It appears this is one time political correctness (in the form of creating a media- driven artificial crisis worthy of extreme action or visceral popular censorship, primarily at the initiation of a small vocal group of activists) has monumentally backfired.

In an unfettered course of events, Mel Gibson's Passion project would have gone unnoticed by most, including the majority within Catholic and other Christian religions, especially, given Gibson's original, slightly pretentious plan of making the film in original languages without sub-titles. As it is, the film, if not about to reach second-coming proportions in attendance, at the very least, promises to be a huge financial success.

Both points are of no small significance to a Catholic and Christian world somewhat successfully Lebanonized in a one-order, modern all out offensive to secularize the body and soul of not just nations, but of their peoples. Much has been made by a small group of influential activists within the Jewish faith, hardly representative of the masses of the faith, about the expected anti-Semitic back-lash.

There is of course open, hostile and violent resentment to the Jewish Faith in pockets and indeed in some nations of the world. In other instances, the Jewish faith faces the same enemies as the Christian faiths and they do unite on occasion, believe it or not.

However, to espouse that Catholics or Christians who will watch a movie about Christ will become incensed enough to run out and do whatever (the intimations exactly are) is ridiculous and hardly worthy of all the attention, garnered. Indifferent, (or hostile) non-Christian or non-Catholic film patrons are not likely to pay for, or view the film and for those who do, nothing is going to changed the morning after, regardless.

As far as Catholic theology goes, there is of course no blame put on any group except the whole human race... all!... for Christ's Crucifixion. This, as has been reiterated time and time again from every pulpit in every public Church of the Sane in the free world and is accepted as such by the flocks, else why would they still attend church.

The Crucifixion was prophesied, as in revelation, as in ordained, as in living eternal history past, present and future, as in the logical course of the battle of good and evil and redemption, as in 'Had' to happen (am I getting through yet?). The fact Jews were involved at all, was not without circumstance but, of no spiritual or moral relevance to what the main event was.

One of the offending lines removed from the script (paraphrased) 'May a curse be on us all for what we have done' was/is an extrapolation to the whole human race as an appreciation or awareness, of the gravity of sin and the exact opposition of the nature of goodness, sin leads too... sooner than later. It was said by the only followers (known at the time) of one God, , on behalf of all those, (consenting or not) who were, (and would ever be) followers of the one God.

Christ's suffering was as real if not worse than I'm sure Mr. Gibson has tried to optically portray it as. Only good could have been reborn and resurrected from the Crucifixion, not the least being Christ's own washing of His own suffering, however, the most being no less than the possibility of salvation for all. This is not a good/bad guy Hollywood movie picture of culture. It is a religious movie of good, for us all. Hopefully, it transcends theology into common understanding.

Certainly, the Jewish faith, in the context of relevance was inert to all ofthe greatest supernatural event in eternity (in all likelihood) and neither should it be condemned or thanked (which would be closer to appropriateness). When Christ said "It is consummated" before His last breath He was referring to the end of the very prophecy or the Word he lived out.

The fact Mel Gibson is the originator and main force behind this modern witness for the world would seem unusual considering his background or involvement in the entertainment world, (at least to date), but then again, God, certainly hasn't always looked to Saints for good. Too, in some ways only someone with Mr. Gibson's background could have seen this project through.

I'm sure events didn't unfold as easy or in the manner as Mr. Gibson had foreseen, but I'm sure he will be totally gratified in the end and my hat's off to him for his dedication and determination.

The Passion should be rated as MS....must see. No, I haven't seen it, but I've read the book. Paul Gordon Cannington Ont.


Paul Gordon

When Did Outright Cruelty Become Acceptable? Wedding picture by C. Arkins Photography By Ariana Aleah Losco I Just Heard the Loud Slamming of a Closet Door and the turning of a Key. A key George Bush Now Holds. All the advances Gays have made to be full members of our society Have been swept away, Shame On Him! Palm Beach Times When did outright Cruelty Become acceptable? Just because it comes out of the Roosevelt Room at the White House Doesn't mean its not Cruelty! I am so disgusted by what I'm seeing on TV News, President Bush is so scared He will lose the 2004 election and he will. That he has caved to the Religious Right in this country and They have him in their pocket. He has now asked for a Constitutional Amendment banning all Gay marriage. "From ever happening"! "EVER," not now not a hundred years from now. I Just Heard the Loud Slamming of a Closet Door and the turning of a Key. A key George Bush Now Holds. All the advances Gays have made to be full members of our society Have been swept away, Shame On Him! I am a registered Democrat I also hale from Florida I'm White and Female I remember voting in the 2000 election My polling station was in a Black neighborhood I found it strange that on that day out side the polling station I came upon large Detour signs deflecting traffic on that street. I drove past them and went in and voted, I wonder how many had been detoured away that day, I don't think the president would be president if his brother had not been Governor of this state or if state Attorney General Katherine Harris had not been in that position of power, she seems to have gone on to a profitable career in Washington. Can you say Payoff? You can fool some of the people some of the time. No Palm Beach Times we the Poor masses do see the forest for the trees. Shame on President Bush, shame on the 24 hour news programs for not having Senior Members of The Gay Community on to discuss the presidents Press Conference right after he left the podium. Did you see him not daring to take questions! Shame on heterosexual America for taking away rights of a minority to make them self's appear more in control. The Land of the Free Huh! We should all hang our heads This Day! It's how we treat our minority population that determines our Humanity! If you allow them to do this thing so blatant and cruel. Then we are all truly heartless. I feel like were back in Nazi Germany. After all what are the Gay's wanting? We're talking about weddings here, about love, commitment, and family. A celebration of life! They have now found away to even stop that. My sister is Southern Baptist I do not believe as she does. Materialism is rampant in her church! But I realize now what they have been preaching in churches all across the south and mid-west. They have pushed this issue to put a foot on the throat of the Gay Movement. If they only spent as much time taking care of the homeless, those sick, elderly and dying of cancer and aids in their communities they might know the true meaning of Religion and Christ! I don't see a Mother Teresa among them do you? They wont find it in a Constitutional Amendment that crushes a minority's spirit. Thanks for letting me vent my frustration it is cathartic isn't it? Take Care and God Bless You! Sincerely An Ashamed American Ariana Aleah Losco The "electability" of John Kerry is being overestimated John Edwards NC. Senator George W. Bush President John Kerry MA. Senator By Robert E. Griffin Forty Fort, Pa. We have been more afraid lately, and have lost much goodwill in the world February 28, 2004 - Dear Editor: I believe the "electability" of John Kerry is being overestimated relative to John Edwards. In the television age, Kerry's personality and appearance may be less effective than John Edwards'. Kerry's sudden gain of momentum minimized opportunity to evaluate candidates. There is time. John Edwards has a personality that may "wear better" over a long campaign, and throughout a Presidency. Edwards exudes confidence, vitality, resilience, and charisma. Perhaps Edwards fulfills national emotional needs in a way similar to how Ronald Reagan did with his good humored optimism when our nation was said to have had a "national malaise." We have been more afraid lately, and have lost much goodwill in the world. Edwards exudes qualities that exemplify Americans' ideal self image: intelligence, respectfulness, friendliness, openness, and optimism. He has the persona Americans traditionally take pride in presenting to the world. Polling data reveals that Edwards has been getting more votes than Kerry from independents, Republicans, and people who decide later. These voters will determine the winner of election. There is evidence that Edwards may be the more "electable" candidate. Robert E. Griffin Psychologist Search Archives by typing Opinion Readers views on the news, archives with the month and year in our search engine