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Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, R.I., sparked headlines after he told a local group of Young Republicans Aug. 13 that he had ended his long affiliation with the Democratic Party and had recently joined the Republican Party.
"The aha moment for me was the 2012 Democratic Party Convention. It was just awful," Bishop Tobin told the GOP gathering, while noting that he had been a Democrat since 1969. "I just said that, 'I can't be associated structurally with that group,' in terms of abortion and NARAL and Planned Parenthood and [the] same-sex 'marriage' agenda and cultural destruction I saw going on."
In an Aug. 21 interview with Register senior editor Joan Frawley Desmond, Bishop Tobin discussed his decision to change his party affiliation, his belief that his baptismal certificate matters more than partisan loyalties and his past efforts to engage self-identified Catholic politicians like Patrick Kennedy.
What triggered your decision to announce that you were changing your political party affiliation?
That announcement was intended as a sidebar to a much larger presentation I gave on Catholics' involvement in the political process. As part of that presentation, I mentioned that I had recently changed my longtime affiliation with the Democratic Party.
Historically, party affiliation itself has not been terribly important for me, because, regardless of your affiliation, you can still vote your conscience. But my concerns about the Democratic Party did build up over the years.
Then there was last year's Democratic Party Convention. Abortion and same-sex "marriage" and the involvement of Planned Parenthood were not only accepted — they were promoted. The party has become more aggressive in promoting activities and commitments that are foreign to me. Finally, I decided that I could not in conscience maintain my party affiliation.
How have Rhode Island Catholics reacted to the news?
The reaction has been stronger than I expected, but it has been fairly predictable in Rhode Island, which is strongly Democratic. I am amused by the reaction because the whole subject of my talk was on Catholic involvement in the political process, and I made a point of saying that, as a Catholic, my baptismal certificate was more important than party affiliation.
Some applauded my move because of abortion and same-sex "marriage," but others said I should not be involved in partisan politics or align myself with a party that is slow to embrace immigration and other current issues.
In an age of rising secularism, polls suggest that more self-identified Catholics are likely to vote according to party affiliation than a faith-formed conscience. How do you respond to that trend?
During my presentation, I quoted from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' "Statement on Religious Liberty." It says that: "We are Catholic, we are Americans, and we are proud to be both, grateful for the gift of liberty and faith."
Party affiliation is important for some. We live in a divided country, and politics does divide people. And there are many important issues — abortion, same-sex "marriage," taking care of the poor and immigration — that draw people to either party, depending on where they come down on these matters. Neither party is perfect, and both have their virtues and limitations.
Some might say that your announcement reflects battle fatigue from fighting for years against efforts to legalize same-sex "marriage" in Rhode Island, only to finally witness defeat this year.
I have to confess to being discouraged when same-sex "marriage" was approved in Rhode Island. I had expected better of our state political leaders. Some of our Catholic politicians abandoned us. It was a key moment for moral and political courage, and they turned their backs on us.
But the state Republican Party caucus also unanimously approved same-sex "marriage."
I have had to remind myself and other members of the Church that we need to do our best to preach the Gospel of Christ and be the salt of the earth — even when it's discouraging. That is our mission and task. That is why I held up my baptismal certificate. My baptismal certificate represents my ultimate affiliation, not my party affiliation.
Some national Republican leaders have signaled that it is time to retreat from the party's opposition to same-sex "marriage." They argue that the policy has turned off young voters. Meanwhile, libertarian values have become increasingly important. Does this concern you?
We have to remind people that, in these cultural battles, moral issues are central. Our discussion of public life has to transcend purely economic and budgetary questions. Other issues — abortion, right to life, the nature of marriage, the obligations of family life — are important, and we should not discount them.
I told the Young Republican group: "You have to believe in something, and you need to be faithful to what you believe. You need to have moral courage, even if it contradicts public opinion polls." They need to be profiles in courage, and that is something I find sadly lacking in most of our political leaders these days.
Some Republicans have urged you to call out self-identified Catholic lawmakers who back abortion or same-sex "marriage." Have you privately dialogued with such politicians, and have any been responsive?
I can't say we have had much success in dealing with Catholic politicians on these issues. In my limited experience, they will listen respectfully, but they are more likely to be driven by political expediency and a desire to influence the outcome of the next election rather than abiding by the teaching of the Gospel. That is a frustration.
We need to challenge political leaders, and not just Catholics. The prophetic voice of the Church is not partisan. I have challenged our former governor on immigration, and I have done battle with Patrick Kennedy on pro-life issues, and I have struggled with Gov. Lincoln Chafee as well.
If the religious community doesn't speak truth to power, who will do it? We have the right and obligation to bring that religious perspective and moral voice to the public discussion — and not just on abortion.
Evangelical Christians appear to be more unified in their stance on marriage, life and religious-freedom issues, while many Catholics appear to vote with the general public. Is that a failure of catechesis or a sign that Catholic social teaching spans both parties' policies?
The Church is a big tent. We have Democrats, Independents and Republicans. In my talk, I asked, "Would Jesus Christ be a Democrat or a Republican?" My answer would be: all of the above. It is hard to characterize me as well.
There is no single way for Catholics to address all these issues and come up with a single solution. We need to call people back to the teachings of Christ and the Gospel and see them in all their richness and then try to apply them to political life. That's why political affiliation isn't ultimately important.
Your dispute with Rep. Patrick Kennedy in 2009 on abortion made headlines. How would you describe the long-term legacy of his uncle, John F. Kennedy — a Catholic leader who pledged not to let his faith influence his policies as president?
It is common for people to shield themselves, and it goes beyond the Kennedy legacy. Our nation and state is filled with Catholics who have accepted the bogus argument that they must not impose their values on other people. All of us should be informed and motivated by our conscience.
