AmericanPapist Comments
That sign does not say, "we don't want the pope in Turkey" it is just a bunch of jibberish. You expect me to believe that "istemiyoruz" actually means something?!?!?
Who is the silly one now?
What is up with PAC-MAN on the flag?
I do not understand why the nation of Turkey is portrayed so poorly on this blog as if the entire population or even the entire government of Turkey is somehow anti-Catholic or anti-Benedict XVI. Sure, there are protests, just as there are for nearly every papal visit to a non-Catholic country, including the U.S.. Are you concluding by your sarcasm that Americans, too, are unwelcoming people?
Such protests are understandable given the gross mischaracterization of Pope Benedict XVI's remarks by the American and foreign press. I would hope that a student of theology, especially moral theology, would better adjudicate between a popular perception that is based on ignorance and an indignation based on accurate account (St. Thomas Aquinas).
I would hope that a thoughtful reader of my blog would recognize that highlighting the anti-Christian sentiments of some Turkish people is in no way a blanket condemnation of all Turkish people as anti-Christian.
That said, entitling the post "free speech in Turkey" is perhaps needlessly provocative and I'll keep what you've said in mind. Thank you.
Hi, Thomas!
Well, if they don't want Il Papa in Turkey, then he can come on over to Manila, where we'll smother him in warmth and affection! :) :) :)
Frankly, if some folks in Turkey don't want him there, it's their loss ...
Can we have a Thanksgiving party here in Michigan, invite the Pope, and have as our slogan, "If they don't want the Pope in Turkey, we'll gladly put turkey in the Pope!" ?
I would hope that a thoughtful reader of my blog would recognize that highlighting the anti-Christian sentiments of some Turkish people is in no way a blanket condemnation of all Turkish people as anti-Christian.
What, specifically, is 'anti-Christian' about protesting a papal visit to a predominantly Muslim country? Perhaps 'anti-Pope Benedict XVI' is more apt to express your convictions over the attitudes of "some Turkish people". Also, keep in mind that the bulk of your posts on this issue do not highlight "some Turkish people"--highlighting would be explict and clear--but consistantly highlight Turkish response en masse.
LOL, Tim! I'll even candy some sweet potatoes for His Holiness!
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