The FCP
has worked to develop consistent policies. What does consistency
mean?
Consistency
derives from
-
honesty about presenting policies to voters, and
-
having
a clear understanding of all areas of government.
When
politicians promise anything to be elected, knowing that some of
the promises are unfeasible, they are dishonest. However,
inconsistent statements are often the flag
showing their real intent (where their heart is) and their
dishonesty.
Example
1: Consistency must be maintained between programs
supporting the poor and taxation policies exempting the poor
from taxes.
Example
2: Consistency must be maintained between programs
supporting the poor and an economic policy that fosters the
creation of wealth by the private sector and the consequent
increase in government income (or otherwise
government programs cannot be funded).
Example
3: Consistency must be maintained between the pro-life
position and the position on capital punishment. Although this
is a federal issue, it is difficult to defend a position that
proclaims human life as "sacred" or as an
"inalienable right" and then support the killing of an
inmate - without the reason of self-defense.
Example
4: Consistency must be maintained between a government
committed to defend the life of all its citizens (through the
justice system, the police force and when necessary, the
military) and the government promoting or allowing abortion,
which is the killing of a human being.
Example
5: Consistency must be maintained between the pro-life
position and the position on supporting candidates in
pro-abortion parties.
It is understandable to support (e.g. being a member of, or
voting for) a pro-abortion party when:
a)
There
is no alternative (the least of the evils justification).
In
Ontario, this is hardly the case, as a pro-life party exists
and it takes little effort to become a candidate.
b)
There is an immediate and real opportunity of reverting the party
position, for example, by supporting a serious pro-life leadership
contender who could reverse the pro-abortion stand of the
party.
In
all other cases, it is inconsistent and, for Catholics even
immoral, to support a pro-abortion party, for example by voting
for a candidate of that party. A doctrinal note
issued by the current Pope states (among other similarly
formulated directives):
"In
recent years, there have been cases within some organizations
founded on Catholic principles, in which support
has been given to political forces
or
movements with positions
contrary
to the moral and social teaching of the Church on fundamental
ethical questions.
Such activities, in contradiction to basic principles of
Christian conscience,
are not compatible with membership in organizations or
associations which define themselves as Catholic."1
-------
REFERENCE
[1]:
"Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the
Participation of Catholics in Political Life", by the
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Card. Ratzinger and
Archibishop Bertone, November 2002. Section IV, Paragraph 7. - Click here for the link to
this document in the Vatican web site.
