Scavengers picking over the corpus of John Paul II

For propaganda purposes, the best kind of legacy -- for those people deemed significant enough to matter -- is one that can be carefully picked through. Choose what you like. Discard what is inconvenient. Forget the rest. Works like a charm.

For a swift, sharp take down on "The Republicanization of Pope John Paul II" read this post at Poli's Blog.

Those of you who check out Townhall.com on a regular basis know that, over the past two weeks, the hacksters have been working overtime (ie, putting in about 45 minutes' worth of effort per column instead of the usual 30) in their papal Republicanization efforts.

Surprisingly, some of the Townhall columnists claim to be avid readers of papal encyclicals. Who knew? Star Parker is one, according to her column, "A Papal Message on Socialism."

In 1991, Pope John Paul II issued an encyclical called "Centesimus Annus." It is a sweeping and fascinating discussion about socialism, capitalism, the welfare state and the nature of free society.

It is indeed. But Star being Star, she focuses pretty much on the parts about socialism and the welfare-state and ignores what she doesn't like, throws in a comment or two about rap music, and takes to task her fellow church-going blacks for "overwhelmingly support[ing] welfare-state politics and politicians."

What is it in the encyclical that Parker chooses to ignore? Just a few critical but Republican-unfriendly principles. These include:

_ the right of workers to form trade unions
_ the right to an adequate period of rest, recreation, safe and hygienic conditions of work
_ the right to a just wage (sufficient for an entire family) guaranteed by the state.

Pick and choose. Pick and choose. Pick and choose.