OPINION:
The same Democratic-aligned political ecosystem that championed cancel culture as the pandemic unfolded and today attacks Judeo-Christian values has set its sights on Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. A devout Catholic, Mr. Butker is getting blasted for speaking about his faith and some of the most pressing challenges of our time at a traditional Catholic college.
Perhaps the elitists on the left believed, in their rush to stereotype everyone, that an NFL player is supposed to be some kind of vacuous, uneducated jock, not the deeply spiritual intellect that so eloquently spoke before the Benedictine College graduates.
So shocked were the leftists that they’re calling for him to be cut from his team. What could this erudite young Super Bowl champ have said to create a firestorm that has led to him being labeled a bigot, misogynist, antisemite and hatemonger?
Mr. Butker told the commencement, “Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith but at the same time is delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally.”
President Biden is known to tout his Catholicism when it’s politically convenient and, in the next breath, encourage the taking of innocent lives and the mutilation of children. The truth hurts.
He went on to lambaste Catholics in public life who push degenerate cultural values and dangerous gender ideology. “This is an important reminder that being Catholic alone doesn’t cut it.” You can’t credibly argue with that.
“But if we are going to be men and women for this time in history, we need to stop pretending that the ‘Church of Nice’ is a winning proposition,” Mr. Butker continued.
He’s right; the same goes for protecting American freedom and prosperity. If you’re more of an apostle of cancel culture than the Constitution, you don’t get America. Perhaps you don’t want to. Perhaps your motivation is disorder or something other than our proven formula for greatness.
Mr. Butker said, “The world around us says that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves whenever they go against the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Inclusion without morals or standards of behavior is anarchy. It is a tyranny, and the fact that Mr. Butker is getting lambasted for his remarks proves his point conclusively.
He cautioned about the “deadly” kind of pride that “has an entire month dedicated to it.” This riled the LGBTQ industry but was clearly in accordance with Catholic teaching. Pride is a deadly sin because instead of a God-centered pride, today, people are proud of corporeal works and objects that often diminish the soul.
Then, Mr. Butker committed the cardinal sin against the left. He told women to get married and have children, placing their dominant positions as the leaders of their families ahead of a life focused primarily on careers.
He said: “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. … It cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class … would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker. She’s a primary educator to our children. She’s the one who ensures I never let football or my business become a distraction from that of a husband and father.”
Think about how tragic it is that in our culture, Democrats can’t even embrace a successful young man who gives credit for his accomplishments to his wife. If titles, degrees and money really were the path to fulfillment, we’d be happier and more content than ever. The data says just the opposite.
Mr. Butker isn’t saying women can’t have careers. He’s making the point that the impact and power of a mother and wife pales in comparison.
He then sounded the alarm about the importance of fathers, saying that “part of what plagues our society is this lie that has been told … that men are not necessary in the home or our communities.” Mr. Butker said that when strong men are absent, “disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in.”
Again, he’s right. The absence of men in the home is a significant contributing factor to violence and the rudderless youth we see in our nation.
“Be unapologetic in your masculinity. Fight against the cultural emasculation of men.” Amen to that.
“Make no mistake,” he told graduates, “you’re entering into mission territory in a post-God world. But you were made for this, and with God by your side and a constant striving for virtue within your vocation, you too can be a saint.”
We are all called to be saints and beacons of light. Only with God’s help and truth can that happen.
In a time when courage is in short supply, and the most celebrated are the softest and most malleable of personalities, Harrison Butker reminds us of the kind of fortitude it takes to be both a faithful Christian and a true American.
Remember, Mr. Butker, they hate you because you have faith and confidence that they cannot comprehend. Their intolerance is exhibited in everything they accuse you of being. Keep going. It’s a badge of honor.
• Tom Basile is the host of “America Right Now” on Newsmax TV and is a Washington Times columnist.
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