Let's not hang Rev Leon around President Obama's neck. He was probably as astonished as the rest of us about Rev Leon's remarks. Let's hope that the leadership of his denomiation, and the people who tithe weekly, remind him that the pulpit is for respectful comments not cheap shots.
There are three problems with Rev Leon's comments:
1) Easter Sunday is a day for renewal. Our priest that day spoke of the Jesus story, the "he has risen" message that renews our faith. Politics and Easter Sunday just don't mix.
2) Rev Leon came to the US under Operation Pedro Pan, or the plan organized by the US and Catholic Charities to bring 14,000 unaccompanied children to the US from Cuba. It was one of America's finest hours and proof that this is a nation that loves immigrants.
Rev Leon should have reminded the audience, and specially all of the young people, about how the US has always opened its doors to people looking for freedom, like him and me.
At the same time, the US, like any other sovereign nation, has immigration laws and people should respect them. Doesn't Rev Leon have rules in his church and expects people to respect them?
3) Rev Leon needs to show more respect for those of us who oppose same sex marriage.
After all, it wasn't that long ago that President Obama said that marriage was between a man and a woman. Were President Obama & Secretary Clinton part of that "right wing" that wanted to keep homosexuals in the closet?
Maybe Rev Leon should have said something about politicians who "evolve" because donors threaten to cut off contributions: Gay Marriage reversal means cash for Obama!
What's more honorable? Is it people like me who believe that marriage is between a man and a woman or people who "evolve" because they are poll readers?
As for immigrants, what exactly is Rev Leon saying? Should we open our borders and let anyone in?
Rev Leon has done more harm to the immigration debate than he can imagine. He has demonized people of good faith who disagree with him on marriage, life and securing our borders.
We need an apology from Rev Leon and a statement from The White House that President Obama disagrees with the message.
Rev Leon's biggest crime is that there were young people in the audience who were fed lies under the guise of a sermon. On that point, he has a lot in common with Rev Wright!
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