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| Dr. Hitchcock, take note! Slander is a serious sin against the 8th Commandment that requires repair. |
The post following this introduction is an email I received from friend and Wanderer journalist Dexter Duggan. Dexter wrote to me responding to yesterday's Sunday meditation on slander and righteous anger. He's experienced slander first hand from a Catholic historian who, by all common sense standards, should be an ally. Some readers may recall my posts relating the story of Dexter's abuse by Dr. James Hitchcock in his book, Abortion, Religious Freedom, and Catholic Politics. (See here and here.)
Indeed, Dexter knows what it is to be falsely accused, slandered, and vilified. He knows what it is to have your reputation continuously damaged by falsehoods published in a book used on Catholic college campuses across the country. He knows what it is to be defamed over and over on EWTN and in Catholic interview shows promoting the slanderous book. Hitchcock's refusal to correct the mistakes and defamation reflects more on him than on Dexter. And what it says about him is anything but complimentary to a man professing to be a faithful Catholic.
What possessed Dr. Hitchcock to attack Dexter and The Wanderer in the first place is beyond me. That he refuses to correct his errors and apologize for the slander certainly doesn't demonstrate a humble Catholic mind and heart (that the Lord "will not spurn"). It shows a pride and arrogance that is rather frightening to see in an aged man on the cusp of eternity.
