This entry was posted in Freeport IL. Pro-Life, General, Rockford Pro-Life and tagged Al Smith, Cardinal Dolan, Obama, pro-choice, US Conference of Catholic Bishops by Editor. Bookmark the permalink.

[Ann Archy]

Cardinal Dolan, you BETTER not set a BAD example by being all CHUMMY with the PRO-ABORTION, CHRISTIAN HATING MARXIST that wished you didn;t EXIST!!! And is Frantically trying to make us go against our Christian beliefs!!

Jesus didn't just eat and YUK it up with the sinners.....he TAUGHT them right from wrong!!! STEP UP TO THAT PLATE, CARDINAL!!!!

[Ann Archy]

Cardinal Dolan, you BETTER not set a BAD example by being all CHUMMY with the PRO-ABORTION, CHRISTIAN HATING MARXIST that wished you didn;t EXIST!!! And is Frantically trying to make us go against our Christian beliefs!!

Jesus didn't just eat and YUK it up with the sinners.....he TAUGHT them right from wrong!!! STEP UP TO THAT PLATE, CARDINAL!!!!

[Ann Archy]

Cardinal Dolan, you BETTER not set a BAD example by being all CHUMMY with the PRO-ABORTION, CHRISTIAN HATING MARXIST that wished you didn;t EXIST!!! And is Frantically trying to make us go against our Christian beliefs!!

Jesus didn't just eat and YUK it up with the sinners.....he TAUGHT them right from wrong!!! STEP UP TO THAT PLATE, CARDINAL!!!!

[Enten]

A Catholic I am not, but I am a Christian.....What are we privates in Christ’s army to think when the commander fraternizes so unapologetically with the enemy of our cause? Respect for the office one thing, but given this lying showboat a forum is another.

[NYer]

an email was sent to the organizers of the dinner from a

fictitious

“pro-choice” minister

I read this article earlier today and, after noting that it was a ruse, dismissed the story. Don't know who handles the organization of the dinner, but this thread is about Cardinal Dolan, not about the organizers.

[ardara]

When I read the letter of Cardinal Dolan I cannot believe that it was written by the successor of the courageous Cardinal O’Connor.I think Cardinal Dolan would be more accurate using the word cowardice in the place of civility.It is hard to believe that Cardinal Dolan has already done more to reelect the most pro-abortin President than any other Catholic.

[NYer]

Not sure what happened but I pinged all of you after posting this thread. Repinging the group.

[sitetest]

Not buying.

[workerbee]

Some have told me the invitation is a scandal. That charge weighs on me,

It is, and it should. But keep on repeating the word "civility", if it makes you feel better.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Both the OP and this blog post are symptomatic of the malfeasance of the USCCB and the hacks who infest chancery offices and “catholic” bureaucracies throughout the USA.

[SumProVita]

You will most certainly have my prayers, Cardinal Dolan.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Indeed. Did Pope PiusXII invite Hitler to a public celebration dinner while he was working to stop Hitler’s attack on Europe and the Jews? 

[NYer]

A Catholic I am not, but I am a Christian.....What are we privates in Christ’s army to think when the commander fraternizes so unapologetically with the enemy of our cause?

I expect you will have the same reaction as the Pharisees. (Apologies for the poor formating).

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9

^{5 6} As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.

10

While he was at table in his house, ⁷ many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

11

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher ⁸ eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12

He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. ⁹

13

Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' ¹⁰ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
Matthew 9: 9-13

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15While he was at table in his house,^* many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16^* Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17Jesus heard this and said to them [that], “Those who are well do not need a physician,^* but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Mark 2:15-17

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Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. 30The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. 32I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Luke 5:29-32