http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuAstDdFA2M
Why even Susan admits the Republicans are at 28%. Sheeeeesh!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
REPUBLICAN LEADER THINKS CATHOLIC RIGHT-WING IS GOING TOO FAR
from NCR:
Politicizing Communion harms interests of the church
Ambassador Thomas P. Melady
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/politicizing-communion-harms-interests-church
It was only a few decades ago that no one questioned a fellow Catholic’s decision either to receive or not to receive the Eucharist. This tradition has been slowly and regrettably compromised over the past 20 years. Holy Communion has become, in some circles, a political football.
The trend is unmistakable:
The vice president of the United States was told by the bishop of his native city that he should not present himself for Communion there. The full body of the U.S. bishops at its general meeting in November 2007 approved an election guide called “Faithful Citizenship” intended for all U.S. Catholics. However, the bishop of the vice president’s diocese said he did not regard it as “official.”
A former Republican official is circulating a petition among Catholics urging all bishops to bar Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, President Obama’s nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, from receiving Communion in every diocese in the country, including Washington.
Most recently, disturbing statements have been made severely criticizing the archbishop of Washington and the bishop of Arlington, Va., because they refuse to politicize the Eucharist. A few individuals claiming to be “courageous and dedicated Catholics” have publicly criticized these two fine shepherds for allegedly violating their responsibilities to respect the sanctity of holy Communion. How disappointing it is when there is every appearance that the motives of those criticizing these bishops are political.
I’ve had some personal experience with those who question the motives instead of the ideas of their political opponents.
In the early stages of the 2008 presidential election, a few of us noticed the bitter tones being used by some Catholics to describe several prominent candidates. They were openly referred to as “baby killers.” A friend and I coauthored a statement on civility, which called on both sides of the partisan aisles to be frank, candid and forceful in their analysis of the candidates, emphasizing, however, that a respectful tone ought to be used in presenting their findings in the public square.
The statement was warmly greeted by many, though my wife Margaret (who authored a book on Pope John Paul II) and I were publicly informed by one rabid partisan that we were “damned to hell” for advocating civility in the discussion of these issues.
I fear that the situation is getting out of control. Many had hoped that once the presidential elections took place, Republicans, especially Catholic Republicans, would practice engagement with the Obama administration and those on the other side of the political aisle — that we would present our ideas without the rabid emotionalism that serves only to question the integrity of our opponents. Our role, in the best traditions of a pluralistic democracy, would be that of the loyal opposition.
Pope Benedict XVI modeled this sort of behavior when he met in mid-February with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who favors abortion rights. The Holy Father spoke clearly and candidly in calling the Speaker’s attention to the responsibilities of Catholic public officials to support Catholic teachings on life. There was no mention of not being allowed to receive Communion.
Likewise, when Benedict visited the United States last year, a few partisan activists wanted the Holy Father to forbid a select few Catholic members of Congress who attended the papal Mass from receiving the Eucharist. That, of course, did not occur.
As a lifelong Republican, I am concerned by the actions of a few party activists who claim that the Republican Party is the only party appropriate for Catholics. Their method has been to involve a few Catholic prelates in criticizing Democratic candidates. This small group of lay Catholic Republicans is actively campaigning to pressure the bishops with petitions to ban certain high Democratic officials from receiving Communion. This is not their responsibility.
Bishops, like all citizens, have the right and duty to engage in public debate on all issues. But the activity of a very few is harming the influence of a majority of bishops who are seeking to engage the opposition in a civil manner. When these actions are combined with those of a few lay Catholics who use the church’s teachings to achieve political goals, it harms the long-term interests of the church.
I suggest that we carefully study and follow the official position of the U.S. Catholic bishops as pronounced in their November 2007 statement on “Faithful Citizenship.”
Further, I urge all American Catholics to look to the inspiration of Pope John Paul II. The Holy Father was very clear on the teachings of the church when it came to the life issues and to questions of marriage. He was, however, never uncivil or negative in describing individuals who were not following the teachings of Christ in these matters.
He set a high standard for civility and human decency. It is one we should all aim to emulate.
Dr. Thomas Patrick Melady is the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. He was also ambassador to Burundi and Uganda. The president emeritus of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., he also served in the administrations of three Republican presidents.
Politicizing Communion harms interests of the church
Ambassador Thomas P. Melady
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/politicizing-communion-harms-interests-church
It was only a few decades ago that no one questioned a fellow Catholic’s decision either to receive or not to receive the Eucharist. This tradition has been slowly and regrettably compromised over the past 20 years. Holy Communion has become, in some circles, a political football.
The trend is unmistakable:
The vice president of the United States was told by the bishop of his native city that he should not present himself for Communion there. The full body of the U.S. bishops at its general meeting in November 2007 approved an election guide called “Faithful Citizenship” intended for all U.S. Catholics. However, the bishop of the vice president’s diocese said he did not regard it as “official.”
A former Republican official is circulating a petition among Catholics urging all bishops to bar Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, President Obama’s nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, from receiving Communion in every diocese in the country, including Washington.
Most recently, disturbing statements have been made severely criticizing the archbishop of Washington and the bishop of Arlington, Va., because they refuse to politicize the Eucharist. A few individuals claiming to be “courageous and dedicated Catholics” have publicly criticized these two fine shepherds for allegedly violating their responsibilities to respect the sanctity of holy Communion. How disappointing it is when there is every appearance that the motives of those criticizing these bishops are political.
I’ve had some personal experience with those who question the motives instead of the ideas of their political opponents.
In the early stages of the 2008 presidential election, a few of us noticed the bitter tones being used by some Catholics to describe several prominent candidates. They were openly referred to as “baby killers.” A friend and I coauthored a statement on civility, which called on both sides of the partisan aisles to be frank, candid and forceful in their analysis of the candidates, emphasizing, however, that a respectful tone ought to be used in presenting their findings in the public square.
The statement was warmly greeted by many, though my wife Margaret (who authored a book on Pope John Paul II) and I were publicly informed by one rabid partisan that we were “damned to hell” for advocating civility in the discussion of these issues.
