Prof. Kmiec accuses ‘right wing’ Catholic bloggers of character assassination

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Blames them for potentially “poisoning” Vatican-Obama relationship

Comments: 72

Professor Douglas Kmiec

Washington D.C., Jan 13, 2009 / 11:53 am (CNA).- In his first lengthy article explaining his position after the election of President Barack Obama, Professor Douglas Kmiec is accusing “right wing Catholic bloggers" of distorting his position, attacking him personally, and potentially poisoning the relationship between the Holy See and the future administration of President Barack Obama.

In the article entitled “A Tangled Web. The Election & the Blogosphere,” written for Commonweal magazine, Professor Kmiec explains that “as the author of a book whose title asked Can a Catholic Support Him? –and whose contents answered with an enthusiastic ‘Yes, we can!’- I have felt the animosity of those with an insatiable desire for political payback.”

“I’ve been subjected to unrelenting personal attacks launched from right-wing Catholic keyboards-blogs (and bloggers) so coarse and uncivil they make the insults of talk radio sound like actual journalism,” writes the law professor.

“Further –he argues- the lack of civility that rules the right-wing Catholic blogosphere has infected mainstream Catholic journalism as well. In a syndicated assessment of the 2008 election, one usually thoughtful conservative columnist employed the following descriptions of Catholic Obama supporters: ‘decadent,’ ‘tribal,’ ‘immoral,’ ‘certainly stupid,’ ‘mindless,’ and in need of basic ‘adult education.’ And those were all in a single paragraph! Such highly concentrated rhetorical venom is not calculated to invite discussion.”

“My online tormentors,” Kmiec continues, “like to claim that their beef with me is my alleged abandonment of the prolife cause or willful misstatement of church teaching. Neither charge is true. I remain unabashedly prolife and I have never consciously misstated the doctrine of the church.”

“This essay,” Professor Kmiec further explains, “is not about abortion, but at least this much must be said: blog lies to the contrary, there is no real legislative interest in FOCA. The attempt to use FOCA to drive a wedge between the church and the incoming administration is unjustified”. He then warns the U.S. bishops: “the bishops, having stated clearly their opposition to FOCA-and rightly so-should not allow the right wing to obscure what Obama shares with the church: concern for the poor; support for the average family; a commitment to ending an unjust war; and respect for our environment.”

“Unless the sore losers of November 4 manage to poison the well, the Holy See and the Obama administration should be working more closely together in service to others than any administration in modern memory,” he opines.

Going back to his criticism of Catholic bloggers, Kmiec writes that “the scurrilous remarks of conservative bloggers missed the point, which was that I and millions of others who voted for Obama did so not despite our Catholic faith but because of it.”

“A hate-filled blogosphere,” argues Kmiec, after defending the sincerity of Obama’s religious beliefs, “feeds a politics of odium, misleading people of faith and good will, diminishing and at times obliterating our ability to know one another.

“Sadly, neighbor-love is not what has overwhelmed my in-box since my Obama endorsement. Instead, right-wing blogs and their readers have launched missiles of hate, delivering ad hominem invective of an astonishing vehemence and crassness.”

Professor Kmiec later laments in his essay that “to be remade by a hateful blogosphere has its price, I’ve learned. I worry that such invitations to speak at Catholic colleges, and the fruitful exchanges these invitations make possible, will be fewer.”

“One member –he says- of the U.S. hierarchy whom I greatly admire has renounced our past association, writing, ‘We are not friends, professor,’ and answering my invocation of Christian brotherhood with a curt retort: ‘I do see you as a brother in Christ –a brother who is serving an evil end.’ The greatest personal price I have paid is the loss of old-and the preemption of new-friendships.”

Kmiec also confesses that when America Magazine’s blogger Michael Sean Winters speculated that the Obama administration might name him as ambassador to the Holy See, he was “flattered” and started seriously thinking about the possibility.

But he claims that “neither God nor the president-elect had an opportunity to answer before the blogs were recycling their various calumnies, and adding now an anonymous voice allegedly saying ‘it would never happen.’”

Kmiec doesn’t reserve blame to “right wing” Catholic bloggers alone. In his essay, he says a role were played by “unfortunate remarks,” like the ones of Archbishop Raymond Burke calling the Democratic Party “the party of death,” and of Cardinal Francis Stafford at The Catholic University of America “describing some of the policies of the president-elect as ‘aggressive, disruptive, and apocalyptic.’”

But he returns to his accusations against “right-wing Catholic bloggers,” saying they are “acting as a thinly disguised political front for the GOP" and "remain fixated on the goal of precipitating an unnecessary war between the Holy See and America’s next administration. It is dismaying to see a few American prelates and their ‘anonymous’ Vatican commentators acting as witting or unwitting coconspirators in this divisive action.”

Nevertheless, Professor Kmiec takes solace in the fact that “blogs have not closed the mind of the new president and, like Lincoln, he bears ‘malice toward none’ and manifests ‘charity for all’.”

“Even spinning a pervasive web of falsehood, the right-wing Catholic blogosphere is no match for the self-evident truth of that golden rule-nor would its bloggers want to be, were they to indulge a microsecond of charitable thought before hitting the send button,” he concludes.

