Saints

Senator Edward Kennedy was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

Before I get started on my rant, let me make this clear: cancer is a tragedy for anyone who is afflicted by it. I don't find joy in people's suffering.

That said, if you ever want anyone to be universally loved, either get cancer or die young.

I get tired of reading stories about how Kennedy is receiving praise from both sides of the aisle in Congress, as if he's somehow a moderate bridge-builder, upon whom rests the fate of the country.

Kennedy is a hardcore left-wing partisan Democrat. Yes, he's sponsored legislation along with John McCain, but McCain isn't exactly conservative himself. And ignoring the man's politics, there is the Chappaquiddick incident, which at best paints Kennedy as a heartless coward.

And yet here we are, sainting the man because he's been diagnosed with a horrible disease.

This phenomenon can be seen at any funeral, and is most prominently on display when politicians and celebrities die young.

John F. Kennedy was not a particularly great president. But his a.) good looks, b.) "Camelot" aura around the White House and c.) untimely death in office gives him legendary status.

Abraham Lincoln was a great president, but I think he'd catch a lot more flack today for his actions during the Civil War if he hadn't been assassinated in office.

Is this logical? Not really. I'd prefer we judge people on their actions, not how much we feel sorry for them.

But it seems even non-Catholics have the innate need to create saints from mortals.