There are times in history when unexpected events suddenly open up the potential for amazing, much needed change. The enormity of the event leaves a void that cries out to be filled by a reaction of equal enormity that moves civilization forward. Sometimes the potential is acted upon, sometimes not.
The tragedy of the 9/11 attacks were one such point in history. They opened a yawning void that could have been filled not just with striking back, but also with the creation of a daring initiative that would have strengthened our nation.
With courage and vision George Bush could have moved heaven and earth (and Congress!) to institute a two-year public service requirement for every high school graduate. They would serve in any capacity they chose – working in national parks, in nursing homes, as teachers or in the military. By serving in this way they would earn their first two years of college or vocational school.
Bush had the perfect opportunity to appeal to our better natures; instead, we were urged to buy more consumer goods and go to New York City and see some musicals.
Yes, we pulled off immediate retaliation against the Taliban and Bin Laden in Afghanistan, which was totally appropriate; but then we went off on a tangent in Iraq, and allowed the momentum in Afghanistan to swing back to the Taliban. An historical chance had come….and been wasted.
To my way of thinking, the Catholic Church is at such a point now. Pope Benedict suddenly changed the ground rules in retiring, the troubles the church is going through are overwhelming, and the possibilities are there for the election of a reformer.
Even greater possibilities open up if a reformer is elected. No one would argue with the fact that the worst shame hanging over the church today is the sexual abuse of young boys by priests. Allowing priests to marry (gulp) would solve two problems at once; child abuse would end, and more men would become priests and fill the many pulpits that are empty today.
After all, married Episcopal priests are allowed to change faiths and join the Catholic Church as priests; why the dichotomy? And if priests are allowed to marry, how about women priests (gulp GULP) ? Currently the Catholic Church is missing half the talent available to it. It’s amazing how much common sense this all makes, even if the odds are against it happening.