Now what?

Election 2012 is now in the books and the President beat back the challenge of Mitt Romney to earn four more years in the White House.  President Obama apparently held off Romney in Ohio, other midwest states, and perhaps Florida to claim the electoral college.  At the time of this writing, he also just went ahead of Romney in a razor thin popular vote count.  Romeny plans to concede in the next few moments and Obama will claim victory sometime near 1 a.m.

Now what?  I'm sure most people who value pro-life and are concerned about religious liberty are very disappointed tonight.  They may be asking themselves, how could this leader, with a poorly performing economy and a culture of death, not be defeated?  There are probably a myriad of answers including poorly run organizational efforts in these last days of the campaign by the Romney side.  Does it really matter now?  The election is just about in the books.  Now what?

First we wake up in the morning and praise God.  He is still on the throne and Jesus sits at His right hand to intercede for us.  His mercy is still upon us.  He still loves us.  He still seeks communion with us.  Rejoice in these facts!  Put no trust in mere mortal man; place all your trust in Him!

I'm exhausted and may have more to say tomorrow.  Not so much tonight!  Pray for our country and her leaders.  Pray for peace.  Pray for life.  Pray for religious freedom which will be under attack now for years to come.

Now what?  Goodnight!

My voting experience and why I treasure my vote

I voted today in my 10th Presidential election.  I wanted to vote in 1972 but was too young so I opted to campaign among family, friends and neighbors for Richard Nixon.  Yes, in 1972, I was enthralled with the incumbent President.  Remember, the word "Watergate" was not yet a household name.  By the time 1976 rolled around I was now a college student.  I registered to vote as soon as I could and campaigned as hard as I could for President Gerald Ford.  I thought he was a dignified human being who tried his best to save a country after the Nixon/Watergate disaster.  My first time voting for President, I came up short.

Over the years I have gone from fanatically involved to not so much.  With this being my 10th election and the first since being an ordained Catholic Permanent Deacon, I both worked to discuss church teaching, as it came up in the context of the election, and to supress sharing out loud my personal choice in this election.  In this Archdiocese, clergy are asked to refrain from publicly endorsing or campaigning for anyone.  So I obey.  If you know me well, you could probably figure out my vote.

As I left the voting booth I truly counted on my hand to confirm that this was Presidential election #10 for me.  Man, I am too young to be able to declare 10 elections behind me.  After all, 10 Presidential elections = 40 years; well, kind of!

Tonight, as I left my office for the 25 minute drive home along rural St. Tammany highway 41, which connects Pearl River, La to a community called Bush, La(not making this up), I was touched by the sight of people still lined up at two small polling locations.  With nightfall coming quickly this week, it was quite the sight as people made it a priority to vote before heading home to end the day.  Those sights, coupled with my feeling as I voted, helped me to focus on the beauty of this great nation and the privilege of voting.  I thought about all that it takes to be able to vote and all those who fought and died to keep me free to be able to vote.

At this hour, I truly have no idea who will win this election.  Whatever happens tonight, barring a repeat of 2000, we will all wake up in the morning, a President will be declared, a Senate and House will be reshaped, and not a single shot will have been fired and a political coup will not have taken place.  At this point, a victory by Romney will be considered a bit of a political upset and an Obama victory will serve to remind all just how hard it is for an incumbent to mess up.  Remember, in the past 70-80 years incumbents Jimmy Carter and George Bush the elder are the only to sitting Presidents to be thrown out.

Earlier today I wrote on Facebook that I voted for life, I voted for liberty and I voted informed by my faith!  Unlike others, I will never divorce my faith from my vote, from my politics, from my career, from my anything.  Those who declare they leave their faith at home when they enter the marketplace of ideas, commerce, recreation and yes, politics, may need to examine just how important faith is to who they are.  Without my faith, I am nothing.  I should never shy away from it even when I vote!

However this goes tonight or in the days ahead, may we all pray for an outpouring of grace on our country from a God who loves us and may we, Americans, bless God!

From last night: Cardinal Dolan's brilliant remarks at the end of the Al Smith dinner

Al Smith Foundation Dinner

Let me share with you my remarks from yesterday evening’s 67th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner.

It traditionally falls to the host of this enjoyable evening, the Archbishop of New York, to “call it a night.”

Thank you, everybody, for your gracious company this evening.
What a unique honor and joy to welcome and thank our two candidates, and Mrs. Romney.
Our two candidates claim that both your parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, are “big tents,” containing extraordinarily diverse, even contrary, opposite people and groups. Well, you don’t have a thing over the Catholic Church. We got both Biden and Ryan!
Governor Romney, thank you for being up here sitting next to me; although I must confess I was secretly hoping the Republican candidate would be Governor Christie, because I sure would have looked good sitting next to him!
Mr. President I trust you’ll be able to report to Mrs. Obama that I ate my vegetables and salad. If she had been “first lady” instead of Mamie Eisenhower when I was growing up in the 50’s, I wouldn’t be in this shape!
As you may know, I just returned from Rome a couple of hours ago, where I’m participating in the Synod of Bishops. Thanks to Mr. Mort Zuckerman’s jet, I will be able to return to Rome right after the dinner.
By the way, just before I left this morning, Pope Benedict XVI asked me to deliver a special personal message to both candidates. Mr. President, Governor Romney, do you know what the Holy Father asked me to tell you? . . . neither do I, because he said it in Latin.
Both candidates expressed shock that Mayor Bloomberg had a 16 ounce cup in front of him. Not to worry, Your Honor — I explained to them that it was not a sugar-laden soft drink, but a martini.
The mayor might want to challenge that remark, but, I’m sorry Mr. Mayor, Candy Crowley has already said she agrees with me.
Only the Al Smith dinner could bring together two men, of the same calling, who disagree on almost everything, both of whom think they are the world’s experts on everything, who don’t like even being in the same room together: Roger Ailes and Chris Matthews.
The Al Smith Dinner . . . in thanking all of you for your presence and support, might I suggest that this annual dinner actually shows America and the Church at their best?
Here we are: in an atmosphere of civility and humor, hosted by a Church which claims that “joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence;” men and women; young and old; of every ethnic and racial background;
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents;
Catholics, Christians, Jews, Latter-Day Saints, people of no particular creed;
people of wealth, yes, but some folks as well who barely get by;
guests from Westchester and the Bronx; Dutchess County and Staten Island;
Grateful to be people of faith and loyal Americans;
Loving a country which considers religious liberty our first and most cherished freedom, convinced that faith is not just limited to an hour of Sabbath worship, but affects everything we do and dream;
privileged to be in the company of two honorable men, both called to the noble vocation of public service, whose love for God and country is surpassed only by their love for their own wives and children, and who, as happy as I hope they are to be here with us tonight, would rather be home with Michelle, Ann, and their families.
All of us reverently recalling a man of deep Catholic faith and ringing patriotism, who had a tear in his Irish eyes for what we would call, the “uns;”

