Two evils

Commonweal, Nov 5, 2004 by Frank Ruechel

Like Paul Griffiths, I have thought about not voting in this year's presidential race. Kerry's stance on abortion contradicts the fundamental values of a culture of life. Meanwhile, Bush's warmongering, pro-death penalty, pro-wealthy, pro-deficits, anti-Social Security presidency contradicts the broader values of a culture of life. How do Catholics choose the lesser of the two evils? How much evil must Bush do to offset the evil Kerry defends? This year, deciding whom to vote for is an exercise in moral relativism with immoral consequences either way.

FRANK RUECHEL

Kennesaw, Ga.