If ever we wanted another small but telling example of society hitting rock bottom, look no further than the “outrage” expressed recently and very aggressively (here are some examples) toward Vice President Mike Pence. Based on how quickly the story went viral, one would think VP Pence was involved in major scandal, accused of a serious crime—or both. And in a sad way, given the sorry state of our culture, that’s exactly what happened. Pence not only stands accused, but has already been found guilty as charged and is now undergoing what many believe is a well-deserved public flogging.
What is the Vice President’s serious offense? What was so utterly appalling that it caused such a major reaction from many in the general public? The answer can be found in a statement he made many years ago during an interview with The Hill. He told the publication he never eats dinner alone with a woman other than his wife and that he won’t attend events featuring alcohol without his wife by his side, either. Imagine that?
The statement was revisited in a March 28th Washington Post profile piece of the Vice President. “In 2002,” the article states, “Mike Pence told The Hill that he never eats alone with a woman other than his wife and that he won’t attend events featuring alcohol without her by his side, either.” Instead of being met with appreciation for respecting his wife and women in general, Pence was immediately mocked with the negative and snarky comments from all over the map. Some referred to him as a religious zealot; others said he must have some sordid activity in his past since he is obviously afraid of being alone with a woman other than his wife. One woman commented on my Facebook page that he is actually discriminating—yes, discriminating—against women politicians because it means that all the male power brokers in Washington will have better and more frequent access to an audience with the Vice President.
Just a few weeks ago the same group that organized the women’s march in Washington, took to the streets although in much smaller numbers, to conduct their “Day Without a Woman” protest on International Women’s Day. Was it just me or did the protestors expend most of their energy on March 6th—not to mention at the women’s march on January 21st—railing against (among other things) the objectification of women while pointing directly at the White House? Weren’t they demanding more respect in the work place and in the home? Who wouldn’t want a husband who respects his wife and their relationship so very much that he doesn’t not want to place himself or anyone else in a possible near occasion of sin or appearance of impropriety?
I don’t think it was a coincidence that at the same time the Vice President was being criticized for cherishing and protecting his marriage, Pope Francis addressed the importance of married couples as well as families in general being more aware of their weaknesses while learning to more fully embrace less selfish and more sacrificial relationships. Continue Reading at Catholic World Report.