I fear that the situation is getting out of control. Many had hoped that once the presidential elections took place, Republicans, especially Catholic Republicans, would practice engagement with the Obama administration and those on the other side of the political aisle — that we would present our ideas without the rabid emotionalism that serves only to question the integrity of our opponents. Our role, in the best traditions of a pluralistic democracy, would be that of the loyal opposition.
Pope Benedict XVI modeled this sort of behavior when he met in mid-February with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who favors abortion rights. The Holy Father spoke clearly and candidly in calling the Speaker’s attention to the responsibilities of Catholic public officials to support Catholic teachings on life. There was no mention of not being allowed to receive Communion.
Likewise, when Benedict visited the United States last year, a few partisan activists wanted the Holy Father to forbid a select few Catholic members of Congress who attended the papal Mass from receiving the Eucharist. That, of course, did not occur.
As a lifelong Republican, I am concerned by the actions of a few party activists who claim that the Republican Party is the only party appropriate for Catholics. Their method has been to involve a few Catholic prelates in criticizing Democratic candidates. This small group of lay Catholic Republicans is actively campaigning to pressure the bishops with petitions to ban certain high Democratic officials from receiving Communion. This is not their responsibility.
Bishops, like all citizens, have the right and duty to engage in public debate on all issues. But the activity of a very few is harming the influence of a majority of bishops who are seeking to engage the opposition in a civil manner. When these actions are combined with those of a few lay Catholics who use the church’s teachings to achieve political goals, it harms the long-term interests of the church.
I suggest that we carefully study and follow the official position of the U.S. Catholic bishops as pronounced in their November 2007 statement on “Faithful Citizenship.”
Further, I urge all American Catholics to look to the inspiration of Pope John Paul II. The Holy Father was very clear on the teachings of the church when it came to the life issues and to questions of marriage. He was, however, never uncivil or negative in describing individuals who were not following the teachings of Christ in these matters.
He set a high standard for civility and human decency. It is one we should all aim to emulate.
Dr. Thomas Patrick Melady is the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. He was also ambassador to Burundi and Uganda. The president emeritus of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., he also served in the administrations of three Republican presidents.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mrs. Clinton Honors Blessed Lady of Guadalupe
Today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Mexico City's Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic shrine in the Americas. At the conclusion of her visit, she left flowers and lit a candle in honor of Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. She was welcomed by the Basilica's Rector, Father Monroy, who blessed Mrs. Clinton.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Right-Wing Group Calls on Notre Dame to Cancel President Obama Commencement Address
the whole story here (it's really good!): http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/95431
March 22, 2009
Is the "Catholic" Pro-Life Action League an anti-American organization that, like GOP leader Rush Limbaugh, wants President Barack Obama "to fail?"
An obscure Right-Wing Chicago-based radical group calling itself the "Pro-Life Action League" and its national director, Joe Scheidler, are calling on respected Notre Dame University President, Rev. John Jenkins, to withdraw his invitation to President Barack Obama to deliver a commencement address there on May 17. President Obama, a Democrat, is the first African American elected President of the United States. Obama won election in an enormous landslide victory over his war-mongering conservative opponents John McCain and Sarah Palin. He took the Oath of Office just two months ago as record numbers of Americans and well-wishers around the world watched in hopeful anticipation.
Our nation is fighting the war on terrorism at home and abroad plus two horrific wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. American soldiers are sacrificing their lives for their country, and thousands have already died for our freedom. Americans are suffering the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression with record unemployment and record bankruptcies. Our educational and healthcare systems are breaking at the seams with thousands of kids dropping out of school, while many more of the poor and destitute lack the health care coverage they need to fight disease. So instead of helping to solve these problems, conservative leaders such as GOP spokesperson (and prescription drug abuser) Rush Limbaugh and some weirdo irrelevant self-appointed "Catholic spokesperson" Joe Scheidler, are publicly and repeatedly hoping that our Black President, Barack Obama, "fails" during his Presidency.
This, in my opinion, is treason. We all know that President Obama inherited the economic, health care, and education problems we are all suffering now from conservative Republican George W. Bush and a conservative Republican Congress that held control for most of Bush´s eight years in office. Where was the "pro-life" movement during the Bush Administration when we needed a Constitutional amendment to ban abortions? Where was the "pro-life" movement during the Bush Administration when we needed a Constitutional amendment to ban the death penalty? Where was the "pro-life" movement during the Bush Administration when we needed a stimulus for universal health care to help our poor? Where was the "pro-life" movement in the U.S. when Pope Benedict called on Catholics to oppose the war in Iraq? Answer: nowhere. Why would any Catholic oppose President Obama, the first African American elected as Commander-in-Chief? For Catholics, on the issue of abortion, let´s face the facts: For eight of the last ten years, Republicans controlled the White House, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the majority of the courts, the majority of state legislatures, and the majority of Governorships. During their many years of complete GOP control, Republicans SAID they were opposed to abortion, but did absolutely NOTHING to stop or reduce the number of abortions in the United States. Republicans had their chance on the issue of abortion and did NOTHING. When Democrats took control of Congress in the early 1960s, they held control for over 40 years. Democrats now hold a comfortable majority in both the U.S. House and Senate. The majority of seats up for re-election just two years from now are mostly Republican. The Republican Party brand is at its worst reputation since President Hoover (also a Republican) led the nation to the Great Depression. That´s why many in the GOP think the Republican Party should change its name – to re-brand itself. So, as a consequence of complete Republican Control in Congress and the White House, there was no Constitutional amendment to eliminate abortions, little to no proposed legislation to curtail abortion, and only LIP SERVICE to the many conservative Catholics who used to be a part of the Republican base – but who have now left the party to become Independents. We al know that most mainstream Republicans hate Catholics (and Mormons) anyway. We all know that the Republican Party base will never nominate a Catholic to be President because the Republican Party base (which is almost entirely Southern Baptist and Evangelical) believes that the Pope is the "anti-Christ." They hope the Pope "fails," too. That´s why the majority of elected officials who happen to be Catholic are members of the Democratic Party. Like President John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic elected to that office, they are Democrats. Why? Because Democrats care not just about keeping abortions rare and safe, Democrats care about education, health care, the environment, and the economy. Republicans, on the other hand, care little about these issues and care most about helping the rich – at the expense of the middle class and poor.