In our discussions on same-sex "marriage" in Rhode Island, those who were pursuing a homosexual agenda had no trouble saying that this was something they believed in, maybe they were involved in a homosexual relationship. But when someone of faith takes a different position, they are criticized for violating the separation of church and state.
The key for people of faith is to be part of the discussion. Catholics should bring their faith into daily life, whether they are politicians, CEOs, involved in higher education, art or entertainment. Nothing is more important than our relationship with God, as defined by faith. That is the choice we have to make these days.
You said you were "discouraged" about the outcome of the political battle over same-sex "marriage." Has that altered your priorities or sense of mission?
With the New Evangelization and the Year of Faith, our challenge is to make God present in the world — to bring the spiritual vision into all aspects of our life. Increasingly, we will be in a minority. Blessed John Paul II said that we are living in a time of practical and existential atheism. As believers, we must do our best to make God present, alive and relevant in our world. Sometimes we will win particular battles, and sometimes we will lose. We do our best, and God will take care of the rest.
Pope Francis has called on the faithful to reach out to people on the fringes of the Church and of society. Should he be a model for engaging the culture at this time?
What is strikingly different about Pope Francis is his tone and demeanor more than the content of his message. His tone is open, vis-à-vis the world. It is very encouraging and refreshing for people. The message hasn't changed, but the messenger has. If there is something we can learn — terrific. The challenge is to present a warm, welcoming presence, while also maintaining the fundamental teachings of Christ and not watering them down.
My episcopal motto from St. Paul's Letter to Timothy is: "We are called to be strong, loving and wise." To be strong in the teaching of our faith, to be loving to other people and to have the wisdom to do both simultaneously. Pope Francis has found a way to do that.
As a matter of fact, Republicans don't call for killing already-born humans, even if the policies that they promote may make live more uncomfortable; it's Democrats that want to force Catholics to pay for killing already born babies through "partial-birth" abortions. If there was a Republican program for killing the already born, do you think thst the liberal media would stop screaming about it?
And how do you like our war-monger president wanting to kill more Syrians in order to make sure that al Qaida has chemical weapons?
Democrats wage war against human life within the womb. Republicans wage war against human life outside of the womb. Lesser evil is still evil. It's time Republican and Democratic Catholics give up their hyper loalty to these sinister parties and return their devotion to God, and not Reagan or Obama.
Devout Democrats want to know, why do I think that not voting for the party that insists on the government promoting the killing of innocents is more important than not voting for the party that is for welfare only for the wealthy?
If you have to be told why not killing is more important than spending money on government benefits, you're confused about what is more evil.
@ Don, why even bother to fight for the right of unborn human beings to live, when your party then goes on to slash environmental and consumer protections meant to better our lives? So once you are outside of the womb, your life is no longer valubale to the libertarian GOP. Life is sacred within and outside of the womb. That is the Catholic answer, and our answer is God's answer.
And as long as the Republican Party assaults the right of working class Americans to survive, they will not register Republican. Strange enough, mst folks vote for their interests. It is that simple.
Political party loyalty should be heresy.
Both parties are evil, they just manifest it differently.
The Republican Party and its heartless Ayn Rand, anarcho-capitalist philosophy is not compatible with our Catholic faith and morals. Slash funds for the poor while fighting heartil for tax cuts for the wealthy. Real family values there.
The Church states that life is sacred from natural conception until natural death. The Democratic Party assaults human life within the womb, and the Republican Party assaults human life outside of the womb. Both parties are evil. Either your loyalty is to God or to your secular political party. I'd choose wisely.
Faithful Catholics should register independent and agitate for a pro-life, pro-worker, pro-environment party.
Apparently it isn't simple enough for some people to state that killing helpless innocents is evil, no matter how much you claim that voting for the baby-killers will make us all rich.
And why is it that the worshipers of George Soros can't accept the fact that other people use reason?
I find it shocking that the Bishop is affiliating with a Republican political party that promotes slashing programs to feed the poor, works to deny immigration reform to keep Latino and other families together, and is actively promoting legislation in Florida, Texas, North Carolina and other states to put up obstacles to vote so as to limit the votes of the poor and minorities, and therefore help elect more Republicans.
It is no wonder human beings are thought of as sheep. We are so easily led to the slaughter by someone looking like us. If there is one thing good about our American culture it is the American's ability to challenge authority. It is not the Bishops leading Christians to heaven it is the sacraments given to us by Christ. 2000 years ago. This spiritual sacramental heritage passed down to us has been intercepted by career minded priests and Bishops playing to politics and worshiping money.
Congratulations to all those applauding Bishop Tobin for opting out of the Democrat party(special kudos to Mariann). Saddened by those who state the Catholic church shouldn't be involved in politics. The Bishops(USCCB)have stated clearly, " Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." For those of you who are "above" getting involved in the public square (this includes the laity, clergy and of course Bishops) get down off your high horse and get in the game. We need you, the church needs you , our country needs you. Can you imagine if waves of Catholics across this nation followed Bishop Tobin,s lead and opted out of the Democrat party. They could re-register as a no-party registrant or to a party more compatible with their beliefs. Do it now.
Pro-Birth, not pro-life, he looks forward to steak and lobster at the Koch Palace, all he has to do is crucify the elderly, the young and the poor. The vicious, cruel, greedy rich need slaves and depend on the santanic pro-birth movement.
Let me make it simple enough so that even Catholics who still vote Democratic can understand: the issues that you think are more important than the lives of innocent babies are what then-cardinal Ratzinger said, in November 2004 in a letter to the US bishops, Catholics can disagree about.
While killing innocent babies is a non-negotiable issue for Catholics.
There was a time, long ago, when being a Catholic and a Democrat were synonymous—think of Alfred E. Smith, John F. Kennedy, and all those "Bosses" from years back; that time, unfortunately, is gone forever.
