Finally

Did you see the story below over the weekend?

Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has forbidden Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy to receive the Roman Catholic sacrament of Holy Communion because of his advocacy of abortion rights, the Rhode Island Democrat said Friday.

Bishop Tobin has taken a logical step that many other Catholic Church leaders should have done long ago.

We here on the Stoop always wondered how Catholic politicians could write laws or vote for legislation that promoted/endorsed/legalized abortion, and yet remain in good standing with the church.

It would be like during the 1960's, a member of Martin Luther King's church publicly advocating on behalf of segregation.

In both instances, the social justice concerns of the church (abortion/segregation) are incompatible with the individuals beliefs.

Bishop Tobin has told Patrick Kennedy that he should reconsider his membership in the Catholic church.

Tobin's advice makes perfect sense.

If I joined a gym because I wanted to play basketball, and I found out the gym has no basketball court, why would I stay a member?

Would it makes sense to sit and pout and tell the gym owners that I want them to install a basketball court? Or should I just walk across the street to another gym that meets my needs?

Patrick Kennedy wants the Catholic Church to adopt the Kennedy ideas of morality where abortion on demand is legal and just and the taxpayer pays for the "procedure".

I got news for you: it ain't happening.

The Catholic church may have its problems, but making Patrick Kennedy's views on abortion church dogma makes as much sense as accepting an offer from Patrick's dad to drive you over a bridge.

So a salute to Bishop Tobin for his common sense clarity when it comes to Catholic politicians.