Oklahoma Catholic Worker: Bush, Kerry equally "Anti-Life"

The following tirade was posted to a 'Catholic Worker Blog':

Both Bush and Kerry are equally anti-life. The Bush administration opposition to abortion is feeble and entirely politicized. They have not made any kind of a serious move to protect unborn children, Bush no more understands the humanity of the unborn human person than Kerry does, that is obvious in the way he addresses -- and prioritizes -- the subject. Nothing happens until just an election year. Always too little, too late, and yet we hear no end to the praise of these feeble gesturess, the praise is so loud it drowns out the screams of all those children who are still being aborted. This orgy of self-congratulation among Catholic Republicans distracts us from the weakness of the Republican position -- and political performance -- vis a vis abortion. George Bush and the Republican majorities in both houses of Congress have not managed to save the life of even one unborn child in four years. The best thing I can think of to say about that is "pathetic".

There are no pro-life votes on the American ballot this year, only a choice between two evil, wealthy, and powerful politicians who will murder, burn, and destroy their way through their term. Clinton murdered and burned and destroyed his way through his term. Bush the first, Reagan, and Carter did the same in the 1970s and 1980s. Kerry will do the same as will George Bush. Many innocent people will die for their grandiose schemes.

If the Catholic Worker hopes to persuade others of the worthiness of its cause, they would do best to refrain from such hyperbole and outright defamation. President Bush record on life issues is by no means perfect, but at the same time it would be unthinkable to place him on par with Senator Kerry, who activately campaigns on behalf of NARAL and other pro-abortion lobbyists.

Thankfully, the author of the Catholics for Bush blog has referred me to a list of President's Bush's pro-life exploits compiled by Father Peter West, of the Catholic organization Priests for Life, who describes his compilation as follows:

Below is a list of President Bush's pro-life efforts and accomplishments in regard to protecting children in the womb and promoting the sanctity of life. I include some accomplishments in other areas but mostly focus on his pro-life record. This list is by no means comprehensive. When considering other issues much more could be added to the list of positive things that Bush has done since he has been in office.

I started to compile this list shortly after the President was reinaugurated after hearing from many, who consider themselves pro-life, that Bush was not really pro-life. I disagreed and began compiling this list. I had no idea when I started that it would be so long.

Some may ask if President Bush is so pro-life why hasn't abortion ended. President Bush has not had an opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court Justice. Also, in practically every effort to protect the unborn President Bush has been opposed mostly by pro-abortion Democrats.

Is President Bush perfect? No. Do I agree with him on everything? No. But I look at his overall record and consider the alternative. Senator Kerry is a pro-abortion extremist. He has pledged to only appoint pro-abortion judges to the Supreme Court who will uphold Roe vs. Wade.

I plan to vote for President Bush for re-election and I hope you will do the same.

President Bush's Pro-Life Record as of May 18, 2004

In light of Fr. West's list of pro-life advances under the Bush administration, to place our President on par with Kerry, to describe him as "anti-life", to say he is utterly lacking in respect for the humanity of the unborn, is in my opinion tantamount to deliberate slander.

What would the Catholic Workers of Oklohoma suggest that Catholics do in this election? -- Refrain from voting and relenquish ourselves to having Senator Kerry in the White House, who is dead-set on promoting abortion and repealing every single advance the pro-life movement has made under the Bush administration?

The author of the Catholic Worker blog has been made aware of Fr. West's list and implicit challenge to his position. We'll see whether a retraction is forthcoming.