JohnN: You've got the Republicans' number and I'm baffled that so many commentators here miss it. Your point is worth repeating: "Surely, all Obama needs to do to get their votes is to say that he is against abortion and wants to see abortion banned. He does not need to actually DO anything. Just say those words. Then he would be just like the Republicans and presumably these Catholics would vote for him." The GOP has been the party of the shiny object, the shiny object being its anti-abortion rhetoric. Well-meaning Catholics have been drawn to the shiny object for 40 years now, never asking themselves what, exactly, the Republicans have done about the shiny object. Of course, the GOP has done virtually nothing substantive about the shiny object, just dangled it in front of people's eyes and commented how shiny it is. The Democratic Party, for all its failings, at least legislates in ways that: (1) reduce the actual abortion rates, and (2) moves the country along. I don't know what was going on in this Bishop's mind, but he was both terribly short-sighted to change parties and not-too-wise to make a public pronouncement of a political affiliation.
Gosh, the adjectives "clueless, un-educated, slow learner,"—what else? seem to fit here. Mostly just sad . . . what can the Catholic rank and file expect when we have one of our "shepherds" who, only after 44 years of absolute travesties being promoted by the Democratic Party being just rather apparent on all fronts, Bp. Tobin feels its "time" to come out???! Wow . . . he should be embarrassed. Absolutely disgraceful. Holy cow . . .
*placing the needs of the powerful and rich over that of the poor.
The absence of critical thinking and logic in many of these comments is terribly saddening. How can we Catholics propose to evangelize the rest of the world if we do not understand the real world in which we live? I see the casting of personal prejudices and perceived evils in many responses; please, my sisters and brothers, do not allow your anger or disappointment to cloud your vision of Christ's love and God's wonderful plan of salvation.
First, for every person who cannot believe that a Bishop of our Church would actually state quite clearly that he is changing the party that he formerly was affiliated with, I say believe it, and wake up. If you cannot recognize that this is the right direction, then you may need to consult a Priest. Let everyone who says that the Bishop or the Church needs to keep it to themselves understand that the Catholic Church has alligned Herself with the Democratic Party since Alynsky/Unions/Church were united…check ChurchMilitant.tv under F.B.I., oldest season, first show.
The Bishop stating what he did and why is the right direction, because any step taken away from the Democratic Party that is steeped in evil almost to the point of excluding God at that 2012 convention, is a step of hope for the salvation of souls. Bringing us to the job description our Bishops have taken vows to fulfil, shepherd the flock. If they remain silent, as most have, they are not shepherding. If they choose the worst of all evils, the dismemberment of the most innocent of lives who are no less than you or I created in the image and likeness of our Creator, they need to retire for they would be leading their flock to the most heinous of crimes.
Gentlemen, enough of your sorry, trite rants of self-righteous rigidity, or no concern for the poor, or I vote my conscience (it need be well-formed conscience not just conscience), or judge and ye will be judged. Enough. There are more poor today than there was when this tyrant and his party took office. He is destroying our nation. He abuses the constitution every opportunity he has. Take an hour or so to find Star Parker and her living example of what the numerous social programs we have do to the poor…they keep them in BONDAGE. She lived it, and now she does her best to help others become free at last. The democrats live off creating more and more victims, not helping them. The monies that Al Gore, Soros, and every schemer that profited off the "climate cooling/warming/global warming/blah, blah, blah" would provide quite a bit if they would use it to NOT community organize (that just puts the money in their pockets) and would actually lift one neighborhood at a time out of poverty.
The ACA and HHS mandate are unconstitutional…sorry, the Supreme Court has been making some really bad decisions for a good 100 years. The President wants socialized medicine…HAH! Why on earth would anyone in their right mind want the government involved? We pay for the government and we want less Federal Government…we cannot afford more. The small percentage of citizens without healthcare insurance need to receive healthcare, yes, but never under the liars and thieves we have running the I.R.S.
Archie, who cares how others see us? What we need to care about is giving GLORY to GOD with every beat of our heart, and bring as many souls (not money) to the One, Holy, Apostolic Church that holds the deposit of faith, and let the Holy Spirit touch their lives.
Ben in SoCal, you know not what you say…give it up. No more funds for the fools who are raking it in and not saving anyone. God, sir, is in charge of this beautiful world He created for us…not the other way around, so save souls not the _______ (whatever sierra wants us to save today except lives of babies).
Gospelguy, you are really shocked? Please sir, that is an insult to our intelligence. You may disagree, but I do not believe you are shocked. Perhaps if you would stand up for women and babies, if you live a virtuous life as a man of God, then women, such as myself, would not be calling you and anyone else not defending those who need defending cowards to a culture of death. No sir, silence would be as abominable as the crimes being committed as I key this in. Stand for God. Provide and protect women from this culture of death. Always protect those souls conceived that are the most defenseless and yet should be flourishing within the womb of their mothers.
God bless the Bishop, and God bless you all for contributing! May we someday meet in heaven.
I do not understand this constant support for the Republicans from the Catholic right wing - although I do understand that it is basically because of abortion. So many of the contributors here seem to be single issue voters. Surely, all Obama needs to do to get their votes is to say that he is against abortion and wants to see abortion banned. He does not need to actually DO anything. Just say those words. Then he would be just like the Republicans and presumably these Catholics would vote for him. The Republican Party platform has for years called for an end to abortion. Can anyone recall a Republican bill in Congress in Washington that would try to implement this? We have lots of words but no action. Obama should, just like the Republicans, use the words.
Voiceless babies; strong words. I concur this needs to be stopped, and so does the living conditions of human beings saved from abortions. So does the Free Market econonmy that promotes sex over love. This is an all or none situation. We need to respect life of all human beings, US, European, or someone in Iraq Afghanistan, or now Syria, where the US is setting up third flag operations, blaming it on the government of Syria; killing christians. The Catholic Church; I mean the body of Christ emcompases all human beings is not a political party designed in the US. There are no conservatives and no liberals in christs understanding. He does not judge human beings as John Hagee does, or Paul Ryan.
