Less attention to the converted

novak

Associated Press photo

For all his years spent as a prominent Washington journalist with incisive wit and insightful reporting, Robert Novak started getting less public notice after he converted to Catholicism several years ago. His passing this week went by largely unobserved. He would not have minded.

After Novak’s conversion, he saw everything differently.

“When I started out, I didn’t have any agenda or tablet of principles at all. But in the course of writing about things and getting exclusive information, I might have helped certain causes,” he once said in an interview.

“When we started the column, Rowly and I were neutral on abortion, maybe leaning toward pro-choice. I began to read, think about it, and by the time I embraced Catholicism, I was adamantly against abortion. I’m happy that I moved in that direction,” he said.

Novak went on to say that he wish he had written more about the topic.

“I think I would have been better off to write about tax cuts and abortion and less about inside politics,” he said.

Good message. It came after a long career of writing exceptionally well about inside politics. The Chicago Sun-Times notes how Novak shared his wisdom with succeeding generations.

He was always eager to share his passion for public policy and politics. In speeches to college graduation classes, Bob distilled the essence of his years-long ruminations on America for young people just starting out in life:

“Always love your country — but never trust your government!

“That should not be misunderstood. I certainly am not advocating civil disobedience, must less insurrection or rebellion. What I am advocating is to not expect too much from government and be wary of it power, even the power of a democratic government in a free country.

“Ours is one of the mildest, most benevolent governments in the world. But it too has the power to take your wealth and forfeit your life. … A government that can give you everything can take everything away.”

Timely message now. 

I remember when Novak explained the moment that began his conversion, when a young woman on a college campus spoke with him after his talk and asked him his views about God and religion. He was rather tepid and noncommittal. She then said “Remember, Mr. Novak, life is short. But eternity is forever.”

May he rest in peace.

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