... Most of the pro-life, pro-Christian lobbyists who worked with the White House during the Bush years, believe that the Bush Administration gave them lip-service and cared little about pro-life and Christian ideals. Reflecting upon the Bush years in the White House, the pro-life, pro-Christian leaders often say that the Bush Administration approached them with distain, indifference, and ridicule.The Bush Administration and the GOP are happy to have pro-life members vote for them during elections, knowing that after they take office and do nothing to help the pro-life movement, those voters have no place else to go.
March 22, 2009
Is the "Catholic" Pro-Life Action League an anti-American organization that, like GOP leader Rush Limbaugh, wants President Barack Obama "to fail?"
An obscure Right-Wing Chicago-based radical group calling itself the "Pro-Life Action League" and its national director, Joe Scheidler, are calling on respected Notre Dame University President, Rev. John Jenkins, to withdraw his invitation to President Barack Obama to deliver a commencement address there on May 17. President Obama, a Democrat, is the first African American elected President of the United States. Obama won election in an enormous landslide victory over his war-mongering conservative opponents John McCain and Sarah Palin. He took the Oath of Office just two months ago as record numbers of Americans and well-wishers around the world watched in hopeful anticipation.
Our nation is fighting the war on terrorism at home and abroad plus two horrific wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. American soldiers are sacrificing their lives for their country, and thousands have already died for our freedom. Americans are suffering the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression with record unemployment and record bankruptcies. Our educational and healthcare systems are breaking at the seams with thousands of kids dropping out of school, while many more of the poor and destitute lack the health care coverage they need to fight disease. So instead of helping to solve these problems, conservative leaders such as GOP spokesperson (and prescription drug abuser) Rush Limbaugh and some weirdo irrelevant self-appointed "Catholic spokesperson" Joe Scheidler, are publicly and repeatedly hoping that our Black President, Barack Obama, "fails" during his Presidency.
This, in my opinion, is treason. We all know that President Obama inherited the economic, health care, and education problems we are all suffering now from conservative Republican George W. Bush and a conservative Republican Congress that held control for most of Bush´s eight years in office. Where was the "pro-life" movement during the Bush Administration when we needed a Constitutional amendment to ban abortions? Where was the "pro-life" movement during the Bush Administration when we needed a Constitutional amendment to ban the death penalty? Where was the "pro-life" movement during the Bush Administration when we needed a stimulus for universal health care to help our poor? Where was the "pro-life" movement in the U.S. when Pope Benedict called on Catholics to oppose the war in Iraq? Answer: nowhere. Why would any Catholic oppose President Obama, the first African American elected as Commander-in-Chief? For Catholics, on the issue of abortion, let´s face the facts: For eight of the last ten years, Republicans controlled the White House, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the majority of the courts, the majority of state legislatures, and the majority of Governorships. During their many years of complete GOP control, Republicans SAID they were opposed to abortion, but did absolutely NOTHING to stop or reduce the number of abortions in the United States. Republicans had their chance on the issue of abortion and did NOTHING. When Democrats took control of Congress in the early 1960s, they held control for over 40 years. Democrats now hold a comfortable majority in both the U.S. House and Senate. The majority of seats up for re-election just two years from now are mostly Republican. The Republican Party brand is at its worst reputation since President Hoover (also a Republican) led the nation to the Great Depression. That´s why many in the GOP think the Republican Party should change its name – to re-brand itself. So, as a consequence of complete Republican Control in Congress and the White House, there was no Constitutional amendment to eliminate abortions, little to no proposed legislation to curtail abortion, and only LIP SERVICE to the many conservative Catholics who used to be a part of the Republican base – but who have now left the party to become Independents. We al know that most mainstream Republicans hate Catholics (and Mormons) anyway. We all know that the Republican Party base will never nominate a Catholic to be President because the Republican Party base (which is almost entirely Southern Baptist and Evangelical) believes that the Pope is the "anti-Christ." They hope the Pope "fails," too. That´s why the majority of elected officials who happen to be Catholic are members of the Democratic Party. Like President John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic elected to that office, they are Democrats. Why? Because Democrats care not just about keeping abortions rare and safe, Democrats care about education, health care, the environment, and the economy. Republicans, on the other hand, care little about these issues and care most about helping the rich – at the expense of the middle class and poor.
... Most of the pro-life, pro-Christian lobbyists who worked with the White House during the Bush years, believe that the Bush Administration gave them lip-service and cared little about pro-life and Christian ideals. Reflecting upon the Bush years in the White House, the pro-life, pro-Christian leaders often say that the Bush Administration approached them with distain, indifference, and ridicule.The Bush Administration and the GOP are happy to have pro-life members vote for them during elections, knowing that after they take office and do nothing to help the pro-life movement, those voters have no place else to go.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Catholics Honor Cesar Chavez
The National Catholic Rural Life Conference remembers and honors the life of Cesar Chavez, who is commemorated on March 31 every year. He was a Mexican American farm worker, union leader and civil rights activist; his birthday on March 31 is declared a holiday in eight states. We invite you to learn about his life and work at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/César_Chávez
Also, visit the website of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation to learn more and what you can do for this year's theme, "Si Se Puede! Yes We Can!"
http://www.chavezfoundation.org/
Friday, March 20, 2009
PRESIDENT TO SPEAK AT NOTRE DAME
PRESIDENT OBAMA ACCEPTS INVITATION FROM UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME TO BE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
President Barack Obama will be the commencement speaker at the University of Notre Dame this May, at the invitation of Catholic university. Notre Dame as long been considered one of the premier Catholic universities in the United States. The strong support he received from Notre Dame community was also essential for his amazing victory in Indiana during the November election.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Religious Right Groups Meet with White House
Breaking News...
