Steve Bannon -- A Disgrace to Benedictine
I was a proud JROTC Cadet Captain at Benedictine Military Institute in Richmond, Virginia. I did not always agree with the monks, retired US military commanders or lay teachers who educated us, but they were men of honor. The education I received, and the teachings with which I was instilled, live in and with me every day.
Last week was to have been the 40th anniversary commemoration of my high school graduation and we were to have been in Richmond for the celebration. COVID nixed that. I was there for my 20th and in the intervening years I have re-connected with many former cadets -- some closer now than when were were teenagers -- Republican, Democrat, straight and gay.
Today, Steve Bannon called for the decapitation of a sitting government official, Anthony Fauci. I'll leave aside listing his bona fides for sake of space and common sense. Steve Bannon until recently sat on Benedictine's Board of Trustees. Like me, he was a Benedictine cadet. He was eight years ahead of me, we went to the same church and his family lived around the corner from us. I wish no one ill. However, if Benedictine aspires to live up to their own ideals, they should rise up in indignation and remove Steve Bannon from their official presence. They should forcefully reject his remarks. He has learned nothing from our headmaster Father Adrien and our commandant the admirable Col. Tracy Caine. Both would be appalled.
The motto of the Benedictine order is "Ora et Labora" (Work and Pray). I have visited the birthplace of St. Benedict, now in the earthquake ruins of Norcia, Italy. I have attended mass where he first established a monastery, Subiaco. I have marveled and cried at his tomb, the reconstructed Monte Casino. I spent part of two summers at Benedictine's then mother house, Belmont Abbey North Carolina, during which time I seriously considered entering the monastery.
I say this not because I espouse to be better. I say this because I have seen examples of Benedictine "betterness." Steve Bannon represents nothing in any way familiar with the ideals and beliefs of the Benedictine Order, Benedictine High School, or the fine cadets trying to become fine men. If he does not step down, he should be forced to. He should remember the vows we repeated every morning at formation, a commitment to Duty, Honor and Country.-- David Perry (Palm Springs), Benedictine Class of 1980
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/politics/steve-bannon-dropped-by-attorney/index.html
Last week was to have been the 40th anniversary commemoration of my high school graduation and we were to have been in Richmond for the celebration. COVID nixed that. I was there for my 20th and in the intervening years I have re-connected with many former cadets -- some closer now than when were were teenagers -- Republican, Democrat, straight and gay.
Today, Steve Bannon called for the decapitation of a sitting government official, Anthony Fauci. I'll leave aside listing his bona fides for sake of space and common sense. Steve Bannon until recently sat on Benedictine's Board of Trustees. Like me, he was a Benedictine cadet. He was eight years ahead of me, we went to the same church and his family lived around the corner from us. I wish no one ill. However, if Benedictine aspires to live up to their own ideals, they should rise up in indignation and remove Steve Bannon from their official presence. They should forcefully reject his remarks. He has learned nothing from our headmaster Father Adrien and our commandant the admirable Col. Tracy Caine. Both would be appalled.
The motto of the Benedictine order is "Ora et Labora" (Work and Pray). I have visited the birthplace of St. Benedict, now in the earthquake ruins of Norcia, Italy. I have attended mass where he first established a monastery, Subiaco. I have marveled and cried at his tomb, the reconstructed Monte Casino. I spent part of two summers at Benedictine's then mother house, Belmont Abbey North Carolina, during which time I seriously considered entering the monastery.
I say this not because I espouse to be better. I say this because I have seen examples of Benedictine "betterness." Steve Bannon represents nothing in any way familiar with the ideals and beliefs of the Benedictine Order, Benedictine High School, or the fine cadets trying to become fine men. If he does not step down, he should be forced to. He should remember the vows we repeated every morning at formation, a commitment to Duty, Honor and Country.-- David Perry (Palm Springs), Benedictine Class of 1980
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/politics/steve-bannon-dropped-by-attorney/index.html
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