True Extremism
"Who are they? Are they
these extreme abolitionists, who are anti-slavery, and favor the equal rights
for all people? Is that who they are? Because if that is who they are, they have
no place in this state.” – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
Okay, so that’s not exactly what
Mr. Cuomo said, although it seems 150 years ago, it might have been. Because
150 years ago, the fundamental human rights issue in the United States was the
end of slavery and the equal protection under the law of all people, regardless
of color. Today, it is the end to abortion
and the right to life of all people, regardless of age or “desirability.”
And yet, the comment above was,
in fact, launched by Mr. Cuomo against those of us who are right-to-life. My purpose is not to attack Mr. Cuomo. He is a politician, and he is playing
politics as he prepares for a reelection bid.
It is sad, but it is not abnormal.
(And to be fair, he did backpedal a little, and "clarify".) I will simply pray for him and leave it at that.
However, the sickening thing
about this episode is what can, in the public square, be considered
extremism. Those who believe in the
dignity of every human life, who believe the most innocent among us should have
the right to be born, can be told there is no place for us in one of these
United States? Politics or not, the
governor’s words are one of the most blatant examples of extremism I can
remember, and that’s saying something.
But I doubt anyone wants to put money up against his being reelected.
I started this article with the
quote I did because it is a quote that could plausibly have been made 150 years
ago. Today we would see it for what it
is. May the day soon come when Mr.
Cuomo’s comments would be seen by all for what they really are. And may his heart be converted. There are no saints (save one) who are not
repentant sinners.
