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	Sins of Clergy and Politicians Get Repeated, Life Is a Test, and Chit-chat Print This Article By Fred Jackson The Cape Breton Post February 13, 2010 http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=326571&sc=150 “I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.” Those words of Thomas Jefferson should be hung in the offices of all politicians, especially those who are guilty of squandering taxpayers’ money. While I am not suggesting that the Catholic Church hierarchy is rejoicing over the inappropriate expenditures by politicians, there is no doubt some comfort in having the dissatisfaction and exasperation of the people redirected from the religious to the secular. The sins of the politicians pale in comparison to crimes against children but nevertheless are indicative of a moral void and a failure of stewardship. The challenge, should political leaders accept it, is to transform the culture of entitlement to one of service. One would think that politicians and clergy across this country, especially in Nova Scotia, would learn from the sins of politicians and of clergy who went to jail in Newfoundland and Labrador. Folks, several of my teachers, who were mostly Christian Brothers, along with priests, did time for physical and sexual abuse. This was disturbing, and now years later another chapter is being written about our clergy and our politicians. It’s not my intent to tarnish all clergy or all politicians because there are many good ones in each vocation, some I know personally. There are politicians who properly follow rules and codes of ethics but the charade over the last week or so by politicians in this province has created outrage among the public. And rightly so. It’s only appropriate that I end with another Thomas Jefferson quote: “A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labour the bread it has earned – this is the sum of good government.” Enough said! Life is a test This week I attended a mass and celebration for Bishop Brian Dunn at St. Anthony Daniel Church. Last month, Dunn officially took over the Diocese of Antigonish, replacing disgraced bishop Raymond Lahey, who faces charges of possessing and importing child pornography. When I heard Dunn’s inspiring homily that touched on God’s dwelling place, I reflected on some of my late mother’s philosophies of life. She believed that life is a journey and a test. She said there will be bumps on that road and there will be ups and downs, but more ups than downs. Although we will pass many of those examinations, there will be failures. And when we fail, there’s also good news: God allows us to take the test again. Some will take the test many times, but the test must be passed. And there’s no question that faith is being tested in our ever-changing world, no matter what religion one practices. Remember, testing of your faith develops perseverance, and when this happens your endurance has a chance to grow. According to James 1:3, “The testing of your faith produces patience.” I often heard my mother say patience is a virtue because it makes us better people. After listening to Dunn and having a conversation with him during the reception, I have the confidence that this good shepherd will lead the flock. It was nice to see about a dozen priests from the Sydney area take part in the celebration, a sure sign of unity. This is a great start and it would be nice to see greater unity. Leadership, transparency, inspiration and sense of community are the key ingredients. Chit-chat Construction of a gym is expected to start in April on the former Ron May property on Prince Street. George Sifnakis and his wife Shauna plan to construct a modern gym and health club. And look for more construction in the Prince Street area. Big plans are in the works for the Sydney Shopping Centre to be refurbished, and the location will also house box store outlets. Nicole Latham, who has family in Cape Breton, is part of medical team at the Vancouver Olympics. Latham, who did her practical training and was employed at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in 2004 and 2005, is living and working in Calgary. Former Cape Breton residents Ken and Susan Latham are her parents, and her grandparents are Claude Huntley and Cal and Marion Latham of Sydney. Have a good weekend, Charlotte MacLean. Farside of me Confess you were wrong yesterday; it will show you are wise today. Famous quotation Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s finger. – Hans Christian Andersen Fred Jackson is managing editor of the Cape Breton Post. Reach him at fjackson@cbpost.com
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