The contrast could not be more clear.
But I’m not speaking of the presidential contenders. Rather, there is real hope for a real change in Catholic vice-presidents. With the nomination of Congressman Paul Ryan as Mitt Romney’s choice for vice-president, we see yet another contrast that brings authentic Catholics a choice. A choice between a cardboard cutout of a Catholic in Biden who dispenses with his faith at every opportunity, and an orthodox family, faith and freedom supporting Catholic-Paul Ryan.
Some might claim that the veeps don’t mean much in a presidential race, but that is short sited at best. Vice presidents can, in the best choices, help define the Presidential candidate by giving us an insight into the top positions approach to social and economic issues. So it was with President Obama who has peppered his administration with pseudo-Catholics who reflect the true anti-family, anti-religion, anti-marriage agenda of the current president.
The Republicans have taken another approach. They have opted for real change in this culture and economy by nominating a real Catholic for vice president. Not only does Ryan represent a real Catholic for the position, but like all vice presidential picks, speaks of the real possibility of that vice president ascending to the Presidency in the future.
No candidate is perfect, but with this choice, we see a clearer difference between the current administration and one committed to true Catholic aspirations for both now and generations to come. Catholics are a people of hope. And finally, we have a reason for such hope.
