Cardinal Dolan's Neocon Cheerleader
Frank Cocozzelli printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Thu Feb 21, 2013 at 04:44:14 PM EST
Since Pope Benedict announced his resignation  only one of the potential successors  (Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi) offers hope for a more moderate papacy. So while conservatives are unlikely to be disappointed, prominent American Catholic neo-con Michael Novak is rooting for Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York.  Indeed, if Novak's one man dream team were to ascend to the Chair of Saint Peter, neo-conservatives like Novak would have the ability influence world events beyond their wildest dreams.  
And if Novak's dream comes true it would certainly involve the kind of  state-based faith and buccaneer capitalism I have written a lot about.  As typical of many American neocons, Novak began his political odyssey on the Socialist Left but over time, lurched over to the neoconservative Right.  But he is still a revolutionary in search of a revolution.

Novak is a hyper-libertarian when it comes to money but leans towards collective state power on individual morality. And yet there is something profoundly hypocritical about complaining about any state -role in economics while advocating state directed and enforced neo-orthodox Catholic morality. When it comes to business it's "laissez-faire", but individuals including (maybe especially) non-Catholics should be coerced into Novak's neo-Catholic orthodoxy by the long arm of the law.

We should remember that neo-conservatism is built upon a three-legged stool of nationalism (as opposed to patriotism); laissez-faire capitalism (as opposed to the New Deal legacy variety); and religious orthodoxy (as opposed to religious neutrality). It is with this in mind that I must wonder about Novak's recent cheerleading for Cardinal Dolan to become the Church's next pope.

While Novak did not mention Cardinal Dolan by name it isn't difficult to figure out who he wants running things from Vatican City. The neocon "philosopher" has declared, "it's time for an English speaking candidate to be considered for the post." After this was pointed out to Cardinal Dolan in a recent interview, with the added proviso "Novak was also referring to the cultural contribution a U.S. Pope could make acting as a crossroads between European and Hispanic cultures" Dolan replied, "Novak is a very intelligent person and what he says always makes sense."  

For all of his jovial outward appearances, Gotham's prelate is a vicious culture warrior. For example, when the Opus Dei bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Robert Finn, was taking heat from the group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), he joined Bill Donohue and the Catholic League in waging a scorched earth campaign against them, designed to drain it of money while scaring potential victims from cooperating with SNAP.  Novak, it should be noted, serves on the Catholic League's Board of Advisors, along with other Catholic neocons. The Cardinal has also gone to war against the Affordable Care Act while blunting Catholic criticism of GOP Congressman Paul Ryan's Ayn Rand, libertarian-inspired budget plan.

While Dolan might be the neconservative's man, Novak's cheer leading for him is about more than the papacy.  

It is no secret that neo-conservatism has taken a big hit since the debacle of the Iraq War and the halcyon days of  the Bush administration.  Indeed, some of the more pointed criticism of the 2003 invasion has come from the Vatican. Beyond that, much to neocon chagrin even the Papacy of Benedict XVI has denounced the libertarian economics favored by the likes of Robert George, George Weigel and Mr. Novak himself.

Short and sweet:  having a pope who speaks their language sure would help the Catholic necons rebound out of the doldrums.




Display:
There are a lot of documents in the public record concerning his role in covering up child sexual abuse. Plus, I don't think that he has any media intelligence whatsoever, not that B16 had any either. And, he's American, ensuring that there will be a huge media flutter that is bound to mention Dolan's court record.

by NancyP on Thu Feb 21, 2013 at 05:30:44 PM EST
is not whether Dolan is a plausible candidate. There are an awful lot of Cardinals linked to sex coverups around the world.  What is remarkable is the Novak ignores all that and promotes him anyway.  

by Frederick Clarkson on Thu Feb 21, 2013 at 06:18:03 PM EST
Parent


Dolan is certainly a neocon dream boat. But it will be interesting to see if any of the cardinals linked to sex abuse cover ups -- including Dolan make it to the papacy.  

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley is now getting "papal buzz." He is described as non-ideological, but he is the guy who shut down Catholic involvement in adoption rather than having to follow the law recognizing the legitimacy of marriage equality in Massachusetts.

by Frederick Clarkson on Thu Feb 21, 2013 at 05:46:32 PM EST


Novak is ignoring the fact that Dolan and Mahony both had to give deposition testimony today. We should make Novak own that. I don't expect any reformer to be among the papabile. I don't expect that the cardinals will be in haste to elect an American Pope either.

by khughes1963 on Thu Feb 21, 2013 at 06:48:29 PM EST

Cardinal Dolan is one of the most vocal cheerleaders for the neoconservative movement within the Catholic Church. He has been a strong advocate for right-wing policies and has shown support for many of the Trump administration's most controversial positions.  real properties Eugene Cardinal Dolan's cheerleading for the neoconservative movement has earned him a lot of criticism from progressives, who argue that his views are not in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

by isabelladom on Tue Jan 10, 2023 at 02:49:03 PM EST


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