Month three of the Obama Administration and today the Family Research Council (FRC) and Concerned Women of America (CWA), often called the most vocal right-wing groups in the nation, went to the White House to meet with the President's director of faith-based initiatives about finding common ground on religious-related issues including protecting human life.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? As far as we know, still AWOL on taking the President up on his offer to work to reduce abortions. I guess reducing abortion is less important than maintaining an animus towards the President.
Shame on the bishops.
We are still watching and counting the days.
Month three of the Obama Administration and today the Family Research Council (FRC) and Concerned Women of America (CWA), often called the most vocal right-wing groups in the nation, went to the White House to meet with the President's director of faith-based initiatives about finding common ground on religious-related issues including protecting human life.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? As far as we know, still AWOL on taking the President up on his offer to work to reduce abortions. I guess reducing abortion is less important than maintaining an animus towards the President.
Shame on the bishops.
We are still watching and counting the days.
Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade Honors Biden Family
Biden’s sister feels at home in Scranton
BY JOSH MCAULIFFE, Scranton Times-Tribune
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Valerie Biden Owens and her family left Scranton more than 50 years ago. In her heart, though, The Electric City is still home. “We always called Scranton home,” she said. “It’s part of your blood. Part of your culture. Part of who you are. It’s just indelible.”Tonight, Mrs. Biden Owens, the sister of Vice President Joe Biden, will be back in her hometown to give the principal address at the Society of Irish Women’s 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Mrs. Biden Owens’ mother, Jean Finnegan Biden, also will be honored at the dinner, but will not be able to attend after a fall at her Delaware home this past weekend.
for the full story, click here:
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/articles/2009/03/17/lifestyles/sc_times_trib.20090317.c.pg1.tt17irishwomen_s1.2376113_fea.prt
also, click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xkw8ip43Vk
BY JOSH MCAULIFFE, Scranton Times-Tribune
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Valerie Biden Owens and her family left Scranton more than 50 years ago. In her heart, though, The Electric City is still home. “We always called Scranton home,” she said. “It’s part of your blood. Part of your culture. Part of who you are. It’s just indelible.”Tonight, Mrs. Biden Owens, the sister of Vice President Joe Biden, will be back in her hometown to give the principal address at the Society of Irish Women’s 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Mrs. Biden Owens’ mother, Jean Finnegan Biden, also will be honored at the dinner, but will not be able to attend after a fall at her Delaware home this past weekend.
for the full story, click here:
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/articles/2009/03/17/lifestyles/sc_times_trib.20090317.c.pg1.tt17irishwomen_s1.2376113_fea.prt
also, click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xkw8ip43Vk
Monday, March 16, 2009
VATICAN HOPING FOR MEETING WITH OBAMA
Holy See Hopes for President to Meet with Pope
While no official request has yet come from the President, high Vatican officials are hoping to arrange a meeting with President Obama and the Pope around the time the President is visiting Europe for the G8 Summit in July. The meeting could also come with the London G20 Summit in April.
While no official request has yet come from the President, high Vatican officials are hoping to arrange a meeting with President Obama and the Pope around the time the President is visiting Europe for the G8 Summit in July. The meeting could also come with the London G20 Summit in April.
Friday, March 13, 2009
ARCHBISHOP SPEAKS ON THE SIN OF RACISM
from Catholic Online...
Racism is present in church, U.S. archbishop says, offering apology, committing to action
12/21/2006
NEW ORLEANS, La. (Catholic Online) – Racism is present in the hearts of some Catholics and institutionally in the Catholic Church which the faithful must work to purge in thought and in action, said a U.S. archbishop in a comprehensive pastoral letter.
In the document, “’Made in the Image and Likeness of God’: A Pastoral Letter on Racial Harmony,” released Dec. 15, New Orleans Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes begged forgiveness for acts the church committed that were racially insensitive or did not promote racial harmony, and committed the church to action.
The pastoral was made available in its entirety in the Dec. 16 issue of the Clarion Herald (www.clarionherald.org).
“I want to express an apology for the way in which I or other members of the church have acted or failed to act,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the past in truth, seek forgiveness and recommit myself and our church in New Orleans to realizing the gospel message in our relations with one another.”
It was released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the issuance by New Orleans Archbishop Joseph Rummel of the landmark and controversial pastoral, “The Morality of Racial Segregation.”
“In this 1956 ground-breaking message,” Archbishop Hughes said of his predecessor, “he announced that racial segregation was to be gradually dismantled in all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. He stated unequivocally: ‘Racial segregation as such is morally wrong and sinful because it is a denial of the unity-solidarity of the human race as conceived by God in the creation of Adam and Eve.’”
The archdiocese celebrates “this courageous pioneer of racial integration,” Archbishop Hughes said, “even as we try to make a realistic assessment of the progress and the challenges that are ours today.”
....Institutional racism is also present in the Catholic Church, he said.
....The archbishop admitted that the church’s response “to this unjust situation has been uneven and often half-hearted.” He pointed to the church not working hard enough to make its teaching against racism known to the Catholic community and the public at large, in not giving racism “a high priority,” and not reacting quickly enough to deal with the issue of “white flight” from parishes.
He pointed to the painful suffering in post-Katrina New Orleans, noting that “the devastating flood water has brought home the still unaddressed issues which weigh heavily upon us: the unacceptably high rate of poverty among African Americans; the limited choices in education because of the failing public schools; the disproportionate percentages without health insurance; the difficulty in finding adequate affordable housing.”
....“If Katrina should enable us to develop public schools which truly teach the mind and form children in virtue; if Katrina should make it possible for us to provide health care for all our citizens including the most vulnerable; if Katrina should goad us into truly working together for flood protection, public transportation, economic development and housing communities which are mixed-income, interracial and culturally uplifting; if Katrina should give rise to more citizens and public officials who truly want to serve the common good, then God will have enabled us to transform tragedy into victory,” the archbishop said.
The archbishop addressed candidly “white privilege,” which he defined as “those with lighter skin color have certain advantages, privileges and benefits that persons of darker color do not enjoy.”