I am prolife; do not believe in abortion, do not believe in war; this aside if Christ's love applied the same rigid rules to be enforced as if eternal life were a puzzle to be figured out in scripture, or better yet learned from a line from canon law. I see conservative Western Christians values mostly the same, protestant or catholic. They seem to me like the same hells fire and brimstone preachers of the US's manifest destiny past. Worse than old time religion; because with modern communication they can humiliate; separate more people with shame and guilt with their self-righteousness. Many Roman Catholics in the US morphed into a self-righteous protestant church, where only the American culture is respected; where helping people is communism at worst and socialism at best, and only those with money are worthy of God's love. It might surprise many Roman Catholics, those belonging to Eastern or Oriental Apostolic churches look at the Roman Church like the Roman Church looks at the Episcopalians; fake. Let this Bishop move to the Republican Party, and fly on his corporate friend's jets with Rick Sanatorium, and Paul Ryan. Mostly let them start their own church; a Church for the privileged. Let them
There is nothing in the Magisterium that states Catholics must be Republicans. Your party- those of you who choose to affiliate them- are worshippers of money and greed, placing the needs of the powerful over the rich. They are the destroyers of God's Creation, our magnificent natural resources. And let us not forget the vitriol directed at fellow human beings.
BOTH parties are evil.
Have I visited a Catholic news site or a conservative political website like the Washington Times? Insults against the President and random name-calling are really not appropriate on a Catholic site. Just because some of you hate Democrats and their policies does not mean that ALL Democrats are bad. Judge not or you will be judged. Many good, faithful Catholics look at the totality of the problems facing the country and the world. For many here it seems that abortion is the only issue. How sad. Abortion is one of many important life issues and there are Republicans and Democrats on the right side and the wrong side of these issues. I think it is in very poor form for the clergy to be discussing their political life in such a way. For the record…I am a member of no political party. I vote the issues and I vote my conscience…without having to resort to insults. Peace!
Here's a shortcut to end abortion. Please join me in praying to Almighty God and making an appeal to President Obama to issue this mandate; STOP KILLING THE UNBORN. My appeal is: If he issued the said mandate he'll be the Greatest President the world has ever known and my prayer is: Almighty and Loving Truine God, embrace the whole being of President Obama with your might and love to have pity to those millions of innocent babies, who were killed, are killed and will be killed through abortion.Let him be aware of the terrible pain suffered by the unborn and the mother while the baby is being dismembered in the womb of the mother. Let his mind with the assistance of Your Holy Spirit focus on the horrible post-abortion experience and mental anguish suffered by the mother. Let his heart, like the Sacred Heart of Your Son be filled with compassion for the unborn who were murdered, are murdered and will be murdered if the abortionists ply their trade unabated. Let him become a pro-life advocate and strongly urge him to issue this mandate:Stop Killing the Unborn. The issuance of this mandate by the US President brings You much honor and glory and serves to build up faith and hope to all your people. Thank You Dear Triune God for the grace and the love You extend to us all. We ask You this in Christ Jesus name. Amen
I agree what took so long! Thank-you Jesus for forgiving them for they know not what they do! Mary we need your intersession for the blind! and mislead! pray for us.
..And as then-cardinal Ratzinger pointed out to the US bishops back in November 2004, Catholics can disagree about issues like the death penalty, "but not, however, in regard to abortion and euthanasia."
That the liberal termites in the Church keep on coming up with new doctrines that they claim that all Catholics should follow, while supporting the party that insists on baby killing, is a scandal.
This country would have been better off if Santorum was president. The fact that "conservatives" like Ann Coulter attacked him for being a Catholic doesn't deny that, or give a reason why Catholics should vote for people who oppose them.
So after 40 long years after millions of babies being murdered in the womb, after watching the sodomites highjack marriage and make it legal to sodomize one another as a "right"...that didn't disturb the Bishop…but only till the demon-craps held their satanic convention and mocked God did the good Bishop finally have the scales removed from his eyes..would only that the rest of the Church leaders?? would also have their scales on their eyes also. Makes you wonder why you hear no condemnation from the pulpits on abortion and same-sex abomination??..simply because the silent leaders agree with the demon-crat policies of baby murder and sodomy as acceptable to them. Send down from Thy Heavens the same fire that you sent down Thy Justice on Sodom and Gomorrah Dear God and remove the scales of Sin from our eyes.
Thank you Bishop Tobin for resigning from the Democrat party. Political parties over the life of the nation have held differing and evolving agends. Now, early in the 21st century, the Democrat party stands for and is committed to a secular, socialist, form of big government with rights and values determined by, and flowing to the people from, a centralized power. Its collectivist philosophy is the antithesis of the principle of subsidiarity of which Pope John Paul II and others have spoken in strong support. Essentially this principle holds that nothing should be done by a large, complex organization which can be done by a smaller, simpler organization. Its unrelenting attacks against the unborn, traditional marriage, and religious freedom among many other things confirm its secular agenda.
Speaking as a Catholic and former Democrat, no Catholic should belong to the Democrat party. Catholics registered as a Democrat should resign as a Democrat and re-register either as a no-party registrant(a growing number)or re-register with a party more compatible with your beliefs. Do it now.
I am amazed that you waited so long.
There are literally as many reasons to forsake the republicans as there are to forsake the democrats. Politics is an utterly trivial pursuit in comparison to the church. Trying to somehow shoehorn the immoral ideologies of politics to conform with your faith is in my opinion beyond human capability.