Comments: 72

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Cathman
LA, CA 01/28/2009 07:37 PM EST

To Maggie, the college student who is confused why pro-lifers seem "nasty", please let me respond. We pro-lifers view abortion for what it is - the killing of innocent life that can also seriously harm (mentally and physically) the mother. When abortion is exposed for what it really is, you can understand the frustration and anger we have toward those who not only defend abortion, but ask that our country continue to support and fund it. Imagine what you would say or write if there were laws that permitted the killing of born children, say in the first 7 days after birth. If you did not react vigorously, you would be seen as one who quietly approves. There’s not much, if any, difference. There is no harm in zealously using free speech and print to criticize Kmiec who is ignorantly or intentionally promoting the taking of completely innocent life.

Published by: geronimo
united states of abortion 01/24/2009 11:46 PM EST

And pray tell, E.M. Braga, why Obama should not be "in the same camp as Hitler?" Let me remind you that Hitler was elected Chancellor of Germany by the German people and was also a personable fellow and a good speaker. Or is it just Americans that get a free ride on genocide? May God have mercy on this evil nation.

Published by: Jeff Wynne
Quakertown PA 01/24/2009 01:57 AM EST

Assuming Professor Kmiec is speaking his views sincerely - that is, the view that the FOCA bill will never reach Obama's desk, I sure hope he regrets his views in light of Obama's rescinding the Mexico policy which will now fund abortion procedures abroad with US taxpayer money.

Published by: E. M. Braga
Charleston, SC 01/20/2009 09:08 PM EST

While I may disagree with Professor Kmiec's stance, I am dismayed to see the response of so many of CNA's readers, who seem so absolutely determined to prove him right. The level of vitriol is such that anyone who is not already firmly on the Right to Life side (as I am, incidentally) will be driven away from the truth by the absolute lack of Christian charity demonstrated by Kmiec's attackers.

We do not need to convince each other, and we cannot convince the Planned Parenthood types... but for all those on the fence, for all those who are seeking the truth but are as yet unconvinced, the ugliness shown here is likely to drive them to the other side. When we compare Kmiec with Judas, as "joann" does, or when we place Obama, a man supported by the majority of Americans, in the same camp as Hitler (as so many here have done), we are not showing the Christian love that will convince people to listen to us... we are saying that the anti-abortion side is made up of people filled with bitter hate for those who disagree on a single issue, whatever else they may believe.

I'm not saying that you are wrong to disagree with Prof. Kmiec or to work against FOCA-- I too will do those things. But to express ourselves in with such hate-filled words denies any possibility that the undecided will thik that we might be motivated by Christian love, or that God's Church teaches anything but hateful abuse.

This, my brothers and sisters, is no way to win converts to our cause.

Published by: John Rigali
Duarte, CA 01/20/2009 12:29 PM EST

Brothers and sisters, it seems to me that Catholics are becoming increasingly divided into two camps: liberal and conservative. Liberal Catholics generally seem to cling to the Democratic Party as the de facto Catholic party simply because it embraced and protected American Catholics of yesteryear. Conservative Catholics seem to recognize that, at least from the advent of William F. Buckley Jr. to the late 1990s, the Republican Party had increasingly championed traditional Judeo-Christian values in the face of judicial and technological challenges (e.g. abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem cell research and human cloning). I concluded last year that Professor Kmiec belongs in the former camp. Although he probably doesn't realize it, he and all others like him desperately need our prayers.

And while I'm on the subject of prayers, it appears that the President-elect is continuing the tradition since 1989 of excluding Catholic clergymen (and thus their prayers) from the inauguration.

Published by: John Rigali
Duarte, CA 01/20/2009 02:35 AM EST

Maggie: Let me make a distinction here for you. Many of Kmiec's opponents have sounded off here, but only a few have actually submitted undignified comments about his person; the remainder have expressed opposition to what Professor Kmiec has said and done. On the other hand, Professor Kmiec -- regarded by some as an expert on Catholic views of American politics and social issues -- has continuously expressed opposition to causes and people that adhere to Catholic teaching. All of us should be choosing to uphold God's will. Which "side" do you think is doing that more: Professor Kmiec, or his opponents? Get past the "hate" and analyze what's REALLY going on here.

Published by: Maggie
US 01/19/2009 11:58 AM EST

I'm a college student who doesn't attend church but am starting to question my "reproductive rights". From what I can see, abortion is a bad scene and it's really messed up some of my friends. But the more I see of pro-lifers, the more confused I get. Most people who say they're for the "culture of life" are pretty nasty. I'm just learning but I'll take Professor Kmiec before the bulk of these other commentators any day.

Published by: Ron R.
Santa Ana, CA 01/15/2009 09:35 PM EST

“blogs have not closed the mind of the new president and, like Lincoln, he bears ‘malice toward none’ and manifests ‘charity for all’.”

Published by: Carl Gethmann
Reading, PA U.S.A. 01/14/2009 10:24 PM EST

Prof. Kmiec is employing the long since discredited argument for proportionality. That is, all Obama's good points (never really verified) supposedly outweight his active and voting support for all forms of abortion. Prof. Kmiec should heed the upcoming Vatican paper on the five most deadly sins - the first of which is abortion. His comment that FOCA has no political support in Congress is a logical error (it is an unsupported assertion - I forget what the Latin terminology for that is). I sincerely hope that Prof. Kmiec realizes the enormous error in his reasoning and changes his mind. Until he does so, I will not read anything he writes as it is obvious that he is incapable of correctly weighing the seriousness of his error. It is erroneous thinking such as this that has led many improperly cathecized Catholics to make wrong choices in their lives and he his morally responsible for their mistakes because, in his position as an 'expert' has led them into their errors.