– the un-employed

– the un-insured

– the un-wanted

– the un-wed mother, and her innocent, fragile un-born baby in her womb;

– the un-documented

– the un-housed

– the un-healthy

– the un-fed

– the under-educated.

Government, Al Smith believed, should be on the side of these “uns,” but a government partnering with family, Church, parish, neighborhood, organizations and community, never intruding or opposing, since, when all is said and done, it’s in God we trust, not, ultimately, in government or politics.
Al Smith . . . the “happy warrior” on behalf of the “uns” who were so close to Jesus, or to the Native American Kateri Tekakwitha, and the “Angel to the Lepers of Hawaii,” Sister Mary Anne Cope, both women of New York whom this Sunday Pope Benedict will declare saints; so tenderly close to Bl. Mother Theresa of Calcutta who reminded us of the “five- finger gospel” — “As often as you do it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you do it for me!”

God bless the memory of Al Smith!

God Bless the “uns!”

God bless the Al Smith Foundation in this Archdiocese of New York which continues his solicitude for the “uns!”

God bless all of you for helping them this evening!

God bless our two candidates!

God bless America!

Thank God for this grand evening!

Amen.

Goodnight!

 

>>>Thanks again to Deacon's Bench 

Gov. Romney also in a room full of Catholics: Al Smith Dinner

Romney Roasts President Obama, Himself At The Al Smith Dinner

 

by Noah Rothman | 9:33 pm, October 18th, 2012

On Thursday night, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney delivered a lighthearted address to the guests at the Alfred Smith Dinner in New York City. During his address, Romney roasted both himself and President Barack Obama with some hard-hitting humor and biting criticisms.
Romney opened by joking that he was glad to be able to attend the white tie function wearing “what Ann and I wear around the house.”
But Romney quickly turned from self-deprecating humor to roasting his opponent. He said he wished President Barack Obama would have bought Vice President Joe Biden with him “because he’ll laugh at anything.”
“Of course we’re down to the final months of the president’s term,” Romney said to applause. “You have to wonder what he’s think. So little time, so much to redistribute.”
“Usually when I get invited to gatherings like this, it’s just to be designated driver,” Romney joked, poking fun at his Mormon faith.
Romney said he spends the debates finding straw men to mercilessly attack. “Big Bird didn’t even see it coming,” Romney said. “In the spirit of sesame Street, the president’s remarks tonight are brought to you by the letter O and the number $16 trillion.”
Romney turned to mocking the media for their occasionally favorable coverage of the president.
“I never suggest the press is biased. They have a job to do and I have a job to do,” said Romney. “My job is to lay out a positive vision for the country, and their job is to make sure nobody finds out about it.”
Romney closed by praising his opponent and showing him a measure of genuine praise.
“We don’t carry the burden of disliking one another,” said Romney, praising Obama’s political talents and love for his family. “In our country, you can oppose someone in politics and make a confident case about their policies without any ill-will. And that’s how it is for me. There’re more to life than politics.”

Obama's performance in a room full of Catholics: Al Smith Dinner

Obama Roasts Himself, Jabs At Romney And Even Elbows Chris Matthews During Al Smith Dinner

 

by Noah Rothman | 9:47 pm, October 18th, 2012

Following the conclusion of GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s address to the Alfred Smith Dinner in New York City on Thursday night, President Barack Obama took to the stage to deliver his light-hearted jabs at himself and at his opponent. The president joked about the election, he took jovial swipes at his opponent and even poked fun at MSNBC host Chris Matthews.
RELATED: Romney Roasts President Obama, Himself At The Al Smith Dinner
“Everybody please take your seats, otherwise Clint Eastwood will yell at them,” Obama said to the laughs of the crowd…
“In less than three weeks, voters in states like Ohio, Virginia and Florida will decide this incredibly important election, which begs the question – what are we doing here?” Obama asked.
“Tonight, I am here with a man who was a popular governor, who knows what it’s like to run a major Northeastern state and who very well could be president someday, and I am hoping it is Andrew Cuomo,” Obama joked.
He took aim at his own debate performance in the first debate which observers called a lackluster performance. “I particularly want to apologize to Chris Matthews,” said Obama. “Four years ago, I gave him a thrill up his leg. This time around, I gave him a stroke.”
Obama noted that he went to school in New York City. The president said he used to love to go to Yankee Stadium, “the House that Ruth Built, although he really did not build that. I hope everybody is aware of that.”
Obama noted that the campaign seems like it has gone on for a long time, and that there were some milestones along the way. “The unemployment rate is the lowest since I took office. I actually don’t have a joke here, I just thought it would be good to remind everybody,” Obama said.
“Tonight’s not about the disagreements Gov. Romney and I might have, it’s about what we have in common – beginning with our unusual names,” said Obama. “Actually, Mitt is his middle name. I wish I could use my middle name.”
“Monday night’s debate is about foreign policy,” Obama said. “Spoiler alert, we got bin Laden.”
“Finally, let me say that I’ve been doing some thinking and I’ve decided that for our final debate I’m going to go back to the strategy I used to prepare for the first debate,” said Obama. “I’m just kidding. I’m trying to make Axelrod sweat a little bit.”
Obama closed by thanking his hosts and praised the nature of American democracy for making a moment like the Al Smith Dinner possible. He praised Mitt Romney, too, as a husband and father.
“We may have different political perspectives, but I think — in fact I’m certain – that we share the hope that the next four year will affect the same decency and the same willingness to come together for a higher purpose that are on display this evening,” Obama said in closing.