....He said that, while a white person may not espouse racial superiority, “anyone who has accepted social privilege at the expense of people of another race is complicit in the fostering of attitudes and behavior that unfortunately can feed racial disharmony.”
....The archbishop offered 27 specific pastoral “commitments of the archdiocese” to meet the challenge of racism. Included in them are:
- Promotion of liturgies that reflect the religious and cultural diversity of the archdiocese.
- Development of programs of racial and cultural education for clergy, staff, teachers and catechists.
- Creation of policies promoting minority vendor consideration in the archdiocese, especially having to do with the post-Katrina rebuilding effort.
- Development of initiatives to promote “strengthening of marriages and families in the lives of the poor.”
- Advocacy of initiatives in the state and nation on immigration reform, fair wages, housing, education and employment practices.
- Promotion of Christian and non-Christian collaborative efforts to fight racial and cultural discrimination.
- Development of parish efforts to nurture vocations to the priesthood, dioconate and religious life from African- , Asian- and Native-American and Hispanic peoples.
The archbishop, in a section of seven “recommendations for all Catholics,” urged “that we confront and reject any racial stereotypes, remarks and prejudices,” “refrain from membership in clubs or organizations which are not open to a racially or culturally diverse membership” and “vote for public officials who are committed to human life, human dignity and racial, cultural and systemic justice.”
“It is important for us to be able to say,” the archbishop stressed, “there is only one community in our new New Orleans.”
He offered a prayer that the Catholic community “become a place welcoming to linguistically, racially and culturally diverse people, a place of beauty, a place of safety, a place of peace, a place for spiritual enrichment and renewal. God grant us the grace, the wisdom and the courage to realize this vision.”
for the full article, see http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=22439&page=1
Racism is present in church, U.S. archbishop says, offering apology, committing to action
12/21/2006
NEW ORLEANS, La. (Catholic Online) – Racism is present in the hearts of some Catholics and institutionally in the Catholic Church which the faithful must work to purge in thought and in action, said a U.S. archbishop in a comprehensive pastoral letter.
In the document, “’Made in the Image and Likeness of God’: A Pastoral Letter on Racial Harmony,” released Dec. 15, New Orleans Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes begged forgiveness for acts the church committed that were racially insensitive or did not promote racial harmony, and committed the church to action.
The pastoral was made available in its entirety in the Dec. 16 issue of the Clarion Herald (www.clarionherald.org).
“I want to express an apology for the way in which I or other members of the church have acted or failed to act,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the past in truth, seek forgiveness and recommit myself and our church in New Orleans to realizing the gospel message in our relations with one another.”
It was released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the issuance by New Orleans Archbishop Joseph Rummel of the landmark and controversial pastoral, “The Morality of Racial Segregation.”
“In this 1956 ground-breaking message,” Archbishop Hughes said of his predecessor, “he announced that racial segregation was to be gradually dismantled in all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. He stated unequivocally: ‘Racial segregation as such is morally wrong and sinful because it is a denial of the unity-solidarity of the human race as conceived by God in the creation of Adam and Eve.’”
The archdiocese celebrates “this courageous pioneer of racial integration,” Archbishop Hughes said, “even as we try to make a realistic assessment of the progress and the challenges that are ours today.”
....Institutional racism is also present in the Catholic Church, he said.
....The archbishop admitted that the church’s response “to this unjust situation has been uneven and often half-hearted.” He pointed to the church not working hard enough to make its teaching against racism known to the Catholic community and the public at large, in not giving racism “a high priority,” and not reacting quickly enough to deal with the issue of “white flight” from parishes.
He pointed to the painful suffering in post-Katrina New Orleans, noting that “the devastating flood water has brought home the still unaddressed issues which weigh heavily upon us: the unacceptably high rate of poverty among African Americans; the limited choices in education because of the failing public schools; the disproportionate percentages without health insurance; the difficulty in finding adequate affordable housing.”
....“If Katrina should enable us to develop public schools which truly teach the mind and form children in virtue; if Katrina should make it possible for us to provide health care for all our citizens including the most vulnerable; if Katrina should goad us into truly working together for flood protection, public transportation, economic development and housing communities which are mixed-income, interracial and culturally uplifting; if Katrina should give rise to more citizens and public officials who truly want to serve the common good, then God will have enabled us to transform tragedy into victory,” the archbishop said.
The archbishop addressed candidly “white privilege,” which he defined as “those with lighter skin color have certain advantages, privileges and benefits that persons of darker color do not enjoy.”
....He said that, while a white person may not espouse racial superiority, “anyone who has accepted social privilege at the expense of people of another race is complicit in the fostering of attitudes and behavior that unfortunately can feed racial disharmony.”
....The archbishop offered 27 specific pastoral “commitments of the archdiocese” to meet the challenge of racism. Included in them are:
- Promotion of liturgies that reflect the religious and cultural diversity of the archdiocese.
- Development of programs of racial and cultural education for clergy, staff, teachers and catechists.
- Creation of policies promoting minority vendor consideration in the archdiocese, especially having to do with the post-Katrina rebuilding effort.
- Development of initiatives to promote “strengthening of marriages and families in the lives of the poor.”
- Advocacy of initiatives in the state and nation on immigration reform, fair wages, housing, education and employment practices.
- Promotion of Christian and non-Christian collaborative efforts to fight racial and cultural discrimination.
- Development of parish efforts to nurture vocations to the priesthood, dioconate and religious life from African- , Asian- and Native-American and Hispanic peoples.
The archbishop, in a section of seven “recommendations for all Catholics,” urged “that we confront and reject any racial stereotypes, remarks and prejudices,” “refrain from membership in clubs or organizations which are not open to a racially or culturally diverse membership” and “vote for public officials who are committed to human life, human dignity and racial, cultural and systemic justice.”
“It is important for us to be able to say,” the archbishop stressed, “there is only one community in our new New Orleans.”