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 01/14/2009 09:43 PM EST

Professor Kmiec, your response seems so surrealistic and sadly opposed to your earlier defense of life in the womb. Maybe some people have personally attacked you in the blogs; and what is that to you that outraged people can't hold their tongue? Who are they anyway?

The majority of these people, perhaps me included, still love you in Christ and pray for your eternal soul. The majority of the comments from the CNA readers on this page spell out the serious nature of your actions and comments. May you come to your senses, let go of the ego that forces you to continue in your support of the anti-child policies of the Obama administration, and get back to the business of defending life. President-elect Obama must hear from you that all life is sacred!

Our actions in this life reveal the state of our relationship with our Father above. As you are a very public Catholic figure close to the Obama's, can we count on you doing what is in our Father's interest and fight hard to save the lives of all of the unborn that bills like FOCA seek to destroy?

Publicly denounce FOCA and all the measures in place to send Planned Parenthood Federation of America even more taxpayer money for abortions. Consider doing this in a very public letter or an address to Mr. Obama and do it quick. Do it for the little ones, do it for our nation’s sake and do it for our Father’s sake.

May God bless you in your decision to act on the side of life!

Published by: Dennis Embo
Raleigh, NC 01/14/2009 03:04 PM EST

Doug Kmiec got flamed by some so-called "right wing" Catholics? As if Deal Hudson hasn't been the object of some of the vilest, hateful and uncharitable invective from Catholic Obama supporters. The difference? Hudson is a man of character and knows that when speaking up for the Truth, its enemies will respond in force. Kmiec apparently believed when he decided to throw his hat in with Obama that it would go unchallenged. Too bad a few respondents went over the top. But hey, that's the free-for-all blogsphere.

Published by: Greg
Laurel, MD 01/14/2009 02:03 PM EST

It's always good to listen before you criticize. Many of the comments so far would seem to indicate that the commentors have not actually read Kmiec's article. Consider the following:

The editors of Commonweal invited this essay which I submit even as I acknowledge the wisdom of Sr. Pius’s eighth-grade counsel: “Douglas, just offer it up!” That was good advice; and indeed I have at times considered the blog calumnies hurled at me as penance for occasions when I have put on a bit of a false front. We all want to be perceived as intelligent, kindly, and well considered, and we all occasionally speak too glibly for our own good-as I did, for example, representing Obama on the campaign trail while chastising him for his criticism of Justice Clarence Thomas; or suggesting, out loud and even on camera, that his one-time pledge of support for the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) during the primary was “boneheaded.” These are not politic statements, but unlike most blog entries, they represent honest, substantive dissent illustrating how it is possible for a person to be capable of admiring both Barack Obama and Clarence Thomas, and of supporting Obama while rejecting legislation that would in any way limit religious freedom or insult the church. (My message to President Obama on FOCA, by the way, will remain what it was to candidate Obama: FOCA runs contrary to the pursuit of the common good.)

Published by: Mike F.
Massachusetts 01/14/2009 01:44 PM EST

Some good comments here. I also noticed that he continues to misstate the Vatican's view on the war, too. The Vatican did not favor the war. But from what I have read, the Vatican does NOT favor the U.S. leaving Iraq until stability is achieved. The Vatican has been deeply concerned about slaughter and civil war while Obama and his liberal friends were pushing their famous cut and run strategy.

Now, everyone agrees that we can't cut and run and no one wants to stay in Iraq longer than necessary to achieve stability.

Like so many liberals, Kmiec is fighting old wars rather than dealing with current realities.

Published by: Charlie Camosy
Bronx, NY 01/14/2009 01:39 PM EST

Some of the rhetoric used in these comments is doing nothing but making his point for him. I think there are definite worries about the argument he made in favor of Obama...but he is SPOT ON when he critiques the majority of the pro-life crowd as been tone-deaf in their discourse. Until we start to change our rhetoric and reach out in charity to those who disagree with us we will continue to be marginalized. Contributing to making the pro-life message impotent, it seems to me, is a much worse shirking of our duties than what Kmiec has done.

Published by: T. Smith
Oakland< CA 01/14/2009 01:22 PM EST

These responses are just appalling. What has 8 years of supposedly "pro-life" Republican rule given us? No real reduction in abortions and countless other evils--a culture of greed, destruction of the environment, abandonment of the poor, a corrupt and illegal war, and on and on. But at the heart of the Republican failure is the failure to do anything to end abortion. If the Right to Life had held the Republican Party accountable we might have achieved something but by giving them carte blanche we still have abortion on demand and a greatly diminished country.

Published by: Taynia
Racine 01/14/2009 12:36 PM EST

is anyone else tired unto death of people who write controversial books or make their own inflammatory and false comments....and then cry big crocodile tears that others call them on the carpet for it?

err - free speech is free speech right?

or is that only for the liberal left?