Cardinal Dolan headed to Tampa

Cardinal Dolan to give benediction at Republican convention

 

Cardinal Timothy Dolan in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall after the consistory, Feb. 18, 2012.

 

 

Washington D.C., Aug 22, 2012 / 05:07 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, head of the U.S. Catholic bishops' conference, has been invited to offer the final benediction at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

The news was announced by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in an exclusive interview with Raymond Arroyo, host of EWTN's news program The World Over.

Cardinal Dolan will give the concluding benediction prayer on August 30, the final night of the GOP convention, where Mitt Romney is slated to accept the presidential nomination for his party.

The cardinal has not endorsed either candidate in the 2012 presidential race.

However, he has been an outspoken critic of a mandate issued by the Obama administration to require employers to offer health insurance plans that covers contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, even if doing so violates their consciences.

Numerous dioceses, non-profit organization and Catholic-owned businesses have sued the administration, arguing that the mandate violates the First Amendment by forcing them to compromise their deeply held religious convictions.

Obama has also voiced support for abortion and is the first U.S. president to openly advocate a redefinition of marriage to include homosexual couples.

Arroyo explained that during the interview, Romney “breaks news about what we can expect at the Republican National Convention and reacts to charges by President Obama that he chose Paul Ryan as his running mate to lower his personal tax burden.”

“He also talks about the hot issue of religious liberty, the role of prayer in his life, and how being a bishop in the Mormon Church prepared him for the presidency,” he said.

The interview with Romney will air on EWTN at 8 p.m. EDT on Aug. 23.

Cardinal Dolan explains his invitation to Obama/Romney for the Al Smith Dinner. Let this be the final word!

 

Al Smith Dinner

FEAST OF ST. MAXIMILLIAN KOLBE

Last week I was out in Anaheim for the annual Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus. It was, as usual, a most uplifting and inspirational event.
In his rousing address to the thousands of delegates, representing 1.8 million knights, Dr. Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight, exhorted us to a renewed sense of faithful citizenship, encouraging us not to be shy about bringing the values of faith to the public square. This duty, he reminded us, came not just from the fact that we are Catholic, but also from the fact that we are loyal Americans.
He then went on to announce a promising initiative of the Knights of Columbus to foster civility in politics. Quoting a very recent study, he noted that over 80% of Americans are fed up with the negativity, judgmentalism, name-calling, and mudslinging of our election-year process, and eagerly want a campaign of respect, substance, amity — civility!
For seven decades, the Al Smith Dinner here in New York has been an acclaimed example of such civility in political life. As you may know, every four years, during the presidential election campaign, the Al Smith Dinner is the venue of history, as it is the only time outside of the presidential debates that the two presidential candidates come together, at the invitation of the Al Smith Foundation, through the archbishop of New York, for an evening of positive, upbeat, patriotic, enjoyable civil discourse. This year, both President Obama and Governor Romney have accepted our invitation. I am grateful to them.
The evening has always had a special meaning, as it is named after Governor Al Smith, the first Catholic nominated, in 1928, as a candidate for president, who was viciously maligned because of his own Catholic faith. Smith was known as The Happy Warrior, because while he fought fiercely for what he believed was right, he never sought to demonize those who opposed him. And, the dinner named in his honor is truly life-affirming as it raises funds to help support mothers in need and their babies (both born and unborn) of any faith, or none at all.
The Al Smith Dinner has never been without controversy, since, as Carl Anderson reminded us, politics can inspire disdain and negativity as well as patriotism and civility.
This year is surely no exception: I am receiving stacks of mail protesting the invitation to President Obama (and by the way, even some objecting to the invitation to Governor Romney).
The objections are somewhat heightened this year, since the Catholic community in the United States has rightly expressed vigorous criticism of the President’s support of the abortion license, and his approval of mandates which radically intruded upon Freedom of Religion. We bishops, including yours truly, have been unrelenting in our opposition to these issues, and will continue to be.
So, my correspondents ask, how can you justify inviting the President? Let me try to explain.
For one, an invitation to the Al Smith Dinner is not an award, or the provision of a platform to expound views at odds with the Church. It is an occasion of conversation; it is personal, not partisan.
Two, the purpose of the Al Smith Dinner is to show both our country and our Church at their best: people of faith gathered in an evening of friendship, civility, and patriotism, to help those in need, not to endorse either candidate. Those who started the dinner sixty-seven years ago believed that you can accomplish a lot more by inviting folks of different political loyalties to an uplifting evening, rather than in closing the door to them.
Three, the teaching of the Church, so radiant in the Second Vatican Council, is that the posture of the Church towards culture, society, and government is that of engagement and dialogue. In other words, it’s better to invite than to ignore, more effective to talk together than to yell from a distance, more productive to open a door than to shut one. Our recent popes have been examples of this principle, receiving dozens of leaders with whom on some points they have serious disagreements. Thus did our present Holy Father graciously receive our current President of the United States. And, in the current climate, we bishops have maintained that we are open to dialogue with the administration to try and resolve our differences. What message would I send if I refused to meet with the President?
Finally, an invitation to the Al Smith Dinner in no way indicates a slackening in our vigorous promotion of values we Catholic bishops believe to be at the heart of both gospel and American values, particularly the defense of human dignity, fragile life, and religious freedom. In fact, one could make the case that anyone attending the dinner, even the two candidates, would, by the vibrant solidarity of the evening, be reminded that America is at her finest when people, free to exercise their religion, assemble on behalf of poor women and their babies, born and unborn, in a spirit of civility and respect.
Some have told me the invitation is a scandal. That charge weighs on me, as it would on any person of faith, but especially a pastor, who longs to give good example, never bad. So, I apologize if I have given such scandal. I suppose it’s a case of prudential judgment: would I give more scandal by inviting the two candidates, or by not inviting them?
No matter what you might think of this particular decision, might I ask your prayers for me and my brother bishops and priests who are faced with making these decisions, so that we will be wise and faithful shepherds as God calls us to be?
In the end, I’m encouraged by the example of Jesus, who was blistered by his critics for dining with those some considered sinners; and by the recognition that, if I only sat down with people who agreed with me, and I with them, or with those who were saints, I’d be taking all my meals alone.