He offered a prayer that the Catholic community “become a place welcoming to linguistically, racially and culturally diverse people, a place of beauty, a place of safety, a place of peace, a place for spiritual enrichment and renewal. God grant us the grace, the wisdom and the courage to realize this vision.”
for the full article, see http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=22439&page=1
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Democrats Move to Halt Tax Dollars for Abortions
DEMOCRAT'S OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL CURTAILS BUSH POLICY ALLOWING TAX DOLLARS TO PAY FOR ABORTIONS
The Omnibus Appropriations bill passed last night by the Senate and on its way to the President's desk for his signature will take the first steps to end a Bush Administration's program that allowed federal tax dollars to be used to pay for abortions. Pro-Life leaders are awaiting remarks by Archbishop Charlie Chaput (R-CO), who has a commentary on almost every issue.
The 2009 omnibus appropriations bill, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, includes a provision prohibiting the use of funds government -wide to further push privatising government work to contractors. Sen. Richard Durbin, (D-IL), and Rep. Jose Serrano, (D-NY), introduced the measure. The Democratic bill also includes language prohibiting using tax dollars to pay for abortions as part of federal employee's health insurance.
Under the Bush Administration's OMB Circular No. A-76 process, government agencies were under heavy pressure to contract out work being performed by government employees. The Bush Administration allowed these companies to use federal tax dollars to pay for their employee's abortions. No tax dollars are allowed to be used to pay for abortions for federal employees.
The Omnibus Appropriations bill passed last night by the Senate and on its way to the President's desk for his signature will take the first steps to end a Bush Administration's program that allowed federal tax dollars to be used to pay for abortions. Pro-Life leaders are awaiting remarks by Archbishop Charlie Chaput (R-CO), who has a commentary on almost every issue.
The 2009 omnibus appropriations bill, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, includes a provision prohibiting the use of funds government -wide to further push privatising government work to contractors. Sen. Richard Durbin, (D-IL), and Rep. Jose Serrano, (D-NY), introduced the measure. The Democratic bill also includes language prohibiting using tax dollars to pay for abortions as part of federal employee's health insurance.
Under the Bush Administration's OMB Circular No. A-76 process, government agencies were under heavy pressure to contract out work being performed by government employees. The Bush Administration allowed these companies to use federal tax dollars to pay for their employee's abortions. No tax dollars are allowed to be used to pay for abortions for federal employees.
Monday, March 9, 2009
DOWNFALL OF THE CATHOLIC RIGHT
Deal Hudson is Depressed
It is not a good time for the Catholic Right’s Ward-Heeler-in-Chief, Deal Hudson. Hudson admits the Republican Party wants no part of the failed strategy of publicly attacking the faith of Democratic politicians. After a dust up where Hudson’s organization sent out a fundraising letter signed by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) attacking the faith of several Democratic members of Congress, Brownback disowned the letter, saying it was not authorized. Hudson came close to calling Brownback a liar. Regardless of if Brownback did or did not authorize it, he is now running so far away from the ‘attack your opponent’s faith’ strategy, that the Senator is now embracing Kathleen Sebelius, Obama’s nominee for HHS Secretary. The Catholic Right is outraged at the betrayal, though no one outside that narrow world seems to care.
In a way, Hudson’s admission that Catholics, unlike maybe non-union white evangelicals, are swing voters and not wedded to the GOP, might be self-serving. It makes him necessary for the GOP; that is, assuming Hudson has an effective plan to win Catholic voters. His hard edged tactics backfired in the 2008 election, sending a majority of Catholic voters into the arms of the Obama/Biden ticket.
A little history –after years of expensive but failed attempts by the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition to reach out to Catholics, Hudson and the Karls (Rove and Keating) finally moved in a different direction. Instead of trying to build a joint initiative of white Protestant and white Catholic conservatives, overcoming all of the cultural and theological differences between them, they built a coalition of wealthy Catholics conservative on economic issues and Catholic social conservatives. The former provided the money and the later the troops. Finally the Catholic Right had a well financed organization independent of the Catholic Bishop’s broad social vision on life issues, peace, economic justice and family.
This alliance worked in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Progressive Catholics were slow to respond. First, they were uncomfortable with direct appeals to vote based on religious denomination. Further, they viewed it as improper to have partisan organizations claiming to speak for the Church. By 2008, they got over those reservations. Progressive Catholics set up their own counterparts to the Catholic Right organizations.
Hudson, who was quoted Friday in Dan Gilgoff's 'God and Country' column which appears in U.S. News and Report, admitted when asked about their effectiveness: “Now you're forcing me to say nice things about the people who like to beat me up. From a political point of view, those groups made a big difference. When you can get what is taken as a Catholic organization in the mainstream press supporting your guy, that adds a whole new element. We were successful in 2000 and 2004 in keeping the [liberal Catholic groups] Voice of the Faithful and Call to Action at bay because we were able to label them dissident. We haven't been able to do that with Catholics United and Catholics in Alliance.”
It is not a good time for the Catholic Right’s Ward-Heeler-in-Chief, Deal Hudson. Hudson admits the Republican Party wants no part of the failed strategy of publicly attacking the faith of Democratic politicians. After a dust up where Hudson’s organization sent out a fundraising letter signed by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) attacking the faith of several Democratic members of Congress, Brownback disowned the letter, saying it was not authorized. Hudson came close to calling Brownback a liar. Regardless of if Brownback did or did not authorize it, he is now running so far away from the ‘attack your opponent’s faith’ strategy, that the Senator is now embracing Kathleen Sebelius, Obama’s nominee for HHS Secretary. The Catholic Right is outraged at the betrayal, though no one outside that narrow world seems to care.
In a way, Hudson’s admission that Catholics, unlike maybe non-union white evangelicals, are swing voters and not wedded to the GOP, might be self-serving. It makes him necessary for the GOP; that is, assuming Hudson has an effective plan to win Catholic voters. His hard edged tactics backfired in the 2008 election, sending a majority of Catholic voters into the arms of the Obama/Biden ticket.
A little history –after years of expensive but failed attempts by the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition to reach out to Catholics, Hudson and the Karls (Rove and Keating) finally moved in a different direction. Instead of trying to build a joint initiative of white Protestant and white Catholic conservatives, overcoming all of the cultural and theological differences between them, they built a coalition of wealthy Catholics conservative on economic issues and Catholic social conservatives. The former provided the money and the later the troops. Finally the Catholic Right had a well financed organization independent of the Catholic Bishop’s broad social vision on life issues, peace, economic justice and family.