I have to say he needs to stop playing the victim here and stand behind what he said if he REALLY believes it's true.

One should be willing to suffer with dignity and joy if they know that what they are defending is the "truth".

however - some whiners want to have things both ways: they want to spread division and falsehood (for which they should be ashamed) and then cry and lament that others point out their errors in the same public fashion in which they were made.

private transgressions receive private chastisements.

PUBLIC transgressions get public spankings.

it's the way of things.....

OHHH NOOO! now you won't be ambassador to the Vatican! OH NO! now you won't make as much money speaking places where you shouldn't have been invited to begin with.

you may lay the claim sir that the Catholic bloggers are a "thinly veiled front for the GOP" but you are wrong. Most deeply Catholic bloggers I know are independents as they can smell the filth on the republican side as well.

but if you want to cry about "thin veils" let's look at your whining for what it is.

your anti-life, anti-catholic views have cost you MONEY. waaaa!
Don't blame bloggers....blame your MOUTH.

and repent.

Published by: mike h
canada 01/14/2009 12:07 PM EST

Poor man he supports what is wrong, is above criticism and then cries the blues when he is rejected. He made his choice we made ours. Please do not act like a bleeding heart liberal and expect orthodox not right wing papal apostolic catholics not to do as they should and reject complicity in sin.

Published by: geronimo
United States of Abortion 01/14/2009 12:00 PM EST

Who cares what Doug Kmiec thinks? He's all about promoting himself. He claims he is some pro-life activist, but real pro-life activists had never heard of the guy until the recent election. He certainly was never in the front-lines of any type of pro-life activism. He's just another example of an "intellectual" who has been educated beyond his intelligence. By the way, Hitler was a really friendly guy also.

Published by: Dr. William R. Luckey
Front Royal, Va, USA 01/14/2009 11:48 AM EST

Well, obviously Kniec did no read my blog which said that he put "the social gospel" which the church never used as a term above specific right and wrong issues. Odd that he never mentioned that. I did not call him manes--just made what I thing was a good point. He doesn't address this point and distracts us from his main problem.

Published by: James F. Driscoll
Hudson,Ma. USA 01/14/2009 11:14 AM EST

You talk the talk

Then

You must walk the walk.

God bless Our veterans
and the Catholic Church

Published by: Ken
Fort Wayne, Indiana 01/14/2009 11:01 AM EST

All too tragic really. The Professor's attitude that Obama's "concern for the poor, respect for the enviroment etc" is enough to overlook the fact 0f 3000+ babys being aborted here daily. If that's what he thinks is doing Our Lord's will here on earth then may God have mercy on America. Let us pray for the Professor and the President elect. Perhaps if they'd read Matthew 18:6...

Published by: Jim
Florissant,MO.USA 01/14/2009 10:13 AM EST

As a brother in Christ, Prof.Kimec has betrayed the mission of Christ in his support of abortionists, and politizing fundamental Catholics.
His politics of death is his choice not his so called "Right wing" Catholics.
Always in Christ
James J.

Published by: brad
Fargo, ND, USA 01/14/2009 09:38 AM EST

I just read all of the comments about Prof. Kmiec. Not one can be characterized as calumny or vitriol. All of the posts, save one (praised him), attack Kmiec's ideas and not his person. What's he been reading? Go to the left sites for swearing, vitriol, calumny, etc. Very thin skinned. It goes to show how protected intellectually are those in the ivory tower. Seldom are their leftist ideas attacked in academia. Welcome to the marketplace of ideas Professor!

Published by: Michael Shea
United States 01/14/2009 08:46 AM EST

The pathetic thing is that even apart from the abortion issue Obama's politics are still contrary to Church teaching. Please go look up the word "subsidiarity" Professor.

Published by: Mike Drabik
Toledo, Ohio 01/14/2009 08:44 AM EST

I haven't personally blogged against Prof. Keimec, but I have against Mr. Obama. Yesterday the news indicated that Mr. Obama picked Episcopal Bishop G.V. Robinson, an avowed and active homosexual, to give the invocation at the Presidential Inauguration. I can't think of a greater slap in the face to faithful Christians in this Nation than that. Mr. Keimec wants the Vatican to work with Mr. Obama; yet, step by step since November 4th Mr. Obama has prepared executive orders on abortion related issues and made cabinet appointments that virtually NO faithful Christian with his/her eyes open will be able to coutenance. To work with the Obama Administration on issues dear and near to the hearts of Christians will ultimately be impossbile without compromising the faith. The acceptance of hetordoxy must NEVER be the price we Christians must pay to live in this country. Prof. Kiemec and many others, esp. Catholic Christians, just don't seem to get it. They'd rather springle incense at the altar of post-modernism than stand up and be counted as true Christians.

Published by: Larry B.
Dallas, TX 01/14/2009 07:32 AM EST

Mr Kmiec says: "there is no real legislative interest in FOCA. The attempt to use FOCA to drive a wedge between the church and the incoming administration is unjustified”.

It is the Obama administration that wants unrestricted access to abortion and abortion rights. This is not difficult to understand.

It is like saying the new guy wants slavery to be available but there is no real legislative interest in it. In like manner, do you really want someone like that, who wants to provide unrestricted abortions in such a position of power? Let us not be deceived.

