Hillary Clinton-John Dear in Erie

With the Pennsylvania primary April 22nd, the national candidates are campaigning throughout the state. Tuesday, Hillary Clinton was here. She spoke at Mercyhurst College, which has invited all the presidential candidates to come and address their students.

A number of our sisters attended her presentation that evening. Sr. Joan Chittister was asked to be part of a small group that met with Senator Clinton prior to her speaking. She told Hillary, "Hope without a vision leaves you hopelessly lost," and Hillary used it in her presentation minutes later! A number of our sisters can be seen in the video at the event---in the background on the left. Video; Text.

Her appearance, as does that of almost any pro-choice politician, engendered differences of opinions in our local media. Tuesday, the local paper carried statements by Catholic Bishop Donald Trautman and other views from the college and its students.

Hopefully, Senator Obama will be able to campaign in Erie soon, too.

Tonight many peace groups in our area are sponsoring an appearance in Erie of the long-time Jesuit peace activist, John Dear, SJ. John is an author and lecturer and an international voice of nonviolence and peace efforts. He has traveled to war zones around the world, including Iraq, Palestine and Nicaragua. Bishop Desmond Tutu has nominated him for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.