I have been in the Church for a long time and have been taught that a Catholic must formulate his conscience in accordance with the teachings of the Church as established by the Magisterium. This means Catholics are not permitted to vote for Democratic candidates because all of whom support evil items such as abortion, contraception, same sex marriage and euthanasia. From what I read I wonder if all of our bishops and priests follow this policy. Now I see how OBama got elected. I think the pew Catholics need instruction in this matter. It would be interesting to see which political party each bishop belongs to.
I haven't read the other comments so this might have been stated already: I strongly believe that all truly believing Catholics must be single issue voters and that single issue is abortion (i.e., the "life" issue). The Democratic party officially endorses abortion while the Republican party does not; it expressly opposes it. That should be the end of the analysis as to which party to support.
So, he decided to cease being a Democrat because of that party's pro-abortion stance (which I oppose being pro-life) and pro-marriage-equality (which I support being gay). He says both go against his religion's teachings. But why become a Republican? That party supports throwing not only the poor but the working middle class under the bus for the sake of the wealthy (both individuals and corporations) and making sure no one gets health care unless somebody else becomes rich - or richer - off of it. Is that Catholic teaching? Oh, and you Republicans, let me stop you right now when you spout off "no one is opposed to everyone receiving health care - we're just opposed to…," well, you're opposed to making sure no one doesn't get rich off of it. None of you have come up with a workable alternative to the way health care is sold in this country in which only those who can afford it either because they're rich, or because they got THEIR private insurance and to hell with those who can't get theirs. One time when I was sick (and with no insurance) I finally had no choice but to go to a doctor. He saw me for 20 minutes, said he couldn't figure out what was wrong and scheduled "tests" that consisted of taking some blood, pee-pee and #2. Nothing showed up. Meanwhile, I got a bill for $8,000 and the Catholic "health care system" I used, owned by nuns, kept threatening me with collectors and lawsuits if I didn't pay up quicker. So, fine. I went without gas for seven months, boiling water on my stove to do everything from bathe to the dishes to "speed it up." That's your "Catholic" Republican alternative? Of course, the goodly now-Republican bishop doesn't have to worry about what he must face or do when he gets sick. He gets it all paid for. He got his; to hell with the rest of us.
The chief reason that most Catholics in the U.S. are Democrats is because they do not realize that Republicans are typically twice as generous to the poor as leftists in the U.S.
After all, we have the tax data, and plenty of studies. This has been well-known for ages.
But it's not the kind of thing a (left leaning!) news media likes to report, so it's sort of an open secret of American society, how much more culturally generous conservatives are than leftists in the U.S.
Basically leftists rarely believe in donating their time or money or blood except when it's bound up in advancing their political power. That's the left-wing culture of the U.S. in a nutshell.
There are exceptions, of course…most of them Christians who're confused about the difference between charity towards one's neighbor (executed voluntarily from within your own means) and the welfare state (which tends to culturally undermine charity and cause class resentment and warfare and political corruption and moral hazard and the degradation of cultural capital).
But in general leftists in the U.S. are about half as generous to the poor as their right-wing neighbors, measured either in absolute dollars or in percentage of pre-tax income. This is true at all income brackets, rich to poor. And right-wingers donate blood more, serve more often in volunteer unpaid charities (leftists typically occupy the paid admin positions).
Again, this is long-known, well documented: It's a fact.
But because RAISING AWARENESS and SUPPORTING A POLITICAL CAUSE is a very loud, public, and not-personally-costly way of "giving to the poor," it's not only what leftists tend to do, but it's the only thing that's public enough to measure.
To know how much conservatives give, you have to look at tax returns and the like—in private. It's almost as if conservatives' left hand doesn't know what their right is doing. Funny how that happens.
SO, to make a long story short (too late!), young idealists see all that public ranting about welfare policies that Democrats indulge in, and conclude that Democrats must be the party that cares most for "the least of these."
Entirely wrong, of course.
But since when are young American voters well-informed?
I have been a fan of Bishop Tobin since he took on a debate with Patrick Kennedy. I am puzzled how any Bishop can be a Democrat considering abortion, contraception same sex marriage and euthanasia beliefs promoted by the Democratic Party. It would be interesting to know the party affiliation of all Bishops.
What Bishops and Parish Pastors need to start telling Catholic voters is that if you vote for a candidate who is pro abortion, you are complicite in the Mortal sin of abortion! And you endanger your immortal soul!
In regard to Republicans not talking about not caring for the poor. Lol I am an Independant. They do not need to talk. They show their colors by what they do. I am not a Democrat but sure I as heck I do not see any Rick Sanatoriums among them. It seems to me there has never been a war republican never liked, or a inflated defense budget having nothing to do with defense other than making their friends rich. There was also never a government program they want to shut down they themselves did not take advantage of in their past. To be a pro life Bishop or Roman Catholic and support US wars is an oxymoron.
God bless you IDHusker, but the Democrats have been evil since I've been alive ('56). Republicans have had bad "servants of the people" as well, but let us compare the scandals of our current President and his regime vs. Nixon (also pro-abort) who resigned. Our President is nothing short of a Tyrant and is socially amoral (well, except with his dog). The President and the luny congress who think they can spend money that is not there…Is Not There…and is not theirs, are murdering the middle class.
But that is bad policy now and for the youth of the country; however, it pales when compared with the 56 million plus voiceless babies that have been murdered as a result of people like Margaret Satin Sangor, all of the "foundations" that began the eugenics movement following the civil war, and everybody's favorite community organizer who dedicated his book to Lucifer, Saul Alinsky. Check out ChurchMilitant.tv FBI, first season, first show to learn what happened to the Democrats/the Unions/our Catholic Church. Evil has been attacking Christ's Bride for at least a century in our country. Therefore, THANK YOU BISHOP THOMAS TOBIN! you have my prayers, and I pray all Bishops will see the Light of Christ and be rid of that evil party. (one small step for Bishop Tobin, but one large step for the Catholic Church in the U.S.A.)