Published by: Stewart
Australia 01/14/2009 06:29 AM EST

It would seem that the appointment of Prof Kmiec is calculated to present the "Catholic-friendly" face of the Obama Admin to the Vatican. It ain't gonna work - Rome is far smarter than that.

Published by: Tom
McLean, Virginia 01/14/2009 05:33 AM EST

Doug, it profits a man nothing to trade his soul for the whole world, but for a position that is generally viewed as a mere reward?

Published by: Sally
Indianapolis 01/14/2009 02:23 AM EST

Kmiec is a wolf in (Catholic) sheep's clothing. He deserves whatever criticism he gets. Before lamenting his own "defamation", he should think twice about, soiling the name of the Catholic Church with his misrepresentation of Catholic teachings.

Published by: Edward Baker
Flushing NY USA 01/14/2009 12:55 AM EST

In reading the article I waited in vain for Kmeic to take a time out from his ad hominem attacks on those he accuses of such. If he were to actually listen to the valid criticisms of his idol-elect, he might consider that there is a basis for disenchantment with a man who promotes a politics of hate. It is not merely Obama’s lifelong practice of using a phrase like “typical white people” or repeated descriptions of pro-lifers who provide shelters for unwed mothers wanting to keep their children as hate-filled bigots who hate women. Obama’s atheistic interpretation of the human condition assumes that it can only be addressed by a totalitarian government that rejects innate truth. Claims of religion are meaningless when one accepts an atheistic interpretation of metaphysics, which he also extends to a judicial philosophy that insists the only judges qualified must be committed to rejecting America’s founding principle that truth is innate and never political.
As for “sharing” Catholic values, making the poor wards of the state, subverting the businesses that employ everyone. Unjust war? What is so difficult in honoring what Pope Benedict actually said when he said that the Church is not competent to judge whether the war is just but praised its fallen veterans of bringing freedom to the Iraqi people? Respect for our environment? How? By blocking the construction of nuclear power plants and natural gas development?

Published by: Larry H Morton
Texas 01/14/2009 12:10 AM EST

Published by: Dale Howell
Sacramento, CA 01/13/2009 11:54 PM EST

"You shall know them by their fruits."

Published by: Sue Carter
Orlando/FL/USA 01/13/2009 11:41 PM EST

Answer me this, Mr. Kmiec:

If Obama never really intended to push FOCA, why did Big Abortion drop a cool $30 million on his campaign? To knock them out of business?

Obama promised, "I wil not yield, Planed Parenthood will not yield." Far be it from me to call him a liar.

Another challenge: Find one piece of anti-abortion legislation, just one, in which Obama authored, supported, or voted yes. I'm not talking about redistributing wealth to increase welfare payments. I'm talking about hard core restrictions to access or procedures of fetal dismemberment.

In the meantime, I'll search the skies for flying pigs...

Published by: Ben B
LA/CA/USA 01/13/2009 11:14 PM EST

I have no clout. All I can do is pray that Obama comes around. If only Kmiec would use his influence to write about not funding the destruction of embryos, or not eliminating the Mexico City policy, or actually encouraging adoption instead of funding Planned Parenthood. Instead he chooses to whine about how mena everybody is to him. What a sad, prideful man.

Published by: B. Stasi
NY 01/13/2009 10:54 PM EST

Follow the money. Professor Kmiec is worried that Catholic institutions will not invite him to speak. Note that he said that in his piece. For a man who supposedly is intelligent and ethical, his reasoning is suspect.

Published by: Sean Degidon
New York, NY, US 01/13/2009 10:21 PM EST

Kmiec's tone is passionately sincere, but the substance is calculatingly cagey.
He tears into critics for calumny, but doesn't specify what charges are false & why. In fact, Kmiec has stated in the last year that his "pro-life" views are now purely personal & he opposes restricting abortion as a matter of public policy.
Likewise, he lashes out at opponents of FOCA for criticising Obama, but leaves out that Obama is avowedly for FOCA. If it's put on the back-burner, the reasons are purely tactical (i.e. only abortion extremists want it, & Obama has more immediate problems to deal with).
All in all, Kmiec is niether as wise as a serpent, or as innocent as a dove.

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 01/13/2009 10:18 PM EST

Professor Kmiec, your nerve and response seems so surrealistic or brazenly opposed to your early defense of life in the womb. Maybe some people have personally attacked you in the blogs; and what is that to you that outraged people can't hold their tongue?

The majority of these people, perhaps me included, still love you in Christ and pray for your eternal soul. The majority of the comments from the CNA readers on this page spell out the serious nature of your actions. May you come to your senses, let go of the ego that forces you to continue in your support of the anti-child policies of the Obama administration and get back to the business of defending life.

Our actions do reveal our relationship with the Father above. As you are a very public Catholic figure close to the Obama's, can we count on you doing what is in our Father's interest and fight hard to save the lives of all of these unborn that bills like FOCA will seek to destroy? Publicly denounce FOCA and all the measures to send Planned Parenthood taxpayer money in a public letter or an address to Mr. Obama and do it quick for our nation’s sake and our Father’s sake.

May God bless you in your decisions.

