McCann true to his faith

I have admired Rob McCann for a long time. For years as CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, Rob has been a strong advocate for the homeless and the dignity of every human being. He has also been an eloquent voice for the social gospel I learned at home and from the nuns at school. Consequently, I’m inclined to give Rob the benefit of the doubt.

Racism may be too strong a word. There is however a certain blindness in human affairs that human beings are prone to. I think it is due to a certain self-centered perspective all of us have, a certain chauvinism that makes me think whatever is mine is best and the norm for all the world, my Irish-Catholic heritage, family, upbringing, values, habits, tastes, interests, music, etc., etc.

The problem with chauvinism and blindness in general is that we are blind to our blindness. The aspirational eclipses the factual and engenders blindness.

I’m not surprised that Rob would call out blindness when he sees it. That’s what the nuns taught us love of others required us to do. I’m sad that Rob, his family, and Catholic Charities have been subjected to threats, violence, and outrage for calling out a blindness that is so hurtful to so many.

Tim Gallagher

Spokane