Blaglash.com

I miss the old pope.  Maybe I have a huge bias because I’m Polish, but I liked the old pope way better. The new pope’s not as cute, and he is German.  My dad has this joke it goes like this:

“In Nazi Poland, a beautiful little boy is running away from an SS officer who is chasing him.  The boy runs away, but finally gets cornered in a dark alley.  The SS officer gets ready to shoot the little boy, but the sky opens and a voice speaks to him:  “I am God. Don’t shoot this little boy.  He is destined to become the next pope.”  The man says:  “On on condition- I get to be next.”

So the present pope’s in town, in all his glory- a modernized pope mobile.  I guess President Bush and the pope had long private talks.  I wonder what the pope could say that merits such attention, and such officious attentions.  The president has refused to meet with the Dalai Llama, for example, who is even cuter than the last pope.  Both religious figures, Bush decides one is more interesting than the other.  Here’s the statement out of the White House following their “private talks”:

“As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time,” he added, “I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to support reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more humane and free society.”

HOW IS THIS STATEMENT RELEVANT TO AMERICA’S SITUATION?  AMERICA’S POPULATION?  I really would prefer the pope to leave my religious feelings alone, and not tie them together with the success of this country.  While I agree with the whole responsibility issue, I do not want the pope, who lives in ITALY to lecture me about my “enlightenment”.  Thanks pope, no thanks though.  And Bush’s remarks:

“You’ll find a nation that is fully modern yet guided by ancient and eternal truths. The United States is the most innovative, creative and dynamic country on Earth. It is also among the most religious. In our nation, faith and reason co-exist in harmony. This is one of our country’s greatest strengths and one of the reasons that our land remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for millions across the world.”

AMONG THE MOST RELIGIOUS????????? Have you ever heard of Israel, dude?  That is a religious country.  Regardless, the importance of this visit to the administration highlights an issue that is more evident every day- religion is playing to large a role in our government.