Cardinal Mahony Needs To Come Clean

You would think since the days of the "NIXON TAPES", that public figures would realize the obvious, "TAPES DON"T LIE !!". Our esteem Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, is the latest public figure to learn this. In a front page story, above the fold of the "LA ANTONIA TIMES". It is disclose that comments Cardinal Mahony made on tape to his superiors, differ from his public comments in regards to the case of Father Lynn Caffoe.

In public comments, Cardinal Mahony stated that a video tape at the center of the allegations of criminal behavior by Father Caffoe with young boys, showed no criminal behavior. Yet in private discussions with Vatican Officials. Cardinal Mahony states that the tape shows Father Caffoe in a "STATE OF SEXUAL AROUSAL" with partially naked boys. It is thes private discussions and notes that Cardinal Mahony fought all the way to the Supreme Court, from becoming public.

More telling for the Cardinal is the statement to his superiors in the Vatican that "CRIMINAL ACTIVITY" did take place in the Father Caffoe Case. Yet he never reported this to the District Attorney's Office. what takes place next is up to the District Attorney. District Attorney spokeswoman stated this, "Whether the videotape could serve as the basis for prosecution depends on when it was made, who is in it, and whether they would testify".

The fact that the District Attorney's Office would even consider criminal charges against Cardinal Mahony is a "Bombshell" that will shake the local community. Cardinal Mahony has been a strong ally of the Mayor on "IMMIGRANT RIGHTS". But as witness this morning on Talk Radio and in past Steve Lopez columns. The "AURA OF RIGHTEOUS BARING" is wearing thin.

For Cardinal Mahony's part, he stated through his Attorney J. Michael Hennigan, that all his public comments have been truthful. but for the integrity of the local church, it is time for him to make all information, in regards to the "Priest Scandal" public, and stop the "Stonewalling". Stonewalling just prolongs the hurt for the affected parties.