Prof. Douglas Kmiec is a Catholic and Republican, who supported Obama for President. Kmiec is also strongly against abortion. Contradiction? He thinks not:
Unlike Obama, I regret to say the current Republican Party thrives on demonizing its opposition to win elections. Without ideas, there is only name-calling. That’s too bad because additional avenues for strengthening a culture of life open up when we avoid demonizing those who disagree with our Catholic view that life begins at conception. Talking strongly pro-life, Republicans often do little, promising that some judge not yet appointed is the answer or advocating leaving it all up to the states to decide, seldom acknowledging that many, perhaps most, states would end embedding the “legal status” of abortion—exactly contrary to the cardinal’s thoughtful instruction.
Some here can rail at Democrats killing babies all you want, but even President Bush said that the time is not right to criminalize abortion. And, criminalizing it won't stop it either, surely overturning Roe won't, since lots of populous states will legalize it just as much any way. [It will selectively reduce it somewhat, perhaps, while encouraging tragic results including dangerous illegal abortions.] Those who truly care about life see the answer is much more complex.
This includes many American Catholics, a majority of whom reject their Church's stance on various major issues. As noted here ["The Stakes at Notre Dame: Words From Rome Change The Debate on Inviting Obama" By E.J. Dionne], the liberal component of Catholics is a powerful force in this country, even showing some signs of being on the Supreme Court.* The chance for some common ground is shown even from up high, as the below op-ed suggests.
Reading the President's remarks, I think he did a good job adding to the conversation. As to mixing church and state, he cannot ignore this issue even if he wanted to do so. And, his message of unity and respect fits the rules of the game too. This is what freedom of conscience means in this country.
[And more here]
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* Justice William Brennan was Catholic. Kennedy is Catholic and voted in support of the rights of homosexuals and the deep care we need to take when considering whether to execute someone.
[personal whine deleted]