John at 3:40, I was not addressing your comment; however, I was addressing John at 2:27…this same thing happened to me yesterday or the day before with someone. Interesting. Also, I am not receiving follow-up comments. Help moderator?
I think this is amoke and mirrors!! Just on the outside assumption that you need certain moral criteria to become a Catholic Bishop my question is how could have you been a Democrat in the seventies,eighties, nineties and the first 11 years of the 21st century?? The Democrat allegience to Planned Parenthood and abortion on demand haven't changed. Actually, these tenets have been the Creed of the Democrat Party long as I can remember, well before 1969. I am glad that you have switched political parties, but shame on you and all of the other wolves in sheeps clothing that supported and still support the Democrat Party.
IDHusker—great comments! You took the words right out of my mouth. Thanks for being a vote of sanity, reason, and even holiness.
I want you guys you run Santorum because if you do this country will go dark blue in a single election.
I love it when the republican party doubles down on the crazy!
I just don't get the few Democrat comments on how voting GOP is so unconscienable. The GOP never said they were against the poor, environment, or they were pro-death penalty. The DNC on the other hand has been very clear about their support for much of what the Catholic Church finds mortally sinful.
John, you're comment is odd…how can anyone…? When the choice has been evil (aborting, contracepting, sodomy(ing) or republican, what else were we given. HOWEVER, as I said earlier, if Catholics would actual practice the magnificent faith that we have been given, we could outvote both parties and elect moral politicians.
Cminca, thanks! If the hierarchy of the Republican party wouldn't have stepped on him, we would have won. They'll try it again with some fool of a moderate.
Ceci, not if all Catholics voted for him! We have the majority, believe it or not. However, there is this number of (some one recently called them BK Catholics, meaning Burger King Catholics who choose to have it their way) Catholics who are not faithful to the teachings of the Church (like those nons on the bus).
Come on, let's do it for the Glory of the Lord, as we are called to do all good things!
Oh, thats right… The liberal Progressives already played the "war on women" card in one election, in addition to the "Pay inequality" card…. What else do they have that they could use on Santorim? He's a good Catholic, more than I can say for any Democrat (pro-abortive, pr-gay "marriage") voter that violates every single spiritual work of mercy
Stephen Trost…WHAT? The Roman Catholic Church does not nor ever will go with a "majority" who accept intrinsic evil. Are you Catholic? People may sin by promoting intrinsic evil, but that does not ever touch the deposit of faith entrusted to the magisterium. If you are Catholic, you should know that, yes? God cannot contradict Himself. He is all-good, all-just, all-mighty, ... How sad that we have a number of faithful either so poorly catechized or so steeped in following the sins of the culture, that the puppets forgot Who is God and why they are here. Sir, please open up your heart to Truth and not sodomy.
I certainly understand the Bishop's disenchantment with the Democrats' positions on abortion and same-sex marriage. I find Republican positions just as troubling. Republicans fought Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, are on the wrong side of many economic, immigration, gun violence and and environmental issues that affect our day to day lives. It's going to be conversion to Christ that causes people to change their hearts on the bedroom issues, not a poltical party. Republicans campaign and raise lots of money on these social issues, but then can do nothing to stop the secular tide once they get in office. In the meantime, they do influence policy that really does impact people: food stamps, unemployment benefits, environmental and education decisions. I've been Democrat most my voting life but am upset over their lurch left on social issues, but I find Republicans just as objectionable. And, frankly, I wonder why a bishop has to announce why's he's changed parties. Support Catholic positions on pro-life, pro quality of life and social justice issues and leave partisanship out of it. Sometimes that mean leaving the ballot blank. I'm quite sure God is not happy with either party as well.
This turn to the right might also help the diocese treasury, and create rides on corporate jets? If leadership in the US Roman Catholic church was one fifth as committed to help those made unemployed by the Republican party lobbyist benefactors, and were pro human life in regard to war making and killing policies in DC,NSA, protesting corporate US military as they are about so called family values they might have my support.
JUST BECAUSE BISHOP TOBIN WAS A DEMOCRAT DOSEN'T MEAN HE VOTED DEMOCRAT IN PAST ELECTIONS! Think of this before you begin the bishop bashing.
I wish the hierarcy would keep their political alliances private. It is not proper for them to be aligned with a political party. Lead from your pulpit but leave politics out of the equation. It demeans the Church for people to do as this bishop has done. Basing one's vote simply on their opposition to marriage equality is from my perspective, rather simplistic. The world is a complicated and changing place. The RC Church simply has to accept that the majority of the Catholics in the US now support same gender marriage.
@ Mariann; Rick Santorum has about as much chance of becoming President as an ice cube in the Infernal Region. Rots of Ruck on that one!!!
Marian—please, please, please put Rick Santorum up for the election.
It is marriage, not "marriage".
On the other hand, I'd do consider Catholics "Christians".
How can anyone who calls themselves Catholic (and faithful) be a Republican? Especially with their pro-death penalty, lack of interest in the poor and marginalized, anti-immigration reform stance?! (see Washington Post, Catholic bishop stumps for the Republican party. Why?)
Ironically, I was so upset by the betrayal of marriage by RI Catholic Republicans that I was about to follow what I had assumed was the bishop's example and disaffiliate. (Years ago I had concluded, wrongly, that "not Republican" + "would never vote for a pro-abortion candidate" meant he was Independent) I am glad to have this news, now. Perhaps the Republicans in RI will gain moral courage via the bishop's move. In any case, I continue to be grateful for the strength, charity, and guidance of a bishop we don't deserve. Thank You, God, for Bishop Tobin!
i do not understand how the use of force, even by a government, to produce desired outcomes is in tune with the teachings of our Lord. i find this particularly puzzling when desired outcomes are not simple black and white issues. of course, we should all practice the works of mercy. however, how government should involve itself in supporting our practicing the works of mercy is a legitimate question. again, i do not agree that the use of governmental force is an acceptable solution to remedying social injustice. i cannot recall our Lord ever teaching us that force be used to advance His teachings. that sounds more like mohammed's recipe for life here on earth.