Published by: George
Bellville 01/13/2009 09:11 PM EST

We need to listen to the words of jesus, and remember that sanctity of life.
Pray for the souls of the people who holocaust 1million babies a year in this country. Remember the 5th commandment, "Thy shall not kill."

Published by: Terr
Harrison 01/13/2009 08:42 PM EST

My, my professor, if I didn' tknow better Id think this was written by an incredibly unabashed cry baby... with a persecution complex larger than his hefty ego! You do realize you are more upset about your poor hurt feelings being maligned than the muddied agenda you purport to so heartily and selflessly believe in?! Professor, when you're done licking your wounds, please have someone read aloud to you (for your eyes apparently cannot see Truth) the President elect's own Senatorial record on all abortion/ sanctity of life issues. Then read the statement he made to that very large group of women about the "first thing" he "plans to do when he is elected President."
~ Praying for you without even an ounce of malice.

Published by: Terence
Albuquerque/NM/USA 01/13/2009 08:36 PM EST

In Mathew 11:25 Jesus said "I praise you father...because you have hid these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to the little children". Professor I suggest you put yourself in the place of the little children. Your support of Obama and infanticidal policies is simply wrong and clearly against the teachings of the Catholic Church. Therefore you have put yourself outside the of the Church. If you wish to compromise your faith you should no longer call your self Catholic and compound your error by leading other Catholics astray.

Published by: Rich Newhouse
Phoenix,Az. USA 01/13/2009 08:07 PM EST

If Professor Kmiec is such a brilliant man and so skilled at Apologetics, then how in heavens name does he read the Catechism, Evangelium Vitae, Numerous Magesterium teachings and a virtual plethora of Church Doctrine from Rome that condemns abortion in a totally unequivocal manner. Even Dr. Seuss knew
"A person is a person no matter how small".I truly think dimentia has set in if he is trying to say that true Catholics can in any way support abortion and it's biggest government supporter, Barach Obama. This man's logic manipulations are twisted beyond recognition. Pray for him.

Published by: Kerry
Austin/Texas 01/13/2009 08:00 PM EST

Douglas we rant and rave and say mean things because we are so insensed at your position, attitude, lack of charity, and false claims. You are the modern day leftist---speak right act left. Children are dying Doug while you defend your hurt feeling. Pathetic little man. Sorry moderator but no-one has ever made me as mad as Kmiec has these past 5 months. I pity him.

Published by: Dave O
Columbus Ohio 01/13/2009 07:59 PM EST

It wasn't character assassination- it was suicide.

Published by: Chris
Boston/MA/USA 01/13/2009 07:50 PM EST

The best part is how the comments on this page provide evidence for Kmiec's claim that the right-wing Catholic blogosphere is full of hateful, ignorant vitriol.

Published by: Bro Aloysius Mary
Cullman, AL, USA 01/13/2009 07:48 PM EST

Nothing frightens me more than an eternity in hell where unrepentent abortionists are sure to end up but two things come close - eloquent evil and malicious stupidity.

Published by: Linus
Kansas City,Ks, U.S.A. 01/13/2009 07:15 PM EST

Someone has to represent the U.S. at the Vatican and Mr. Kmeic seems a good choice to me. But he should realise that many Catholics feel betrayed by their fellow Catholics since it was the Catholic vote which put into office the most pro-abortion President we have ever had. And I guarantee that among Catholic Obama supporters there were many Priest, Nuns and Bishops. Fruit of the " Seemless Garment " fraud that has pleagued the Catholic electorate for about thirty years.

Published by: Michael
Winchester, VA 01/13/2009 07:11 PM EST

If Mr. Kmiec truly believes that he is in the right, then he should rejoice and be glad, for "blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me...your reward will be great in heaven." (Matthew 5:11-12) This beating of the breast is unbecoming of a Christian sincere in his faith. It has all the hallmarks of a Pharisee.

What Mr. Kmiec needs to understand is that while there are valid differences in the way one approaches the problems of social justice, ones that faithful Catholics may disagree on, there can be no final compromise on the issue of abortion, no valid disagreement. Abortion stands out above all other issues facing us today as a great and intrinsic evil, and to even tacitly support it is to endanger the soul and the souls of those who respect and admire you.

Man up, Kmiec.

Published by: Edward Thomas
Nebraska 01/13/2009 07:10 PM EST

A few observations
1. As seen from the comments above, it wasn't just bloggers.
2. Sad that he STILL fails to take responsibility or see his errors. Everyone else is to blame... reminds me of some of the 8th graders I use to teach...even they see it doesn't hold water.
3. Sad that here that he is concerned about his future position in the church.
4. Such lack of respect for and understanding of the magisterium shows his poor formation in the faith. We must pray.

Published by: Andrea
Los Angeles, CA 01/13/2009 06:39 PM EST

Professor Kmiec is operating on a deficit of knowledge regarding President Lincoln. Lincoln’s “Address on Colonization to a Committee of Colored Men” has obviously escaped his notice. Would Kmiec be so quick to laud Lincoln if he knew what Lincoln thought of mixed races (like our incoming President, for example). “There is a natural disgust in the minds of nearly all white people, to the idea of an indiscriminate amalgamation of the white and black races.” Yes, what a uniter was that Lincoln!

