USCCB Head Writes President Bush On Supreme Court Vacancy

USCCB.org/communications ^ | 07-06-05 | Most Reverend William S. Skylstad

[johnb838]

All catholics are pro-life

[johnb838]

I thought the death penalty gave a soul a chance to receive mercy from God because it had reached a pass where on earth it would receive none. I thought warfare was justified to protect and save the innocent from being brutalized from the strong.

I don't like the liberal influences on the church either. Had enough of that crap in the Episcopal church, and they aren't even as in your face about it as some of the catholics are. I think it's that Catholic guilt thing.

[siunevada]

**and favor restraining and ending the use of the death penalty.**

Guess he had to get his two cents in, huh?

From my lofty perch I would advise the U.S. bishops: Don't Put The Cart In Front Of The Horse, Gentlemen!

If you want a restrained and rarely used penalty you will first have to work for legislatures and a judiciary that will remove unjust aggressors from society for their entire natural lives. Do that first and then we'll talk. No fig leaves, please!

Of course, with escape artists like Ted Bundy, life imprisonment is really not a feasible alternative. That is, if you are actually serious about protecting the innocent.

[FourtySeven]

I'm actually feeling pretty good about this nomination process. It's going to be TOUGH, but my feeling is we're going to get a good one in there. We will succeed.

[jwalsh07]

Since Bush's election, he has spoken by phone to the crowd assembled at the grandstand prior to the March for Life. In each instance he has stated unequivocally that his goal is to protect the unborn in law.

It's now time to walk the talk. If he appoints a squishy justice who thinks Roe is unassailable and stare decisis rules, I'll be one pissed off guy.

[InterestedQuestioner]

Thanks for the ping, Salvation. The challenge we are having now is that there are many in our society who refuse to recognize that human life between fertilization and birth is still LIFE, and that of course causes problems with their interpretation of the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

All induced abortion is homicide.

It's good Bishop Skylstad has clearly established the Catholic expectations for a fair and competent jurist, as I've seen at least one heterodox article that has tried to muddy the waters by claiming that the true Catholic concerns on other legal issues such as gun control and the environment outweigh our concerns about abortion.

[Bigg Red]

I think it's that Catholic guilt thing.

**
I suppose.

[InterestedQuestioner]

I'm actually feeling pretty good about this nomination process. It's going to be TOUGH, but my feeling is we're going to get a good one in there. We will succeed.

May it be as you say.