Here is American Life League's open letter to Cardinal Dolan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Margaret Ekam Tel: 540.659.4171 | e-mail: mekam@all.org AN OPEN LETTER TO CARDINAL DOLAN His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan Archdiocese of New York 1011 First Avenue New York, NY 10022 Your Eminence, During the last week, there has been much written on diocesan websites and by other bishops concerning the controversy created by your invitation to President Obama to attend the Alfred E. Smith dinner. Much of what has been written seeks to justify that invitation. American Life League recently launched an effort to convince you to rescind that invitation. The reason for this memo is to let you know exactly why we are doing what we are doing. First, let me point out that Cardinal Egan invited Mr. Obama to this same dinner four years ago and we did not object. Although we disagreed with Obama's basic philosophies, we felt that an attempt by the cardinal to show congeniality was worth trying. However, it is now four years later and it is clear that whatever the cardinal hoped to accomplish at the 2008 dinner did not work. In four short years, President Obama has done everything in his power to undermine the teachings of the Catholic Church. As you know, he is implementing programs and policies that may soon make it necessary for the Church to repudiate our basic beliefs or close down all of our charitable and educational organizations. Your Eminence, Mr. Obama has a long history with the Catholic Church. From his days as a community organizer working with Catholic churches in Chicago to his current attack on our beliefs, Obama has shown himself to be a shrewd politician with a captivating personality. How else do you explain the fact that, despite his very public support of abortion, contraception, and Planned Parenthood, he received 54 percent of the Catholic vote in 2008? The question is NOT why you invited Mr. Obama to the dinner. The real question is why he accepted. I submit to you that the reason he accepted is that he has nothing to lose. The Al Smith Foundation website touts that, at the 2008 dinner, Obama displayed "wit, wisdom, warmth, and wile." I am sure the author of those words thought he was being totally complimentary, but the fact is that he was very accurate. Synonyms for "wile" are, of course, "hoax," "ploy," "scam," and "deception." I believe Mr. Obama sees the 2012 Al Smith dinner as an opportunity to, once again, use his wiles to entice the Catholics in America to "trust" him-a trust that he has betrayed time and time again. Your Eminence, when I think of the outcome of the event-where you are seen hosting both candidates for president-I am convinced the idea that will be transmitted through the images of that dinner will be that a vote for either candidate is okay with the hierarchy. This is precisely why American Life League launched the No Dinner for Obama campaign. We don't want Catholics to be confused about the most pro-abortion president in American history. Our duty is to be faithful and to defend moral principles, while begging our hierarchy to do the same. We pray for you, and all members of the hierarchy, "Lead us out of temptation and toward truth, particularly today when so much is at stake." You and the bishops of the Church have convinced us over the last several months that the future of the Catholic Church in America is hanging in the balance. We MUST oppose the contraceptive mandate and all of the other affronts the current administration is throwing at us. Inviting the head of that administration to dinner and a night of humor and congeniality is NOT how we are going to save our Church. Please, your Eminence, cancel the invitation or cancel the dinner. If you do neither, I am very afraid that, at this time next year, you may be forced to cancel most Church activities that take place outside the confines of your physical churches. Asking the blessing of Your Eminence, I am, Yours respectfully in Christ, Judie Brown president American Life League Cc: All United States Catholic Bishops

American Life League: No dinner for Obama; read their position and my commentary below.

What Would Jesus Do? By Judie Brown While it is true that Jesus dined with sinners, it was for the purpose of converting their hearts, of teaching them His laws, and of inspiring them to change sinful behaviors. President Obama has been invited to dine with Cardinal Dolan and others, but the goals of this dinner are not the same goals Jesus held. Today's commentary addresses this and explains why we are beseeching the cardinal to have his own change of heart. Read on for Judie Brown's insights. Immediately after we launched the No Dinner for Obama campaign, a concerned Catholic wrote to us and said: Did not Jesus Himself dine with, seek the company of, and take audience with sinners, tax collectors, rabbis, and Pharisees who all believed and preached falsities? Who are we to stray from His example? Who are we to discriminate against a leader of many instead of dining with him, and trying to convince him of the true word of Jesus Christ? My initial reaction was to feel sorrow for this fellow because he was sincerely trying to excuse the public embrace by members of the hierarchy of a man who has done nothing to advance any precept of the natural law. Obama is not confused about what he is doing to the Church. His actions are, and have been, intentional. Furthermore, as author and columnist Phil Lawler wrote recently, When Jesus sat with tax collectors, the dinners were private. They were not "photo ops" for political candidates. The Lord could speak directly to the hearts of his dining companions, and convert them. Remember, St. Matthew left the tax-collecting business to follow Christ. Does anyone believe that after the Al Smith Dinner, Obama will decide to rescind the contraceptive mandate? Following the dinner, America will see front-page photos and stories that feature Cardinal Dolan sitting with Obama, laughing and having a great time. Such images send a message to America that all is well between the leader of the United States of America and the leader of the American Catholic Church. I am not sure who will be the most gravely scandalized by the photo op, but the point is that Obama is a danger to freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, and all that we hold dear as Christians in America. Our campaign is not a campaign of discrimination or negativity, it is an effort to follow Christ's admonition to his disciples (Luke 17: 1-2): "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin." We are all called to be faithful, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions or taking unpopular actions in order to defend Christ and His Church. This is not a time for squeamishness or half-hearted attempts to uphold a tradition which, in the case of the Al Smith Dinner, needs to be broken. Jeffrey Mirus wrote about this very thing, saying, "The Church does not strive for political power. But she does strive for moral power. And her moral authority translates into moral power only when her bishops attend zealously to their primary tasks." Further, while Archbishop Lori has said that the invitation extended by Cardinal Dolan to President Obama should not be viewed as an endorsement of Obama's actions, he also opined, The question to ask is this: Are any of the candidates of either party, or independents, standing for something that is intrinsically evil, evil no matter what the circumstances? If that's the case, a Catholic, regardless of his party affiliation, shouldn't be voting for such a person. . . . Others have spoken to me of a worrying tendency to reduce religious freedom to mere freedom of worship without guarantees of respect for freedom of conscience. Amen, Archbishop Lori. The Al Smith Dinner is merely a social function, but the idea that will be transmitted through the images of that dinner will be, dare I say, that a vote for either candidate is okay with the hierarchy. This is precisely why American Life League launched the No Dinner for Obama campaign. We don't want Catholics to be confused about the most pro-abortion president in American history. Our duty is to be faithful, defend moral principles, and beg our hierarchy to do the same. We pray for Cardinal Dolan and all members of the hierarchy, "Lead us out of temptation and toward truth, particularly today when so much is at stake." Again, we repeat, No Dinner for Obama. Judie Brown is president and cofounder of American Life League and a three-time appointee to the Pontifical Academy for Life. >>>On balance I believe this to be a well written argument for those who adhere strictly to the no Obama for dinner crowd.  Let me also say that on balance I support the overall pro-life efforts of American Life League.  Let me also say, in a spirit of Christian charity and to echo the actual words of St. Paul and St. Peter in Holy Scripture, I am disappointed that their commentaries, written by Judie Brown, screech too much.  Again, I am thankful for ALL and Judie's pro-life work; but sometimes we defeat our intended purpose with invective and vitriol.  While the above piece is one of the better I've seen in concerning Obama coming to dinner, it's still Cardinal Dolan's call.  Let's offer more than prayers for Cardinal Dolan, let's offer our support, whether we agree or not.

