The Twin Cities Conservative found himself in a bit of quandary after reading this article in the USA Today. In the report, Pope Benedict the XVI stated,

“Democratic societies have the right to defend themselves against terrorism but must respect laws and human rights in their struggle — or risk endangering the very freedoms they seek to protect”

My initial inclination after reading this article was to completely dispute the Pope’s statement to the probable chagrin of Amy Proctor (who helped me get “up and running” as a wannabe force in the conservative blogosphere). After all, his views tend to reflect that of what is wrong in Europe; their tacit acceptance of Islamofascism within their midst. It is this denial, in a litany of denials and efforts to “buy off” their enemies that has Europe on the brink of serious trouble.

But as a Christian, his message DOES resonate with me; we’re taught to love others, to turn the other cheek, to show compassion, to “kill with kindness.” I do understand the point he’s making.

But I must say we are in a clash of civilizations: good vs. evil. This fight consists of those who wish to kill with kindness, vs. those who wish kill over petty disagreements.

Should we readily accept the rule of terrorism? I think we’re witnessing appeasement once more from the Left, a group that claims to be smarter and more “progressive” than the rest of us. Despite this air of elitism, they’re really damn dumb.

As for the Pope, I hear what he’s saying, but I just can’t accept it.

Here’s the complete article:

Pope: War on terror must honor laws

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Democratic societies have the right to defend themselves against terrorism but must respect laws and human rights in their struggle — or risk endangering the very freedoms they seek to protect, Pope Benedict XVI said Friday.

“In democratic systems, the use of force in a manner contrary to the principles of a constitutional state can never be justified,” the pope said at an audience with members of the Centrist Democrat International, an association of center-right parties from around the world.

“Terrorism is a serious problem whose perpetrators often claim to act in God’s name and harbor an inexcusable contempt for human life,” Benedict said.

The pope said that some terrorist networks justify their actions by “shamelessly” exploiting the charge that society has forgotten God, and said that a greater respect for religion could help counter that accusation.

“Society naturally has a right to defend itself,” but the struggle against terrorism must respect moral and legal norms, the pope told the politicians gathered at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

“How can we claim to protect democracy if we threaten its very foundations?” Benedict said. “It is necessary both to keep careful watch over the security of civil society and its citizens while at the same time safeguarding the inalienable rights of all.”

The pope did not mention any specific situations in the fight against terrorism.

Benedict urged the politicians to spread values he said are being endangered by changes in their communities. He urged them to oppose abortion, divorce and ideologies that view financial gain as the only good.

The pope also spoke out in defense of religious freedom, which he said includes the right to choose one’s faith.

“The exercise of this freedom also includes the right to change religion, which should be guaranteed not only legally, but also in daily practice,” he said. “All authentically religious traditions must be allowed to manifest their own identity publicly, free from any pressure to hide or disguise it.”
Sensitivity to Christian proselytizing is widespread among Muslims, Hindu nationalists and some other religious groups that fear losing adherents.
Under a widespread interpretation of Islamic law, converting from Islam is punishable by death, while Hindu nationalists accuse Christian missionaries of luring poor people away from Hinduism, India’s largest faith, through offers of money or coercion — a charge churches have denied.

crossposted at The Twin Cities Conservative