Kmiec was wrong about Lincoln and he is wrong about President-Elect Obama. Obama, not Kmiec’s imagined tormenters, made plain his intention to sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law, thus allowing the unencumbered slaughter of babies.

Published by: Margaret
Baltimore MD USA 01/13/2009 05:35 PM EST

I think he should repent and stop supporting Obama and the FOCA STOP KILING THE BABY HUMAN.WE ARE WORST THAN HITLER. AMERICA NEED FATIMA REAL BAD AND NOW

Published by: Mark Herwaldt
Sugar Grove Il 01/13/2009 05:10 PM EST

Abortion is an intrinsic evil. Political leaders who commit to do something before they're elected that is an evil of this magnitude cannot be supported by Catholics. Yes, Obama has positions that are in-line with our values, but Abortion is a baseline issue. Obama has stated that he will reverse many laws and policies that have protected babies. For a Catholic in Kmiec's position to publicly support Obama is bringing scandal to the church. There are many leaders: priests, deacons, and lay who voted for Obama. We will rue the day. The Catholic vote made the difference between Obama winning or losing. They will be held accountable as will we all.

Published by: Jerry S.
Aston, PA 01/13/2009 04:57 PM EST

Personally, I never read Commonweal. The good nuns who taught me always said never to read anything that was a danger to my faith. They've been beyond the pale for years and Kmiec is evidently very much to their liking.

Published by: Larry H Morton
Texas 01/13/2009 04:32 PM EST

Sorry professor Kmiec. No sale!

He and his liberal friends may try all day and night...every day and night trying to justify their political and spiritual beliefs, but the bottom line is they have chosen the secular religion of relativism.

I have lived long enough to see the poisoning of minds in schools and universities throughout the world toward the lies of selective Christianity.

Cutting and pasting the Bible to fit your world view is a disease which was actually predicted in the Bible.

To say that because a political candidate is wanting to help the poor, end the war or improve the environment we should overlook the untold increase in the murder of innocent unborn babies...or accept the sins of homosexuality with it's proposed destruction of the sanctity of marriage..is appalling.

No, Professor Kmiec is wrong. The German people followed Hitler into their own Hell because of similar relativism and promises to improve the human condition. Can't we learn anything from history, or are many of us beyond understanding the truth and being willing to stand up for truth...God's Truth?

I will pray for Professor Kmiec and those with similar views. They indeed have been duped by satan..and prayer may be their only chance.

Larry Morton

Published by: Julie Blatty
Bethesda, MD USA 01/13/2009 04:29 PM EST

I see.... Mr. Obama, like Lincoln, bears malice towards none....except the over one million aborted babies who are cruelly murdered every year in this country alone. Although I agree that a charitable tone, in any and all discourse, should be the rule for serious practicing Catholics, we cannot be expected to remain silent, when one of our "brothers" in Christ, actively cooperates in evil.

Published by: R.A. Chonak
Stoneham, MA, US 01/13/2009 04:16 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

Considering Obama's ardent remarks in support of FOCA and his appointment of an "Emily's List" official as his communications director, he's given pro-lifers no reason to hold their criticism. So why is Kmiec complaining: is Obama more likely to desist if we wait until after he signs FOCA and restores UNFPA funding? That's just not credible, professor.

Published by: Marilee
usa 01/13/2009 03:57 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

FOR PROF KMIEC
Our Lord Jesus says in Sacred Scriptures" YOU ARE EITHER WITH ME OR AGAINST ME..." Therefore there is NO GRAY MATTER.... understood!!!!!
YOU Sir, made a choice!!!! publicly !!!........ SAME GOES TO ALL THOSE CATHOLICS WHO VOTED FOR OBAMA... CLERGY AND LAITY alike.. YOU SIRS need to pray the Novena to defeat FOCA for 4 years.. lifetime of his term. God help us all!!!

Published by: F. Dempsey
Chicago 01/13/2009 03:53 PM EST

Rate: Good

Oh, suck it up, Marine! You want to run with the Big Dogs but can't take rejection? Worry about your rejection by God. You will not find the blood of the innocents to be shed under Obama's forthcoming policies to be worth being called "Mr. Ambassador." Trust me on that.

Published by: IRENE
TRIGO 01/13/2009 03:39 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

THE "GREATEST PERSONAL LOSS" THAT PROF. KMIEC CRIES ABOUT SO ELOQUENTLY IS NOT THE LOSS OF FRIENDS BUT THE LOSS OF HIS SOUL.
HE CAN CRY A WHOLE PITY PARTY OF TEARS FOR HIMSELF BUT IT WILL NOT STEM THE RIVER OF BLOOD FROM ABORTED BABIES.
THE CHARITY HE PLEADS FOR MUST BE EXTENDED BY THE ABORTIONISTS FOR THE UNBORN CHILDREN. THERE IS NO MIDDLE ROAD.

Published by: Brad Farr
Littleton, CO USA 01/13/2009 03:01 PM EST

Mr. Kmiec just doesn't get it. Pres Elect Obama has expressed unqualified support for FOCA and that is of paramount importance to all pro-lifers and to all those who know the truth regarding abortion: it is intrinsically and most seriously evil. The possibility that Congress may not pass the FOCA is encouraging, but it has nothing to do with Obama's committment to unrestricted abortion rights.

