[Vicomte13]

The problem for Catholics is that religiously they are fiscally liberal and socially conservative.

Followers of the Catholic faith oppose abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. The most obedient oppose the death penalty and are not hardliners on immigration.

They support Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare, good public education, a robust safety net, and redistributive justice.

This set of values sits 50% in both political parties, and so do Catholics.

Republican social policies are generally good, from a Catholic perspective, except for the death penalty and the bitter opposition to amnesty for illegals. But Republicans stink on economic and welfare issues.

Democrat economic policies are generally good, from a Catholic perspective, but the Democrats stink on social issues except for their opposition to the death penalty and milder view towards amnesty for illegal immigrants.

What America really needs is a Catholic Party, like the European Christian Democrats. It would hold the balance of power on many issues, and would also double as a veteran's party, because Catholics are way over-represented in the military.

But, Catholics don't like to organize politically on religious lines. It's not in the tradition of the Church.

So that split between the parties is lilkly to remain for Catholics, depending on which of the issues - social or economic - any particular Catholic thinks is most important.

[PAR35]

The problem for Catholics is that religiously they are fiscally liberal and socially conservative.

Yes, those 'social conservatives' like Ted Kennedy and Cynthia McKinney.

[A. Pole]

The problem for Catholics is that religiously they are fiscally liberal and socially conservative.

Free Market Fundamentalism is not conservative:

Encyclical Rerum Novarum of Leo XIII, 15 May 1891

Encyclical Centesimus annus of John Paul II, 1 May 1991

[Incorrigible]

The disparity between Catholics that you note is related to the CINO (Catholic In Name Only) phenomenon.   Many of those that support Democrats may tell pollsters they are Catholic but do not attend Catholic Services with any regularity.  There are the full blown Commie Catholics like you find in Catholic Charities but at least they tend to go out and do helpful things rather than grouse about the Bishop asking for a pledge.

The debates with my relatives at holiday dinners reflect this divide as well.

However, I point out to them that real Catholic concern for the poor is reflected in the outcome, not by simply pouring more money into failed social programs.  And I use the welfare reform act as a primary example.  I ask them why they take deductions on their taxes if the government is doing such a good job.  I haven't quite won them over but I'm making some progress in causing cognitive dissonance among my fair weather Catholic relatives and friends.

 

[ansel12]

"and would also double as a veteran's party, because Catholics are way over-represented in the military."





I know there are a lot of Latinos in the military, but where can I find those numbers?

[Antoninus]

The problem for Catholics is that religiously they are fiscally liberal and socially conservative.

I'd wager that about 5 percent of the so-called Catholics in Congress are actual Catholics. Many of them may be under latae sententiae excommunication based on their voting record on abortion.

[Preachin']

"The problem for Catholics is that religiously they are fiscally liberal and socially conservative."

And many have more allegiance to their union hall than to their God.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Catholics have allowed the Democrat party to survive. They are the core of the party's strength in the big cities.

Jews are apparently suicidal since they are so overwhelmingly Democrat.

[Salvation]

Catholics came out for Bush in 2000. Maybe they can come out for the next nominee too.