"I was shocked to read Jason Whitlock's article on Monday when he twice made fun of the Virgin Mary. What is more amazing is that he did this on the Roman Catholic holy day of the Immaculate Conception. "I know he is probably not bright enough to know that Monday was a holy day. Is there anybody reviewing his articles and if it was why was it permitted to run? Does the Star have a anit-Catholic position? I believe they do with the anti-Catholic articles that have run over the years. What would be the outrage if he slandered the Muslim or Jewish faith?
"I expect a apology from Whitlock and the Star. (Sent to KC Star Readers' Rep) George Young
(12-08-2008): "it actually wasn't a bad analogy. i'm sure he knew he'd raise the hackles of catholics and others who take that as part of their faith, but it's just an analogy and he didn't slam the catholic - or anyone elses - religion. poor taste at the worst. frankly, i thought it was funny.
"I am having a little trouble understanding how this column offensiveness was limited to just Catholics? He is taking shots at the entire base of the Christian faith. Catholics are a relatively small percentage of Christians as a whole, which obviously includes Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Non-Denominations, etc. "Unless you are Jewish or Atheist, the story of the birth of Jesus is the base of your faith."
"Yes, his column is an insult to Catholics. More importantly, it is an insult to all Christians!" Signed, Protestant
Jason Whitlock
12-08-2008 JASON WHITLOCK TAKES POTSHOT AT CATHOLICS It started off as your basic sports column (12/8) regarding another Kansas City Chiefs' latest loss. But, Kansas City Star columnist Jason Whitlock somehow swayed off into religion and Catholics (and many Christians) are offended and infuriated by his insensitive remarks---particularly on the Catholic Holy Day of the feast of the Immaculate Conception. "We know that Whitlock will do and write anything to generate controversy," says a source, "but to go out of your way to insult and belittle Catholics on a Holy Day crosses the line even for him. It is an absolute disgrace that he would be able to get away with this. Did the Star fire all its editors?" Whitlock's column, titled "Pass Rusher Would be Answer to Prayer," basically said the Chiefs need a good pass rusher following the team's 24-17 loss to Denver. However, in two separate places he seemed to go out of his way to make fun of one of the most sacred tenets of the Catholic faith. "There's a theory in football that the key to playing defense begins and ends with stopping the run," wrote Whitlock. "Pretty much no one questions the premise. It's sort of like questioning Mary's virginity. You mention the rumors you heard about her and Joseph at Noah's Party Cove bash, and you're likely to be escorted out of church by force." One insult was not enough for Whitlock who concluded his column by noting: "The Chiefs might need a savior after this season. Let's hope Noah throws another party and Mary and Joseph disappear for a few minutes again." "I absolutely could not believe what I was reading," noted a Catholic. "It was hurtful and had no place in a sports column."
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