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The Forum > Article Comments > Cardinal and Prime Minister > Comments

Cardinal and Prime Minister : Comments

By Everald Compton, published 10/7/2017

Neither George Pell nor Malcolm Turnbull are experiencing happy days at the moment.

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I am no fan of either Turnbull or Pell, but both of them have shown themselves capable of doing things other people were conspicuously unable to do. Both have achieved positions well beyond the highest level that anyone can reasonably aspire to. And both of them (if Pell avoids prison, which seems likely) will retire on six-figure pensions, with staffing and other privileges for life.

I'm not sure who's supposed to find that 'sad', other than the poor buggers who have to pay for it.
Posted by Jon J, Monday, 10 July 2017 7:36:03 AM
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Sadly, Cardinal Pell, who is honest to a fault, cannot travel from the Vatican, because of a medically diagnosed heart condition! And he has the Medical certificate to prove it!

The PM lacks ticker to either stare down the detractors? Or win through by following through! And resigning from the party?

Then standing as the independent member until a by election can be called! Which he could win, given his wealth and ability to get the media exposure he needs? Unless he gets his way on some critical issues and "that Gentleman" stops trying to govern in absentia, or drive from the back seat!

As an independant in a government with what, two years to run, he would hold a deciding vote on most issues, possibly including his replacement? Via successive no confidence motions that would eliminate almost everyone else?

If Tony wants to be a wrecker, some help would assure that outcome! And likely ensure the party divided into the conservative wing and the moderate wing?

Then leave the conservative element to stand on its merit of rammed through legislation or boundless non core promises and preferred policies paradigm!?

His agreed replacement, would likely be the ever amenable, everybody's friend, the ever affable, loyalty personified, Julie Bishop? With Show Pony, Tony getting the nod as her replacement in an undivided coalition?
Alan B.
Posted by Alan B., Monday, 10 July 2017 11:23:39 AM
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“His lack of involvement in handling the awful disease of child abuse was not a callous disregard for humanity. He simply saw it as an obstacle to his progress to the Vatican, so he spent an enormous amount of time avoiding any involvement in solving the disgraceful crimes that were committed by people close to him. He deliberately stayed aloof.”

The author shows his ignorance. He ignores the fact that one of the first things that Pell did as Archbishop of Melbourne was to set up protocols for dealing with sex abuse. They were the first in the world.

There have been very few instances of child abuse by priests since that time.
Posted by Raycom, Monday, 10 July 2017 12:15:09 PM
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What is the point of this comparison between Malcolm Turnbull and George Pell? If you have a problem with Turnbull then write an article about Turnbull and if you have a problem with Pell then write about him but what is gained by comparing the two?

It seems to me that the main target is George Pell and somehow the author thinks he can get away with deriding Pell by showing how even handed he is in relation to Turnbull. If Pell has to answer for something then lay your cards on the table and present your arguments. It is totally irrelevant to make comparisons with some other completely different situation. If Pell is in the wrong then show how and why.

Will the prosecution argue that Pell is like Turnbull when it comes to the court case?

It seems just a gutless attempt to paint Pell in a bad light whilst hiding behind a thin veil of ‘fairness’
Posted by phanto, Monday, 10 July 2017 2:01:45 PM
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Oh Alan B.

Its a miracle. Pell can fly here after all.

See "Cardinal George Pell returns to Australia to face historical sex abuse charges"

at http://www.smh.com.au/national/cardinal-george-pell-returns-to-australia-to-face-historical-sex-abuse-charges-20170709-gx7usn.html
_______________________________________

Regarding the Compton article - the author attempts and fails at moral relativism between Australia's own Turnbull and the Vatican's Pell.

What with the Church hierarchy shifting priestly perverts of Christ between parishes.

Perhaps the risk was that successful prosecutions of paedophile priests would lead to too many questions about the alleged activities of some Church bosses. Questions that the Victorian Police appear to be asking.
Posted by plantagenet, Tuesday, 11 July 2017 12:08:40 AM
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The following link is an interesting read:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-30/george-pell-charges-the-view-from-the-vatican/8663880

We're told that "the wheels of the Australian Justice System
have begun to turn in a potentially world-changing ways.
Victoria police has summonsed a sitting Cardinal from the
Vatican. In the free world, a Cardinal has never been charged
with criminal offences before."

"Cardinal Pell strenuously denies the charges, and we need more
details yet to understand what they may involve. But the
astonishing fact remains that a man who
could yet be Pope has been told he must
stand trial in Australia, and he has agreed
to do so."

Pope Francis last year stated - "We must avoid a media verdict.
A verdict based on gossip. It's in the hands of the Justice
System and one cannot judge before the Justice System. After
the Justice System speaks, I will speak."

We all eagerly await to see what the Justice System has to say.
And in turn - the Pope.

As for Mr Turnbull? He should simply get on with the job of
governance. He is the Prime Minister. Let the snipping back-
bencher continue to make a fool of himself.
Posted by Foxy, Tuesday, 11 July 2017 6:36:49 PM
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