This alliance worked in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Progressive Catholics were slow to respond. First, they were uncomfortable with direct appeals to vote based on religious denomination. Further, they viewed it as improper to have partisan organizations claiming to speak for the Church. By 2008, they got over those reservations. Progressive Catholics set up their own counterparts to the Catholic Right organizations.
Hudson, who was quoted Friday in Dan Gilgoff's 'God and Country' column which appears in U.S. News and Report, admitted when asked about their effectiveness: “Now you're forcing me to say nice things about the people who like to beat me up. From a political point of view, those groups made a big difference. When you can get what is taken as a Catholic organization in the mainstream press supporting your guy, that adds a whole new element. We were successful in 2000 and 2004 in keeping the [liberal Catholic groups] Voice of the Faithful and Call to Action at bay because we were able to label them dissident. We haven't been able to do that with Catholics United and Catholics in Alliance.”
Saturday, March 7, 2009
CATHOLICS FOR SEBELIUS
26 Catholic Priests, Leaders, Scholars and Theologians Join Pro-Life Republican Senator Sam Brownback in Supporting Sebelius for HHS Secretary
Bipartisan group reiterates the Catholic faith’s support for universal health care for all Americans
The statement, posted at Catholics United's Catholics for Sebelius Web site (www.catholicsforsebelius.org), reads as follows:
26 Catholic leaders, scholars and theologians publicly expressed support for the nomination of Governor Sebelius as the next HHS secretary. The statement calls attention to Sebelius successful efforts at reducing abortion in Kansas as well as the Catholic faith’s long standing support for universal health care:
As faithful Catholics we proudly offer our support to Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who has been nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
Governor Sebelius is a woman of deep faith with a proud family history of public service. We believe Governor Sebelius’ record of building the common good, reforming immigration laws, improving schools, innovating health care solutions, and significantly reducing the abortion rate in Kansas, makes her an excellent candidate for HHS Secretary.
Governor Sebelius has demonstrated civility and a new kind of politics that both earned her the respect and collaboration of Republican allies and delivered results for the citizens of Kansas. In addition to offering our support, we also reject the tactics of those who would use Gov. Sebelius’ faith to attack her. As Catholics, we find such partisan use of our religion regrettable and divisive.
What are the facts? Kathleen Sebelius has made clear that she agrees with church teaching that abortion is wrong and has lived and acted according to that belief. As governor she has worked to reduce the number of abortions by supporting expanded prenatal care and adoption incentives, expanding health services for Kansas families, and providing a variety of support services for families.
Among other actions, Governor Sebelius:
signed the Senator Stan Clark Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative Program, a bill which funded support services for pregnant women and alternatives to abortion;
signed Alexa’s Law, to deal with certain crimes against unborn children, which defines an unborn child as a fetus at any state of gestation from fertilization to birth. As a result, if a pregnant woman was murdered, the offender could be charged with the murder of the unborn child as well;
signed a law doubling the adoption tax credit and oversaw an expansion of adoption support spending in Kansas from $17,566,288 in 2003 to a projected $23,279,623 in 2008;
and oversaw a decline in teen pregnancies between 2002 and 2007
Indeed, because of Governor Sebelius' efforts, abortions in Kansas have declined by 10% during her time as governor.
The governor has had disagreements over public policy with leaders in her Church. Yet their disagreement has never been over the morality of abortion, but over what prudential policy is best in dealing with abortion in Kansas. In the United States, it is the legitimate role of government officials to make the prudential decisions about how to implement moral principles in the public square.
Attention to a range of urgent issues is required in order to build a consistent culture of life. As the U.S. bishops said in their 2007 “Faithful Citizenship,”
Affordable and accessible health care is an essential safeguard of human life and a fundamental human right. With an estimated 47 million Americans lacking health care coverage, it is also an urgent national priority. Reform of the nation's health care system needs to be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, and meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, especially born and unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations.
We hope that all Americans will join Governor Sebelius in making this vision a reality. And we hope that people of all faiths will join us in offering our prayers for Governor Sebelius as she prepares to undertake this new leadership role.
Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley
Professor Lisa Sowle Cahill
Nicholas Cafardi (retired Catholic law school dean and FUS board member)
William D’Antonio
Professor Miguel H. Diaz
Michael Duffy
Julia Dowd
Professor Joseph Fahey
Professor Richard Gaillardetz
Fr. David Hollenbach
James P. Joseph
Christopher Korzen
Steven Krueger
Professor Douglas Kmiec
Delores Leckey
Eric LeCompte
Kari J. Lundgren
Professor Jerome Maryon
Fr. Thomas Massaro
Professor Vincent Miller
Professor David O’Brien
Fr. Thomas Reese
Maria Riley
Professor Stephen Schneck
Margaret O’Brien Steinfels
Dr. Patrick Whelan
Bipartisan group reiterates the Catholic faith’s support for universal health care for all Americans
The statement, posted at Catholics United's Catholics for Sebelius Web site (www.catholicsforsebelius.org), reads as follows:
26 Catholic leaders, scholars and theologians publicly expressed support for the nomination of Governor Sebelius as the next HHS secretary. The statement calls attention to Sebelius successful efforts at reducing abortion in Kansas as well as the Catholic faith’s long standing support for universal health care:
As faithful Catholics we proudly offer our support to Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who has been nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
Governor Sebelius is a woman of deep faith with a proud family history of public service. We believe Governor Sebelius’ record of building the common good, reforming immigration laws, improving schools, innovating health care solutions, and significantly reducing the abortion rate in Kansas, makes her an excellent candidate for HHS Secretary.
Governor Sebelius has demonstrated civility and a new kind of politics that both earned her the respect and collaboration of Republican allies and delivered results for the citizens of Kansas. In addition to offering our support, we also reject the tactics of those who would use Gov. Sebelius’ faith to attack her. As Catholics, we find such partisan use of our religion regrettable and divisive.