Ben in SoCal…your state can do all the concern and cost you want for the environment…leave us out of the costs involved…no more environmental restrictions on this side of the Mississippi, thank you.
Yes, I agree, would that Bishop Tobin would have taken this stance before now. However, I do not hear these words from other Bishops, do you? I recently heard Cardinal Dolan sounding off to the GOP regarding it's need to pass immigration laws NOW. Yet, when I look over the Cardinal's blog, I have not witnessed his admonishing the evil Democrats on abortion, contraception, SS marriage, and all of their support of intrinsic evil.
Bishop Tobin, may God bless you with grace upon grace for your new found courage, and may that same courage spread like wildfire to all Bishops/Archbishops/Cardinals/Priests. May you take all necessary steps to not stand for:
- Supreme Court Justices who claim Cathlicity but vote anti-Catholic;
- Any politician who claims Cathlicity but promotes laws, actions, activities, etc., that are intrinsically evil hence, anti-Catholic;
- Lay Catholics that promote anti-Catholic teaching.
Catholics could actually vote Catholic! We still have the raw numbers in this country if we could just catechize the faithful. Perhaps, Rick Santorum is our man? Game On!
@Ben in SoCal:
You are not the only one up to the "good cop - bad cop" game being played with American voters. The GOP (Gutless Old Pussies) is as complicit in the creation of the global Sodom as the Demokrats.
The GOP wants to use Big Government to prevent the medical decision of abortion. The GOP then attacks national health insurance s socialism. Contradiction. Meanwhile, my mother, who has endured a long battle with cervical cancer, does not have insurance due to being laid off.
Where is the GOP's compassion for her life?
"Thank you for your courage, Bishop", "Thank you for your courage, Bishop"?
Please explain how you remained a Democrat and voted for the likes of obama, "knowing" his and Democrats penchant for killing babies in the womb and out of the womb? You stayed with them, socialized with them, had drinks and dinner with them, through a 50 million baby butchery but now you have misgivings about same sex marriage? Yes, Thank you for your courage. Excuse me while I upchuck.
Bishop Tobin, I am shocked that it took you so long, so even though it is said that better late than ever, I think the damage was already done in Providence diocese. The layman, I would applaud, but from a Catholic bishop of my diocese, I would expect something better. What took you so long?
Well said and thank you very much, Bishop Tobin. Now if only our priest and legislatures would follow your example we can call ourselves and
Rhode Island a Real Catholic State.
He is a bishop of my diocese. My hubby was never fond of him and I am shocked that it took him sooo long to realize the truth. Until 2012??? Where was he before? I would be applauding him, if he was a layman, but he is in charge of a diocese. Bishop Tobin, what took you so long?
It's a shame the bishop didn't register independent. Anti-abortion does not make one Pro-Life. There is a whole spectrum of issues comprising a Pro-Life party.
What about the Republican Party's relentless assault on pro-environmental laws? What about their constant actions to reducing environmental quality and standards? Funny enough, it was a Republican president, Richard Nixon, who signed in the EPA into existence.
What about the Republican Party's dogmatic adherence to the economic philosophy of strident atheist Ayn Rand? Randian philosophy is far out of whack with Catholic faith and morals.
Why bother to protect life within the womb, when you are only going to make life terrible on the outside? No consistency, because they are not a truly pro-life party. Keep your conscience clean, goindependent.
I'm puzzled as to why Bishop Tobin did not figure this out sooner. If you watched the 2012 Democrat convention, it was a celebration of abortion, contraception and same-sex "marriage". No practicing, thinking Catholic can be a Democrat today. It is important that Catholics vote, but I'd say the only choices are either Republicans or third party.
Thank you for your courage, Bishop. Let us pray that the Republican Party may be cleansed of its attachments to corporate cronyism and liberal trendiness such as that of Chris Christie, even as we also pray for the deliverance of the Democrat party from the culture of death.
So because of Obama, Sebelius , the HHS mandate and gay marriage he has finally smelled the roses and has become a Republican. Why are our Bishops(a lot of them) so clueless. Well better late than never. Bishop Tobin is joining the Republican Party… and people like me who have been with the Republican Party for a long time because of our Christian convictions, well we or a lot us are realizing that the Republican Party and even the Catholic Church has been an ineffectual doorstop against a door intending to swing wide open. In fact that cultural door of paganism is almost full stop open. You can vote Republican all day long and it will not stop the moral decay that is our culture. Republicanism and Catholicism has waged a losing battle for the past 50 years. What is now happening is a snowball that has been running downhill for 50 years. Republicanisms/Conservative politics day has come and gone. Keep voting
Repulican/Conservative but we have reached a moral tipping point of no return. Things in the spiritual moral realm of our society is going to get alot worse before they get better. There will be martyrs!
Thanks for being a model of integrity, Bishop Tobin. It is so easy to feel vaguely intimidated nowadays.
Excellent… A Bishop of understanding of the teachings of the Church and Christ and strong commitment. deacon paul p.
Bishop Tobin is a shinning example of a person who has Intellectual Courage and strength to live up to the Catholic Church and make the necessary changes in his life to fulfill those endeavors. I hope all Democrat Party Bishops will do the same.
Better late than never
How can anyone who calls themseves Catholic (and faithful) be a Democrat? Especially with their pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage platform?! (see open letter to Nancy Pelosi from Father Frank Pavone)
Thanks for speaking out. It is important that more Priest's speak out
about moral issues and remind the faithful what the church teaches.