Many Catholics in running to be Romney's running mate

Romney’s veep nominee: Would a Mormon-Catholic ticket turn blue states red?

By Paul Goldman and Mark J. Rozell

Mitt Romney speaks at the NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) conference in Orlando June 21. (Charles Dharapak - AP) There has been a lot of talk this year concerning the role of evangelical Christians and Mormons on the Republican side, but considerably less about the key religious group for the 2012 GOP ticket: Catholics. For those who want to pretend religion isn’t a major factor in our elective process, we accept their decision to read no further. But reality is best faced without rose-colored glasses.
The electoral college math for 2012 is straightforward, unless you are predicting an unpredictable earthquake. President Barack Obama carried Indiana and North Carolina by the narrowest of margins. If presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney needs help in turning these states red, then it’s over.
So give Republicans the Hoosier State along with the home of the Tar Heels. This leaves four key states: Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Romney will have to carry at least three of them to have a chance to reach 270.
Much is written about the Jewish voters on Florida’s Gold Coast, yet Catholicism is the single biggest denomination in the state. Catholics are also the key swing votes in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Although Virginia’s Catholic population is the smallest of the four, it is key to the vote in Northern Virginia, often the deciding ballots in a close statewide election.
Is it any wonder that the Hotline list of GOP vice-presidential favorites includes several Catholics. Among those widely discussed are Senators Marco Rubio and Kelly Ayotte; Governors Bob McDonnell, Chris Christie, and Bobby Jindal; and Rep. Paul Ryan.
Ideally religion should not be a part of any such equation. Yet politics is the ultimate reflection of human nature. Religion counts: record Catholic turnout in 1960 helped John F. Kennedy win a narrow electoral college majority while anti-Catholic sentiment helped sink Al Smith (1928) even in states regarded as reliably Democratic.

View Photo Gallery: With nearly one in four Americans in its fold, a powerful lobby and extensive charity work, the Catholic Church is one of the most influential institutions in America.

Working-class Catholics were generally reliable Democratic votes until 1980. Many defected that year, joining the so-called “Reagan Democrats” in voting Republican. Polls indicate many are on the political fence this year. They blamed former president George W. Bush for the Great Recession and helped elect Obama in 2008. But the economic pain has continued and some may punish the incumbent president for the prolonged economic slump.
Anyone on the list of potential VP nominees would be more than just a symbolic choice, as each is qualified for the role. But let’s be honest: Being Catholic is an important factor in their stars being on the rise over the GOP convention in Tampa. Seminal history seems preordained for Republicans this year. Given Romney’s résumé, a Catholic running mate - especially one with working-class roots - seems sent from central casting.
It does appear that a Catholic is odds-on to be on the national ticket. To be sure, Catholics are about one-fourth of the U.S. voting population and not a monolith. But in politics, identity matters and there is no denying that for the ticket, forging a closer identity with Catholic voters in key states in the electoral college is a necessary formula for having any chance at defeating the president.
Paul Goldman is former chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia. Mark J. Rozell is professor of public policy at George Mason University and author of numerous studies on religious conservatives in U.S. politics. Among his books on religion and politics is “Catholics and Politics: The Dynmaic Tension Between Faith and Power (2008).”

>>>Acknowledge Deacon's Bench

Romney publicly proclaims his belief in marriage

 

• Romney defends marriage and faith in Liberty University speech

  

  

  By Holly Bailey

   The Ticket –
  (Jae C. Hong/AP)

  Mitt Romney doubled down on his position against same sex marriage, telling graduates at Liberty University Saturday that marriage between "one man and one woman" is an "enduring institution" that should be defended.
  Coming just days after President Obama endorsed the right of gays and lesbians to marry, the comment earned Romney a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 30,000 people—the largest crowd Romney has ever addressed as a political candidate--but it was his only mention of the hot button social issue.
  Instead, the presumptive Republican nominee used his commencement address at that evangelical university to emphasize the importance of faith and family—and take some slight digs at President Obama's handling of the country, though he didn't name his 2012 opponent.
  "Lately, I've found myself thinking about life in four-year stretches. And let's just say that not everybody has achieved as much in these last four years as you have," Romney said. " But that's a theme for another day."
  Indeed, Romney touched only fleetingly on issues that could be potentially controversial. His visit to Liberty, a Christian university founded by the late televangelist Jerry Falwell, was an overt appeal to social conservatives who have been wary about his White House bid. But his appearance had generated protests by some Liberty students, where the curriculum has described Romney's Mormon faith as a "cult."
                                        
