Reader's view: Commentary on St. Michael's inappropriate

There are substantial reasons for parishioners of St. Michael’s to be frustrated by the imposed changes at St. Michael’s Lakeside School (“Catholic elementary school to close,” Jan. 17).

But these were not accurately or appropriately outlined in parishioner James Geidner’s Jan. 24 Local View commentary, “Duluth diocesan school plan abusive to children.” The suggestion that Fr. Richard Kunst has not been supportive of St. Michael’s Lakeside School had a solid basis in fact. Geidner also was correct in pointing out that, unlike most diocesan schools, St. Michael’s has been growing and is financially sound. A decision to close it (actually, St. Michael’s is to continue indefinitely as a preschool) cannot be justified on fiscal grounds.

Beyond these observations, however, Geidner's rant consisted of unsubstantiated conspiracy theory and strawman arguments. His insistence on framing his commentary as a liberal (good) vs. conservative (evil) issue likely reflected the unidimensional mindset of the university faculty lounge; it did not demonstrate insight into the complex realities faced by Bishop Paul Sirba and the diocese. Further, there was no justification in cloaking his ill-conceived fury in inflammatory comments about child abuse.

If he truly agrees with 18th-century French philosopher Denis Diderot that the Catholic Church would benefit from strangling its clergy with regal entrails, he should leave.

David McKee

Duluth

The writer is a trustee of St. Michael’s Parish.