It used to be all about the community and children and dogs and the local high school band. Lately, it's become a forum for propaganda.
Last year, in the all-American enclave of Palatine, Illinois, a group put in their request to be allowed to march in the parade. The Jaycees, who run the parade, said it would be fine. All sorts of community groups march in the parade, and it would be fitting for a group of Catholics to represent their segment of Palatine's diversity.
And there they marched, with their banner proclaiming their anti-abortion stance. The picture of the near-term foetus frightened some and disgusted others.
The group wants to come back this year to proclaim their message, with the same banner that they find to be so effective. The Jaycees have said thanks, but no.
There's a time and a place for protest. The Fourth of July parade, heavily attended by families with small children, is not the place for images that are offensive, alarming or unpleasant.
Some people get wrapped up in their cause and fail to consider the sentiments of others. The crusading Catholics have become insensitive, as if their cause is higher than any dictate to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Courtesy? Consideration? When you're busy waving your cudgel, it's easy to forget the most important commandment.
Love one another.
And if you loved your neighbor and their little children, you would think about the impact of your message on them, rather than focus on your own satisfaction at proclaiming your pro-life stance with graphic images.
The Magdalene women used to march in parades as well, and the Catholic Church used the setting to spread their version of morality far and wide.
The parade is a public venue where images are used to deliver a powerful message, but because it is public, those in charge have to weed out that which is not suitable for a family setting. The Jaycees aren't picking on the Catholics. They're being responsible when others are not.
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