THIS is how you do it, fool.
Full disclosure. I am a born and raised Chicago Irish Roman Catholic. There are plenty of times when I've been a pissed off Roman Catholic. The churches Nixonesque response to the pedophile priest controversy disgusted me. Not so much because of the priests, there are predators in every walk of life, from priest to physician to teacher. But at least man up and admit it and fix it. I finally stopped going to church because they had nothing left to say that I wanted to hear. I returned for the first time in almost 20 years about 18 months ago after watching this Pope sweep out some of the corners.
I have been entranced by every aspect of watching this Pope's visit to the U.S.. The crowds, the outpouring of love and respect, The official reception. I didn't know it was possible to actually humble or embarrass a Republican, but this guy found a way to do it! Even after his speech to the joint meeting of congress, even the loudest and most strident of them were careful not to tread on toes. Per reporting from CNN.com;
"You know politics doesn't involve as much nuance as he was giving to all those subjects so I think people are going to look for things they can glom onto to say, 'This supports what we've been trying to say,'" said Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Indeed, climate change is one of them.
Despite being an outspoken advocate of controlling global warming, a message he delivered at the White House on Wednesday, Francis did not say the words "climate change."
Instead, he said that "environmental deterioration" is caused by "human activity."
"I am convinced that we can make a difference, and I have no doubt that the United States -- and this Congress have an important role to play," Francis said.
Global warming skeptics took heart in his statements.
"He didn't mention the words 'climate change' at all!" said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Maryland. "This was an equal opportunity speech."
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, the Senate's leading climate skeptic, said the Pope was saying things that "everyone would agree" upon.
"Everyone agrees that it's responsibility to do what we can to provide a good environment," Inhofe said.
There is no doubt about it, this man understands politics on a very basic and fundamental level. But he carries an imprimatur far beyond any politician, and he will not shy away from using it.
Pay attention Bibi, THIS is how it's done! You don't come in full of bluff and bluster. You don't some in sneaking in through some back door deal without the assent of the President of the country. You don't come in throwing Super Pac money left and right to influence another country's legislative decisions. You don't come in full of dire threats and predictions of doom. You don't take a backhand slap at your equal and your host.
No sir Prime Minister Yetanyahu, you do not. You come in peace. You come in humility. You show respect and gratitude for your hosts generosity. You compliment them on their faith, and accomplishments, and on their hospitality. You present salient points forcefully, politely and respectfully, and you ask for cooperation, not compliance.
My advice to you sir is to watch that speech over and over again, and to learn from it. You have fractured a wall of bipartisanship that has lasted for more than 50 years, and you have alienated a sizable portion of your own faith in this country with your ham fisted and heavy handed tactics. And if you don't see the errors in your ways, you might find yourself on the outside in the waiting line for the next miracle toy from the defense department.
Thanks as always for reading
5:01 PM PT: Just a quick note on a personal level...I just finished watching the Popes celebration of the evening vespers, and I'm still moist eyed...How can anyone of any faith see and hear that and not pick up his wish for peace and love...And yet there are those out there that would do him harm for no other reason than the peace and love he represents...If you are a believer in any faith, please pray for his protection...Thank you...