My wife and I had two grandchildren born in the month of June. Just holding those two babies in my hand is wonderful. How can a butcher doctor or a liberal "DEMORAT" condone the slaughter of human life. Patrick Kennedy is a sick human being driving drunk and other issues purported to be related to his bi-polar disorder. Whatever, the case KUDOS to the Bishop!
Again, what took him so long, and why do so many Catholics fail to see that as long as the Democratic Party pushes forcing the rest of us to support the torture-death of helpless innocent unborn babies, that it would be a sin to vote Democratic?
Just awful that a Bishop would speak like this. Pope Francis should haul him into his office immediately. Why would a Catholic wish to be identified as a Republican? Talk about anti-Christian.
I arrived in the USA in 1990. I grew up Catholic. I never understood why most Catholics in the USA were Democrats. And now more than ever I still do not understand it. It's a heresy to show loyalty to a party that believes in killing humans, removing God from life, and promoting so called "homosexual marriage". All these are intrinsic evils and non negotiable. On judgement day how are you going to explain that?
Excuse me Bishop, why did it take so long????
I am happy Bishop Tobin has seen the light but the obvious question is
what could have possibly been the attraction for a practicing Catholic prior to 2012?
44 Years?....Really…That takes him back to 1969.
The Bishop has been a Democrat through George McGovern(1972), Roe v Wade(1973), Jimmy Carter(1976),
the ultimate dirtbags, the Clinton's, the ultimate incompetent, Obama and still, he remained a Democrat.
For whatever folks might think of Richard Nixon, he does not hold a candle to the evils of Clinton/Obama,
not even on the same planet.
And of course, Ronald Reagan. An obvious reason for the Bishop to have changed.
Still, once again, he did not. Not until now.
"We are a big tent." And like John Paul ll said, "Maybe we have to get smaller before we can get bigger." And that is a very wise philosophy.
You CANNOT be a Democrat and a true,practicing Roman Catholic. You can live the delusion but then of course you would simply be DELUSIONAL.
"What party would Jesus be? All of the above."
Nope, I do not think so. Good and Evil are real and they are not the same.
Free will exists for us to make choices. Choices have consequences. America is dealing with a massive lack of intellect and a huge amount of pride and unrelenting hubris.
One must wonder about the sense, the rationale for this procrastination.
Why not was not he a Reagan Democrat? Perhaps he was too young. All I can say is that I am amazed that nearly 50% of American Catholic voters supported the DP in the last election. One cannot imagine a political movement more antithetical to Catholic doctrine. Such is state of affairs bot Catholics and some racial minorities keep supporting the Democrats. As far as I am concerned, the Dixiecrats were obnoxious enough to disgust me. Blacks and Catholics that support the DP abomination are obviously ignorant. Yet, I must stress this, the GOP has become the right wing of the DP by supporting a soft form of Liberal Progressivism that is in fact as unacceptable as the hard core Progressive ideas.


text:
The Oregon Trail: Settler
by: Gameloft • 312K
All Android applications categories
by: Gameloft • 312K
Published: 2012-03-07, by Ana Gracia.
The Oregon Trail: Settler is an historic adventure set in Oregon where you need to settle down to start a new home and take care of your family, animals and crops. Your objective is to build a great town and be safe from the dangers that you and your family might encounter like a hurricane or a bandit attack.
The main screen provides three basic options: your tools, which are located on the bottom right, your available resources on the top right and the list of tasks you need to do on the bottom left. First of all you need to select your character: Ma or Pa and follow the tutorial that introduces you to the game. Then you will see the amazing graphics and smooth animations, as well as the storyline, which is rich and addictive.
While you follow the story, you can also play mini-games in order to gather resources for later. If you don't like adventure casual games or management apps, this is not your kind of game but at the same time it's pretty different from others so don't hesitate to try it out.
Gameloft is the developer of The Orange Trail and its free version. Both games are fun, addictive and have incredible graphics so we really recommend them. The language is adapted too, which is pretty interesting.
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by Ana , Appszoom
Mar 07, 2012
from 311.963 reviews
by Brittney Taylor
Mar 04, 2017 | "Great"
I really love this game but my new map has been trying to load for a month but wont
by A Google user
Mar 04, 2017 | "Awesome"
by Mark Leslie Go
Mar 03, 2017 | "Awesome"
Ive been playing thjs games for years then i stop..now im playing it again... i never get bored playing this games... i love it... one prob tho... put more energy pls...
by Chimere Follet
Mar 03, 2017 | "OK"
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by Janelle Hilburn-Corbell
Mar 03, 2017 | "Awesome"
Fun to play for all ages
by JO jo
Mar 03, 2017 | "Great"
It's cool
Download The Oregon Trail: Settler
Free - V2.8.3e - 34M
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Monday, October 05, 2009
FO: Kanoko
Pattern: Kanoko Pants
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in Burgundy
Before weaving in ends, finishing the waistband and sewing up crotch:
I finished these pants last Tuesday. They were originally going to be warm pants for the winter, but then they ended up a bit short. I considered adding more length, but decided against it when they were tried on a friend's 4 year old. They make great shorts. Margaret can wear these flood pants inside this winter and as shorts next summer. I think they'll make great bloomers under a dress.
I plan on lanolizing them so I can use them as longies/shorties. As Margaret gets better as signaling to use the potty, I'll start putting training panties on her and have these over them.
And as you see, Margaret looks like she's teething they way she's gnawing on her fingers. I felt for teeth, but didn't notice any new ones. She has all her teeth except for her 2 year old molars.
2 comments:
- Brad and Hailey said...
Cute pants!
- funkyhan said...
I just printed off this pattern before we went away on our little holiday -- very cool trousers!! They look great in burgundy. I might even make some for my 2yo who still has a few accidents (more since little one arrived!)
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