  Romney did not use his Saturday address to specifically defend his Mormon faith. But he did speak at length about the importance of faith in his own life—a riff that was clearly an attempt to discourage suspicion about his personal beliefs. He argued that people, no matter what they believe, could agree on faith and moral service
  

  

Romney in his own words: no to Roe v Wade

Mitt Romney Repeats Call for Overturning Roe v. Wade

by Steven Ertelt | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com
In a Monday night interview with ABC’s “World News with Diane Sawyer,” likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney again repeated his call for overturning the Roe v. Wade decision that has resulted in more than 55 million abortions.
During the interview, Sawyer, with a scowling look on her face, asked Romney what he would tell women about repealing Roe and taking away their so-called right to have an abortion that Sawyer said they have supposedly enjoyed for 40 years. Romney responded saying he wants the Supreme Court to reverse the decision and, again allow states the opportunity to protect women and unborn children from abortions.
“I would love the Supreme Court to say, ‘Let’s send this back to the states,’” he said. “Rather than having a federal mandate through Roe v. Wade, let the states again consider this issue state by state.”
“But I’m pro-life, that’s my view. I believe there is a sanctity of human life,” Romney added.

The pro-abortion group NARAL today attacked Romney over his comments.
“If there was any doubt that Mitt Romney would be an anti-choice president, that doubt should now be gone,” its web site said in response. “This is not the first time Gov. Romney has expressed his desire to see Roe v. Wade overturned. I guess in Mitt’s America, a woman’s right to choose safe, legal abortion care would depend on the whims of politicians in her state capital.”
“And as president, Romney could appoint enough Supreme Court justices to make his dream of overturning Roe v. Wade a reality,” NARAL complained.
Earlier this year, Romney called for reversing Roe vs. Wade.
“Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the darkest moments in Supreme Court history, when the court in Roe v. Wade claimed authority over the fundamental question regarding the rights of the unborn. The result is millions of lives since that day have been tragically silenced. Since that day, the pro-life movement has been working tirelessly in an effort to change hearts and minds and protect the weakest and most vulnerable among us. Today, we recommit ourselves to reversing that decision, for in the quiet of conscience, people of both political parties know that more than a million abortions a year cannot be squared with the good heart of America.”
During a January debate, Romney said the same thing — outlining his opposition to Roe and his support for better judges.
“I don’t believe they decided that correctly. In my view, Roe v. Wade was improperly decided. It was based upon that same principle. And in my view, if we had justices like Roberts, Alito, Thomas, and Scalia, and more justices like that, they might well decide to return this issue to states as opposed to saying it’s in the federal Constitution,” Romney said. “Do I believe the Supreme Court should overturn Roe v. Wade? Yes, I do.”
He added, “And by the way, if the people say it should be in the federal Constitution, then instead of having unelected judges stuff it in there when it’s not there, we should allow the people to express their own views through amendment and add it to the Constitution.”

Dramatic day in GOP race; it's now Romney vs Obama

Rick Santorum drops out of the presidential race

Posted by Aaron Blake and Nia-Malika Henderson  04/10/2012 TheWashingtonPost

Rick Santorum announced Tuesday that he is suspending his presidential campaign, all but bringing to a close the 2012 GOP presidential contest and effectively handing the nomination to Mitt Romney.

View Photo Gallery: A look back at the presidential campaign of the former senator from Pennsylvania, after he announced that he is suspending his run.

“We made a decision over the weekend that, while this presidential race for us is over — for me — and we will suspend our campaign effective today, we are not done fighting,” Santorum said at a campaign event in Gettysburg, Pa., the site of the historic and pivotal Civil War battle.
The former Pennsylvania senator had been Romney’s top opponent, but he suffered a trio of defeats last week in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia, and over the weekend his daughter, Bella, was hospitalized for the second time this campaign due to complications from a rare genetic disorder.
In announcing his decision, Santorum said Bella’s condition caused him to reconsider his campaign but that she “is a fighter and doing extraordinarily well.”
He did not endorse or urge the delegates that he has won to support another candidate, but spokesman Hogan Gidley told MSNBC that the Romney campaign has requested a meeting about an endorsement, which he said Santorum is “open” to.
Santorum is currently second in the delegate race, but he would have to win upwards of three-fourths of the remaining delegates in order to secure the nomination.
Instead, he seemed to be hoping that Romney would fall short of the delegate threshold and that he could snatch the nomination at the Republican National Convention in August.
Santorum called Romney before his announcement Tuesday to inform him of his decision to drop out, according to a Romney campaign official.
“This race was as improbable as any race you’ll ever see for president,” Santorum said.
Former House speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul remain in the campaign, but neither has shown the ability to be a consistent alternative to Romney. Gingrich, in particular, has seen his campaign hit a rough patch of late. He’s finished fourth in the last two major contests and revealed over the weekend that his campaign was $4.5 million in debt.
Santorum’s exit virtually assures that Romney will secure the Republican Party’s nomination, though he so far has secured only about 60 percent of the delegates that he needs.
In a statement, Romney congratulated his opponent.
“Sen. Santorum is an able and worthy competitor, and I congratulate him on the campaign he ran,” Romney said. “He has proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation. We both recognize that what is most important is putting the failures of the last three years behind us and setting America back on the path to prosperity.”
Republican leaders in recent weeks have been slowly coalescing around Romney, calling for an end to an increasingly arduous campaign that some say threatens the party’s chances in November.
That trend continued Tuesday, with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad endorsing Romney shortly before Santorum’s announcement and Florida Gov. Rick Scott endorsing Romney shortly afterward. (Scott’s endorsement may not help Romney — he’s quite unpopular as governor of a key swing state — but today is a good day for that endorsement to get lost in the news.)
“Mitt Romney will be our party’s nominee and it is critical that all Republicans coalesce behind Gov. Romney and focus on electing him as president so he can put the policies in place to create jobs, turn our economy around and get federal spending under control,” Scott said in a statement.
A new Washington Post/ABC News poll this week showed a majority of Republican-leaning Americans — 52 percent — said Santorum should stay in the campaign, while 43 percent said he should drop out.
By suspending his campaign rather than ending it, Santorum can continue to raise money to retire any remaining debt he might have.
In the end, Santorum won contests in 11 states, but all of his primary victories were relegated to the South, and he failed to win any of a string of primaries in the Midwest in recent weeks.

