The Vatican and Dakar Cross Paths
As a general rule posting anything of a religious nature at Full Throttle has been verboten. It’s a subject whether for, against or ambivalent towards always has the potential for controversy and risks the green flag being thrown on a flame war of epic purportions.
But sometimes, as the saying goes, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Many are aware the Dakar Rally is in progress with day 5 hitting the desert today. Some or all of the same people have read of the tragic death of South African motorcycist Elmer Symons during Tuesday’s day four run. As expected his death was noted with respect by many in and outside the racing community.
But not all. The Vatican took the occasion of Symons’ death to launch a tirade on what they call “The Bloody Race of Irresponsibility.”
“The Paris-Dakar, a race which many classify as a sporting event, in reality has very little to do with healthy competition,” the editorial said.“The trail of blood which grows longer from year to year on the route of the race instead underscores the undeniable component of violence that lies behind every attempt to export Western models to human environments and ecosystems that have little to do with the West,” it said.
No one with an ounce of common sense would argue against any form of auto racing not being a dangerous avocation and the article rightly notes Paris to Dakar has claimed the lives of 49 in its 29-year-existence, an average of just under 1.7 per year.
The question must be asked whether the Vatican has ever recognized the dangers of high school football in the U.S. Between the years 1995 and 2005 24 players died of heat stroke on America’s high school gridirons, an average much higher than Dakar’s death rate. (2.4 per year for the record)
You can bet your Rosary Beads some of those deaths occurred at Catholic schools. So where’s the editorial lamenting those deaths and decrying that sport?
As for the remainder of the Vatican’s editorial, wow. Just WOW!
It reads like the Loonbats of Greenpeace have setup shop in the Papal City. The Vatican may be regarded by some as the Miniscule Seat of a Worldwide Empire, but if this is an example of their critical thinking their Empire might best be served if they stuck to doing what they do best. Saving lost souls.
And holding Bingo games.
Paris to Dakar, Vatican, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle
BTW, exactly where was the press release from the Vatican, situated in Italy, when neighbouring (former) Yugoslavia was slaughtering people of all faiths, creeds & cultures. AND THAT WAS RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
Wow, and I thought Steve Waid calling Matt Borland and Ty Norris unexperienced hacks was the Ridiculous Article of the day.
I’ve been to the Vatican, and seen it all. It was quite an incredible experience, regardless of ones beliefs, and I’m not Catholic by the way.
This is yet just another attempt at Press Whoredom™ really. Something the Vatican has become famous for over the past many years. Their policy looks like it’s set up for them to speak out against something when a) it draws a lot of attention, and b) when there is little threat of repercussions.
Ever see them telling off radical Muslims? Or as Peter notes, the situation in (former) Yugoslavia? Been there too BTW, and had a wonderful time.
Nope. Their method is to get as much attention with as little happening to them in return. Add another to my FTFF list.
Damn, this post got quick action.
But I’m still waiting for the “holier that thou” crowd to hurl the first rock my way.
I’m ready for it but have to say you’ve both used one of my bullets, Slobo and Yugoslavia where in my bandoleer. Good thing the Vatican persists on having a target rich environment.
Well if you need another bullet there is the Vaticans role in the export of Christianity to South America at the the hands of the Spanish. Kind of make the P-D rally look tame.
Just the same the motor bike rally guys are either equiped with big balls or crazy…or both! If I recall, one year a bike rider came off - miles from anywhere - broke both his legs & then proceeded to somehow stick the bike in 1st gear & ride/limp the thing back to base!
Is Dakar covered in the U.S. TV market? I can’t find it.
I’m not sure but believe the best you can do is nightly updates on Speed.
The Dakar website has live tracking and a link to Raid Live that offers a video of the day.
Let’s see, is there any historical precedent of what results when Christians try to impose their will on Muslims? Oh yeah, I seem to recall a couple of crusades and millions of needless deaths over the last thousand years or so.
Way to go R.C.C., keep stirring the pot!
I still can’t believe this. “Bloody Race”? “Irresposibility”? “Exporting Western models”? Give me a freaking break.
It’s a bit insane isn’t it Tina Renee?
Considering 99% of the Dakar is run so far from civilization it makes you wonder who the Vatican thinks “Western models” are being exported to.
Camels, maybe. Or scorpions.
Then there is the matter of having an organization that has done more exporting of a “western model” than any other in the history of man whinning about someone else doing it.
I have been hurling and hurling I just can’t throw the rock that far. At The Vatican, I mean. Jeesh!
…. Oh wait… I thought you got a hold of some bad fish and were hurling.
Maybe UPS can get that rock on its way to Rome Clance’.