[sinkspur]

"Bishop Burke has a right to instruct me on matters of faith and morals in my private life and - like any other citizen - to try by persuasion, not dictation, to affect my vote on any public matter. But, when he attempts to use his ecclesiastical position to dictate to American public officials how the power of law should be brought to bear against Americans who do not necessarily share our religious beliefs, on abortion or any other public issue, he crosses the line into unacceptable territory.

The bishop is not doing that Davey. He's telling you that the way you vote on the power of law is contrary to Catholic teaching.

Part of moral suasion is to make certain that the object of that suasion is aware that his actions must conform with the teachings one professes to believe.

Burke is perfectly consistent; Obey is not.

[ninenot]

Dave Obey is still PO'd that the Dems are a minority; he's a lifer in Congress and is not about to put up with some Bishop telling HIM what to do or how to believe.

The 'spin' will ALWAYS be that "I'm representing my District...and the Constitution....Church and State....Papist Dictators...Torquemada..."

Wonder how that spin will play with St. Pete at the Pearlies?