 

Romney sweeps 3 states tonight

Mitt Romney wins Wisconsin, Maryland and D.C. primaries

By Rachel Rose Hartman

Political Rep

Following expected primary victories over Rick Santorum in Maryland and D.C. Tuesday night, Mitt Romney won the biggest prize of the evening in Wisconsin, earning a significant number of delegates and bolstering his frontrunner status.
Romney's victory speech before a rally in Milwaukee, Wisc., had the tone of a general election address: he focused on attacking President Barack Obama on high gas prices, Obamacare, and the economy.
"President Obama thinks he's doing a good job," Romney told the audience. "He actually thinks he's doing an historically great job, like Abraham Lincoln and LBJ and FDR. And no, he did not say that on Saturday Night Live."
Romney said Obama's lack of leadership has made the economic crisis worse and positioned himself as a symbol of hope amid the turmoil.
"The dreamers can dream a little bigger, the help wanted signs can be dusted off, and we can start again," Romney said.
He made no direct mention of his closest opponent in the race for the nomination, Rick Santorum.
Heading into Tuesday's primary, Romney had 572 delegates--half of the 1,144 necessary to secure the nomination. Santorum had 273 delegates, Newt Gingrich had 135, and Ron Paul had 50, according to the Associated Press.
Together, Maryland and the District have 53 delegates up for grabs (Santorum did not appear on D.C.'s ballot). But Wisconsin--which will award 42 delegates--was the night's major wild card.
The Badger state's significance goes beyond the delegate race: Wisconsin is a swing state that will factor heavily in the 2012 general election. If Santorum had been able to best current delegate frontrunner Romney there, it would have significantly boosted Santorum's campaign.
Prior to Tuesday, Santorum had pledged to remain in the race regardless of the outcome in Wisconsin. (He spent Tuesday evening in Pennsylvania--his home state, which will hold its primary April 24.)
Speaking from a primary results watching rally in Mars, Penn., Santorum reiterated his commitment to the campaign. "We have now reached the point where it's half time," Santorum said, noting that half the total delegates at stake have been awarded. "And who's ready to charge out of the locker room in Pennsylvania for the second half?!" he asked as the audience cheered.
Santorum presented himself as the unwavering conservative in the race, again taking jabs at Romney for shifting stances. We need "someone whose views are forged in steel, not on an Etch A Sketch," Santorum said.

He also said that Texas' May 29 primary, where 155 delegates are at stake, is a part of his delegate strategy.

Santorum remains significantly behind Romney in delegates, and is not favored in the remaining April contests, save perhaps in his home state of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the party establishment has been ramping up pressure on Santorum to bow out.

In recent weeks, former President George H. W. Bush, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Al Cardenas, chairman of the American Conservative Union have all endorsed Romney. Many expressed a desire for the party to unite behind a candidate.

Leading up to Tuesday, Romney secured high-profile endorsements in Wisconsin from House Budget Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Ron Johnson.

The Romney campaign on Tuesday confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that it has formed a joint fundraising committee with the Republican National Committee for the general election. The move suggests Republicans are rallying around Romney even though the party extended the invitation to form a joint committee to all the GOP candidates running. Romney is the only candidate reported to have accepted.

The joint committee bumps the donation limit from $5,000 per donor for the primary and general combined to $75,000 via various related committees.

This week it's Romney

Romney wins Illinois primary

By Rachel Rose Hartman

Political Reporter

• Romney (M. Spencer Green/AP)

Mitt Romney won Tuesday's Illinois primary, providing Romney much-needed ammunition in his battle for the Republican presidential nomination.
Romney was expected to win the Illinois primary following polling that indicated he held a significant lead over his closest competitor, Rick Santorum, in the state. Additionally, Romney and his supporters organized an expensive advertising blitz in Illinois in the days leading up to the primary unmatched by his competitors.
"What a night, thank you Illinois, what a night," Romney said in his victory speech in Schamburg, Illinois. Romney went on the offensive against President Barack Obama--pointing out that he was speaking in the president's home state. "This president doesn't understand the genius of the American economy ... The American economy is fueled by freedom," Romney said. "I offer a choice, and a new beginning."
ABC News analysis of the preliminary exit polls conducted by Edison Research found that six in 10 Illinois voters viewed Romney as the candidate most capable of beating Barack Obama. Perhaps more telling, Romney was also identified as the candidate who "best understands the problems of average Americans."
In a sign that even Santorum believed a Romney win was in the works, the former Pennsylvania senator chose to spend Tuesday outside of Illinois. He campaigned in his home state of Pennsylvania, where voters head to the polls April 24.
Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, neither of whom spent Tuesday in the state, are not expected to garner much of the vote.
In Illinois, Romney branded Santorum an "economic lightweight" and highlighted Santorum's decision to endorse him in 2008, forcing Santorum to explain his change of heart. Santorum said he turned on the former Massachusetts governor because he failed to uphold conservative values by standing by his Massachusetts health care law and by back the Wall Street bailouts.
Romney also entered Tuesday's race with a technical advantage. Santorum failed to file slates of delegates in four congressional districts in Illinois and was therefore ineligible to win the 10 delegates apportioned by those districts. A total of 54 delegates were up for grabs in Illinois Tuesday. (The state has a total of 69 delegates--the 15 delegate difference is not tied to Tuesday's vote.)
Prior the Illinois contest, Romney held more delegates than his three competitors combined, according to the Associated Press: Romney 521; Santorum 253; Gingrich 136; and Paul 50. A total of 1,144 delegates is necessary to claim the GOP nomination.
Romney has been seeking momentum to boost him far ahead of Santorum in upcoming contests. But Romney's opponents, despite their respective delegate deficits, say they plan to continue racking up delegates in an effort to prevent Romney from holding a majority of delegates prior to this summer's Republican convention in Tampa, Fla., forcing a contested nomination.
Illinois is not expected to heavily factor into the 2012 general election race for Republicans. Barack Obama retains a significant base of support there stemming from his legislative and congressional service in the state.

