Way-to-Go Government

A large part of public speech these days is that government is generally corrupt, too big, unable to do what is right, too expensive, and so on. Face it, it's really easy to complain about and blame "the government." Especially when you see the amount of money taken from your part-time or summer job paycheck for taxes (since it'll be decades before you see the benefits promised).

But credit should be given where credit is due--and sometimes even the government gets something right.

Last week, the Orland Park Village Board voted unanimously to allow area Muslims to build a mosque (the Muslim version of a church building) despite the furious objections of half of those who attended the public hearing. Chicago Tribune reporter Stanley Ziemba noted that the debate was "heated" and "emotional," lasting for hours ("Orland Park Officials OK Mosque," June 22, 2004).

Some argued that the mosque would cause traffic jams in the area--even though estimates were that the largest gathering of people (on Fridays) would be about 120. But much of the opposition to the mosque--including that of a Christian minister--centered around fears that the house of worship would attract fundamentalist extremists and hence violence to Orland Park. When some residents at the meeting suggested that the village need not fear Muslims, they were booed by those opposed.

Despite the hostility, village resident Veronica Mattera stood up, according to Ziemba, and reminded the assembly that the meeting began with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States, calling for "liberty and justice for all." Attorney Richard Skrodzki stated the obvious but profound truth that the Muslims seeking to build the mosque were neighbors, friends, and in most cases, fellow Americans.

Mayor Daniel McLaughlin led the trustees in allowing for the construction. As village trustee Brad O'Halloran explained, "We do this because we took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and because it is the right thing to do."

Catholic Connections

"Society as a whole, acting through public and private institutions, has the moral responsibility to enhance human dignity and protect human rights. In addition to the clear responsibility of private institutions, government has an essential responsibility in this area. This does not mean that the government has the primary or exclusive role, but it does have a positive moral responsibility in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that the minimum conditions of human dignity are met for all. In a democracy, government is a means by which we can act together to protect what is important to us and to promote the common good."

US Bishops, Economic Justice for All, #18

Reflection Questions

Why do you think that too many US citizens have or don't have a positive view of government?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!