Dear Editor:

Have we given the right for politicians to refuse to acknowledge the value of a man of God, or even the next war hero if he should say the wrong thing from the politician’s view? Suddenly medals require political agreement or are not awarded. Where is honor in democracy?

Perhaps readers believe it is acceptable for Congress to honor Pope John Paul II, but refuse to do the same in 2013 and 2014 for the first American continent Pope elected — Pope Francis. This is the Pope who speaks from his heart where it is said God resides. He is humble and celebrates the lives of those who struggle as well as those who are imbued with wealth. Maine can be proud that their Congressional representatives, Pingree and Michaud, are among the 221 co-sponsors of the bill.

To date there are 12 noble Republicans who have stepped up to honor Pope Francis, Argentina son of an Italian immigrant whose calling is to “return us all to a more humane, noble and fruitful way of living.” Perhaps it doesn’t matter, but it seems wrong to this voter who wishes more noble Republicans would honor such a unique Pope who has been inspiring to the whole world.

The Pope inspires many of us to right inequality in law and in human treatment. He understands the struggles when the value of $100 shrunk to $57 between 2007-2013 in the U.S. He inspires us to right our failures in being the country with the highest poverty rate and one of the lowest expenditure to resolve these problems. This Pope is reenergizing mankind by reminding us of the joy in sharing kindness as we serve the least of these.

A soldier who risks his life should not be subject to political beliefs when receiving the medial of honor. Pope Francis is such a soldier and his remarkable assent to the papacy should be honored as it was for Pope John Paul II. I do not want to believe that Congress has lost its honor when they can no longer recognize the honor of others.

Jarryl Larson
Edgecomb