Oh Ricky....

Stop talking! If you needed one more reason why he needs to go, here you go. Damn, sometimes I wish I lived in PA so I could vote him out of office. Sometimes I wish he wasn't Catholic, so people didn't think he speaks for Catholics like me.

It is startling that those in the media and academia appear most
disturbed by this aberrant behavior, since they have zealously promoted moral
relativism by sanctioning "private" moral matters such as alternative
lifestyles. Priests, like all of us, are affected by culture. When the culture
is sick, every element in it becomes infected. While it is no excuse for this
scandal, it is no surprise that Boston, a seat of academic, political
and cultural liberalism in America, lies at the center of the
storm.

I'm not sure there is anything more "private" than who is sleeping in your bed with you, but apparently, not for Rick. Private needs "quotes" in that sentence. Then, of course, the gem that liberlism is to blame for the clergy abuse scandal. Yet another reason for why priests abuse children. We can add that to the list of reasons which include celibacy and sexual orientation. Any other reason BUT the fact that they are sick, and have chosen to seek out a profession which allows them unsupervised access to children.

I'll tell you what I think is more damaging than anything to the Church; even more so than so-called moral relativism. The Church refuses to acknowledge and account for the clergy abuse scandal. When the Church covers up claims of abuse, re-assigns priests accused of abuse and fails to investigate claims of abuse, it has created a culture in which its followers are told to adhere to that age-old adage: do as I say, not as I do.

Well, that doesn't work for religion. The church teaches homosexuality is wrong. How are we to accept that premise, when the sexual antics of a large number of priests is systematically covered up by the Church. Is their 'sexuality' not wrong? The Church teaches that life begins at conception and should be protected. When a child is born, does that protection expire? Shouldn't the Church be working to protect the children they purport to educate?

There is only one reason that priests abuse children. They are sick, and that is all. It is not celibacy. Exactly how long does one have to be celibate before children start looking good? It is not sexual orientation. Homosexuals are sexually attracted to members of the same sex, NOT children. Child abusers seek out positions where upon they can have unfettered access to children. A priest, a boy scout leader, camp counselor, etc--it is not rocket science. It has nothing to do with the Catholic Church. However, the coverup does, and Santorum makes yet another excuse for the Church, which in turn, will end up pushing away more of the faithful. The exact opposite of his intent. He does us Catholics no favors and does not represent Catholics as a whole.

Liberals: sissy, tree-hugging, traitorous, child abusing bastards right?

Hat tip Atrios. For more on this subject, see the great posts and articles of Andrew Sullivan. A gay Catholic who refuses to leave the Church and pushes to hold the Church responsible. His point of view is excellent on this issue.

Update: This piece is from 2002, but the point remains the same. But it pre-dates some of the more vile rhetoric towards liberals lately. Just an FYI.