Letter: Abortion issue distracts bishops

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004 | 8:59 a.m.

In the past the American Catholic Bishops spoke against discrimination directed toward the poor and against the death penalty. The Pope asked President Bush to not attack Iraq the way he subsequently did attack Iraq. In my 12 years of education with nuns and brothers, we were taught each day many ways to be fair with all Americans

And now there is a situation in the U.S. and in Nevada, which is unfair and immoral. The well-off get all the tax breaks, good health care, send their children to better schools and start their children into good careers. There are other Americans who get no tax breaks, poor health care, send their children to poor schools and watch their children join the "volunteer military."

The system is less fair each year. If a citizen supports politicians who help "rig the system," that citizen is being immoral (it violates the commandment not to steal, for one thing).

Some people in my religion want to emphasize one sin -- abortion. To pursue one sin is a diversion, much like a village stoning the woman who committed adultery.

Such a diversion keeps people from looking into the mirror at their own shortcomings. We must ensure that our leaders are fair and just.

JOHN T. ZANONE