What are the facts? Kathleen Sebelius has made clear that she agrees with church teaching that abortion is wrong and has lived and acted according to that belief. As governor she has worked to reduce the number of abortions by supporting expanded prenatal care and adoption incentives, expanding health services for Kansas families, and providing a variety of support services for families.
Among other actions, Governor Sebelius:
signed the Senator Stan Clark Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative Program, a bill which funded support services for pregnant women and alternatives to abortion;
signed Alexa’s Law, to deal with certain crimes against unborn children, which defines an unborn child as a fetus at any state of gestation from fertilization to birth. As a result, if a pregnant woman was murdered, the offender could be charged with the murder of the unborn child as well;
signed a law doubling the adoption tax credit and oversaw an expansion of adoption support spending in Kansas from $17,566,288 in 2003 to a projected $23,279,623 in 2008;
and oversaw a decline in teen pregnancies between 2002 and 2007
Indeed, because of Governor Sebelius' efforts, abortions in Kansas have declined by 10% during her time as governor.
The governor has had disagreements over public policy with leaders in her Church. Yet their disagreement has never been over the morality of abortion, but over what prudential policy is best in dealing with abortion in Kansas. In the United States, it is the legitimate role of government officials to make the prudential decisions about how to implement moral principles in the public square.
Attention to a range of urgent issues is required in order to build a consistent culture of life. As the U.S. bishops said in their 2007 “Faithful Citizenship,”
Affordable and accessible health care is an essential safeguard of human life and a fundamental human right. With an estimated 47 million Americans lacking health care coverage, it is also an urgent national priority. Reform of the nation's health care system needs to be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, and meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, especially born and unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations.
We hope that all Americans will join Governor Sebelius in making this vision a reality. And we hope that people of all faiths will join us in offering our prayers for Governor Sebelius as she prepares to undertake this new leadership role.
Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley
Professor Lisa Sowle Cahill
Nicholas Cafardi (retired Catholic law school dean and FUS board member)
William D’Antonio
Professor Miguel H. Diaz
Michael Duffy
Julia Dowd
Professor Joseph Fahey
Professor Richard Gaillardetz
Fr. David Hollenbach
James P. Joseph
Christopher Korzen
Steven Krueger
Professor Douglas Kmiec
Delores Leckey
Eric LeCompte
Kari J. Lundgren
Professor Jerome Maryon
Fr. Thomas Massaro
Professor Vincent Miller
Professor David O’Brien
Fr. Thomas Reese
Maria Riley
Professor Stephen Schneck
Margaret O’Brien Steinfels
Dr. Patrick Whelan
Monday, March 2, 2009
Et tu Brownback?
Right Wing Catholics in Emotional Meltdown over Brownback ‘Betrayal’
Millions of American Catholics have contributed effectively and sincerely to the pro-life movement through personal efforts through organizations like Birthright and others that directly assist women considering abortion, by legislative advocacy for pro-life bills and by participation in the political process. They have stood for virtue while not engaging in counterproductive rhetorical extremism that insults the human dignity of those with whom we disagree with.
Others have set back the pro-life movement with an extremism and a focus on attacking the character of those who disagree with us (or agree with us, but don’t vote as they instruct) rather than defending and explaining the humanity of the unborn.
In the last election, we saw what a disaster this strategy was for them. They hardly found time to mention the unborn, they were so focused on making personal attacks against Obama, Pelosi, Kmiec, Biden, Casey, and others.
Now the attacks move to one of their favorites (formerly). A letter was sent under the name of Senator Sam Brownback on behalf of Deal Hudson’s right wing lay Catholic group. Brownback is a conservative Republican from Kansas, a convert to the Catholic faith and a strong pro-lifer. The text of the letter attacked the Catholic faith of some of Brownback’s Senate colleagues – Catholic Democrats with mixed or misguided voting records on the criminal status of abortion.
There was a kerfuffle as to if the letter was authorized by Brownback or not. Hudson said it was and Brownback is disclaiming it. Whatever the conclusion, Brownback (who is preparing for a race for Governor in Kansas) is making it clear he is not willing to assert that people in public life like Speaker Pelosi and Senator Kennedy are not Catholic.
He is now going a step further in supporting the nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of HHS.
None of this creates any doubt in my mind that the Senator remains a sincere opponent of abortion. The question is, will the extremists now do to him as they did to Professor Doug Kmiec?
Millions of American Catholics have contributed effectively and sincerely to the pro-life movement through personal efforts through organizations like Birthright and others that directly assist women considering abortion, by legislative advocacy for pro-life bills and by participation in the political process. They have stood for virtue while not engaging in counterproductive rhetorical extremism that insults the human dignity of those with whom we disagree with.
Others have set back the pro-life movement with an extremism and a focus on attacking the character of those who disagree with us (or agree with us, but don’t vote as they instruct) rather than defending and explaining the humanity of the unborn.
In the last election, we saw what a disaster this strategy was for them. They hardly found time to mention the unborn, they were so focused on making personal attacks against Obama, Pelosi, Kmiec, Biden, Casey, and others.
Now the attacks move to one of their favorites (formerly). A letter was sent under the name of Senator Sam Brownback on behalf of Deal Hudson’s right wing lay Catholic group. Brownback is a conservative Republican from Kansas, a convert to the Catholic faith and a strong pro-lifer. The text of the letter attacked the Catholic faith of some of Brownback’s Senate colleagues – Catholic Democrats with mixed or misguided voting records on the criminal status of abortion.
There was a kerfuffle as to if the letter was authorized by Brownback or not. Hudson said it was and Brownback is disclaiming it. Whatever the conclusion, Brownback (who is preparing for a race for Governor in Kansas) is making it clear he is not willing to assert that people in public life like Speaker Pelosi and Senator Kennedy are not Catholic.
He is now going a step further in supporting the nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of HHS.
None of this creates any doubt in my mind that the Senator remains a sincere opponent of abortion. The question is, will the extremists now do to him as they did to Professor Doug Kmiec?
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