There Goes the Nose, Despite
The Face…. The Palestinian Authority having applied for full membership in UNESCO has put that organization at risk of losing the U.S. annual dues of $70 million dollars, 22 percent of its budget. But….President Obama, Secretary Clinton, et al, are opposed to the congressionally mandated cut-off. The only solution they’ve come up with is to have the PA withdraw its request. HMMM, wonder why?
In any case, the PA has come up with one request that may shake the torpor of Catholics, and other Christians, on THE ISSUE…The PA would like to have the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem declared a World Historical Site, one of UNESCO’s responsibilities; the designation would list the site as Palestinian. Maybe the Vatican can help make-up the short-fall in dues! New York Times October 24.
Hi, Margaret:
1) I don’t understand “despite”. I thought the old saying was “cutting off the nose to spite the face.” You’ve used your version before. I guess I don’t see how either applies to “THE ISSUE”.
2) I don’t see why the control of the Church of the Nativity is “THE ISSUE”, or why it will “shake the torpor of Catholics”.
3) Do you agree that the Palestinians should control the church?
4) Do you agree with Irina Bokova that “Unesco is very different from 25 years ago” ? It was just two years ago that she beat Farouk Hosni in a very close election for Director.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/16/vote-director-unesco-farouk-hosni