Catholic Republicans seem to favor Romney over Santorum; an interesting read

Republican Catholics cool so far to Rick Santorum

By KASIE HUNT and RACHEL ZOLL |

Enlarge Photo

FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2012, file photo Republican …

• Enlarge Photo FILE - In this Feb. 8, 2012, file photo Republican …

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — At El Sendero De La Cruz evangelical church, Rick Santorum sought prayers along with votes.

He told the San Juan congregation that he felt "very blessed" to be with people of faith and said he can withstand the demands of campaigning because of the many people like them he meets while running for president.
"The first thing they almost always say to me, 'I'm praying for you,'" Santorum said. "It works."

It's the kind of spirit-infused language that is helping Santorum connect with evangelical Republicans, who have fueled his strong showing in state after state. Yet, in one of the more puzzling developments among many in the GOP contest, he's nowhere near as successful with his fellow Roman Catholics.

Across all states where Republican primary voters were asked their religion in exit polls, Mitt Romney, a Mormon, trounced Santorum among Catholics, with an average margin of victory above 20 percentage points. Even in Southern states, where Romney has struggled, Catholics broke his way.

On Sunday, overwhelmingly Catholic Puerto Rico was holding its primary.
Catholics haven't voted as a bloc in decades, leading analysts to declare "the Catholic vote" as such doesn't exist. Still, the results are surprising given that the former Pennsylvania senator puts Catholicism at the center of his public service and personal life.
Known for attending Mass almost daily, Santorum organized a Catholic study group for lawmakers when he served in Congress, has fought abortion and defended traditional marriage. He cites his faith for his support for humanitarian work, such as financing programs that fight AIDS in Africa. He has home-schooled his seven children and sent some to private schools affiliated with the Catholic movement Opus Dei. Santorum has said that growing up north of Pittsburgh, his parents expected him to attend church every Sunday without fail.
"You had to basically be dead not to go," he said in a 2005 interview with the New York Times.
Religious identity is not as much of a consideration for Catholic voters as it is for members of some other faiths.
Only 1 in 5 Catholics on average said it mattered "a great deal" that a candidate share their religious beliefs, compared with one-third of non-Catholics in exit polls that asked the question.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, also Catholic, on average trails Santorum among Catholics.

In the 2004 race, Democrat John Kerry was the first Catholic presidential candidate from a major party since John F. Kennedy in 1960. Still, Kerry lost Catholics in the general election to President George W. Bush, a Protestant who emphasized his born-again religious conversion.

"Just being Catholic by no means buys you anything in the Catholic vote anymore," said Mark Gray, a researcher at Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate who specializes in American Catholics.

Santorum's style of campaigning, in which he frames political issues in emotional, starkly moral terms of good and evil, is more common to evangelical than Catholic culture. He is often mistaken for a Protestant conservative, by both evangelicals and Catholics, according to a poll conducted last week by the Pew Research Center.
"One of the great blessings I've had in every political campaign is people underestimate me, people underestimate what God can do," Santorum told the congregation at First Baptist Church of Bossier City, La., on Sunday.

Less than half of the Catholic Republicans surveyed knew Santorum's faith, the survey showed, while 11 percent of Catholic Republicans and 35 percent of white evangelical Republicans thought Santorum was an evangelical.

"The rhetoric often comes out in a way that many people would take to be similar to how evangelicals express themselves," said Russell Shaw, an author and writer for Our Sunday Visitor, a theologically conservative Catholic magazine, and a former spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "No nuances and no holds barred."
For most of his fellow Catholics, Santorum's views are as likely to alienate as attract. Less than one-quarter of Catholics attend Mass weekly. Most use artificial contraception, support gay civil unions or marriage, and hold other views contrary to church teaching. Religious conservatives have called these Catholics "CINOs" — Catholics in Name Only.
Santorum underscored his distance from other Catholics by saying recently that he "almost threw up" when he read Kennedy's famous 1960 speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association addressing anti-Catholic bias. Kennedy had said, "I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute," which Santorum and many religious conservatives interpret as endorsing a secular outlook. Santorum has said he wished he could take back the remark, but stood by his criticism of the speech.
Voters in a Republican primary, who are among the most motivated and active party members, are assumed to include more Catholics in line with Santorum, politically and religiously.
Deal Hudson, who was a Catholic outreach adviser to Bush's presidential campaigns, rejects that idea. He believes Catholic Republicans include many faithful who aren't as religiously active as Santorum and instead "pretty much behave like the general public."
Exit polls generally don't ask about church attendance, considered a critical measure of religious devotion, so there is no way to know for sure. But the exit polls, conducted for The Associated Press by Edison Research, do hold some clues about the gap between Catholic Republicans and Santorum.
In Ohio, where Romney narrowly edged Santorum, Catholic primary voters were less likely than Protestants to see Santorum as their best ideological match. The polls found that 52 percent of Protestant voters described Santorum's positions as just right, compared with 42 percent of Catholics, while 28 percent of Catholics called Santorum too conservative. Even among Ohio voters who described themselves as conservative, more Protestants than Catholics said Santorum's positions were about right — 62 percent to 52 percent.

In Michigan, a majority of Catholics who backed Romney said they were strongly behind their candidate, while just 28 percent of Catholics who voted for Santorum said the same.

In fact, Catholics in the exit polls tend to look more like the typical Romney Republican. Catholics are less deeply conservative and less likely to back the Tea Party movement. They have more formal education than non-Catholics and higher incomes, with 74 percent reporting annual household incomes over $50,000, compared with 67 percent of non-Catholics.

Catholics are also less likely than other Christians to hesitate over Romney's Mormonism, even though the Catholic Church, like many faith traditions, does not recognize Mormons as part of historical Christianity, although Mormons themselves do.

"One reason Catholics don't have a religious problem with it is because they've been a persecuted religious group," said Hudson, chairman of Catholic Advocate, a conservative advocacy group that aims to politically organize Catholics. "Catholics know what it's like for people to think their beliefs are crazy."