(The cover of the September 25, 2006 issue of America Magazine features George W. Bush in conversation with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick in full clerical regalia. Cardinal McCarrick is the outgoing Archbishop of Washington DC. His retirement speech, entitled "Restoring Civility to Political Discourse" is the issue's cover article. I mailed the following letter of cancellation today to America.)
Drew Christiansen, SJ
Editor-in-Chief
America Magazine
106 West 56th Street
New York, NY 10019-3803
Dear Father Christiansen,
The cover of your latest issue came as a surprise. As editorial contributors to America over the years we have always valued the magazine's independent voice. We have counted on America for risking to say what is most vital and authentic in contemporary life, a true measure, we've always believed, of our Catholic heritage.
But we can see nothing true or authentic or vital about the man you celebrate on your cover who happens to be called President. Even his election to the highest office in the land is reliably called into doubt.
Indeed, the lies, the global bullying, the outright hijacking of our respected institutions, the criminal betrayal of our very founding principles and core values by the Bush administration undermine anything anyone can call Christian with a straight face.
Bishop Theodore McCarrick's lead-article retirement speech would have us believe the highest road to take in such times of deepening national polarity is one of a return to "civility in political discourse", presumably, as mother liked to say, "always the charitable thing to do." But making the criminal your cover boy goes over the line; peace-making should never be confused with pandering. Our poor church has seen quite enough of that over the centuries!
Accordingly it is with deep regret that we must ask you to cancel our subscription to America.
Cordially,
Jim Rucquoi
Adele Azar-Rucquoi