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 01/13/2009 02:59 PM EST

I'm stunned. This man appears to have no idea the wounds he has inflicted in the Pro-Life community. I am deeply saddened he takes the stand he is a 'victim' instead of a repenter. I will leave it to Professor Keyes to articulate a lucid response. 50 million dead---the man doesn't get it.

Published by: Michael Johns
WA, USA 01/13/2009 02:59 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Actions speak louder than words, Professor Kmeic. Your actions in the past and present, along with President Elect Obama, define who and what you both stand for and tolerate. I am sure the supporters of Adolf Hitler, for instance, Joe Kennedy, justified their positions as well for tolerance, and non-judgement. This comment will likely cause you to lable me right wing. Joe went on to order a frontal lobotomy on his daughter to appease her actions that caused him embarrassment and other problems. I am sure he felt justified in that as well. If you think Christ calls you to this tolerance, and political correctness, then I would imagine you too would empathize with Judas. After all, he only betrayed Him once, and with somewhat of a noble motive, as compared with Peter who betrayed Him at least three times with a much less noble motive. It appears you have substantial blood on your hands, merely by supporting a man who has not only aided, but enabled the holocaust of millions of purely innocent children of God. Shame on you for supporting Obama, and shame on him for the slaughter of the innocent.

Published by: Mike F.
Kansas City, MO, USA 01/13/2009 02:48 PM EST

Well, if Mr. Kmiec is as Pro Life as he boasts, than I am sure that if the Freedom of Choice Act comes up for voting, he will work tirelessly against its passage, and should his political favorite Obama sign it into law, than I am sure he will vocally condem him for that action and work to have it repealed.

Right?

He might. Afterall, the Obama administration has already made it clear that they will not be rewarding Kmiec for his loyalty to them. Since he then has no real political points to lose anymore, perhaps he will challenge the pro choicers. We shall see.

Published by: N. R. Allard
Lewiston, Me. USA 01/13/2009 02:14 PM EST

If you support Obama you support abortion there is today no greater evil in the world than abortion.

Published by: Paul
St. Louis, Mo. 01/13/2009 02:07 PM EST

The so called "Catholic Right Wing" did not need to commit "Character Assassination" on Douglas Kmiec. He had already committed suicide on his character.

Published by: Pam
Longmont, CO, USA 01/13/2009 02:06 PM EST

The new president manifests "charity for all"? Doug can say that with a straight face? What about the new president offering charity for all of the unborn murdered daily in the New American Holocaust? Shame on you Doug.

What sums this guy's character up is his own statement "I worry that such invitations to speak at Catholic colleges, and the fruitful exchanges these invitations make possible, will be fewer.” It's all about the money isn't it Doug.

Maybe the Holy See is simply tired of dealing with Cafeteria Catholics in positions of great influence and consequently who can do great damage to the faith. Maybe the Holy See has finally decided to "get tough" on Catholics like you Doug.

Published by: Nora
Atlanta 01/13/2009 01:44 PM EST

AW, poor Dougie. He sold out innocent unborn children to profit from proximity to the Obama Administration; and somehow those of us who are in trenches of promoting a Culture of Life are "picking on him." Boo-Hoo. I am crying more for the unborn babies that Planned Parenthood and PE- Obama think are "punishment" and deserve to be "terminated" then I am for a sell-out like Prof. Dougie, imho.

Published by: Kathleen
Bronx, NY, USA 01/13/2009 01:31 PM EST

Prof. Kmiec wants to support Mr. Obama, despite the fact that he is in favor of all forms of abortion. This distorts Mr. Obama's sincerest beliefs, somewhat disrespectfully.

Published by: Joyce Kauders
Aberdeen, MD, USA 01/13/2009 01:21 PM EST

Prof. Kmiec needs to re-read the Catechism once more..."God made me to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next." We were created to serve GOD, not Man. How can anyone want to serve such a man, especially one who, despite his good looks, ability to speak well, dress well, etc., does not support the very fundamental right to life at a stage when he or she cannot speak for him/herself. Failure to recognize God's gifts...life... in one area indicates an inability to recognize God in other important areas. Sorry, Professor, your justifications won't stand up before the Throne of God...where you will one day stand.

Published by: Dolores Gonzalez
Palm Bay, FL USA 01/13/2009 01:15 PM EST

I am one of the bloggers who answered his original column but I did so with respect because he is a child of God. I'm sorry he didn't see fit to include all of the blogs that were done in hopes of educating him. I know he is highly intellectual but that doesn't mean he can't be wrong. Even the University backed off stating that they disagreed with his remarks and they are contrary to the school's stance. So there have been charitable thoughts. I can't wait until the illumination of concienceses awakens him and like thinkers. If he remains unchanged even after Patrick Madrid and other apologists have explained why we can and should make FOCA the issue and not to say 'oh but he stands for other good things', then it will have to wait until the great miracle of illumination. I only hope that FOCA doesn't pass before that happens! God save us! YSIC, Dolores

Published by: joann
USA 01/13/2009 01:14 PM EST

At the risk of ruffling Prof. Kmeics delicately thin skin I would just observe that the difference between him and Judas is Judas actually recognized (albeit too late) his betrayal.

Published by: Francis Mossholder
Blissfield MI USA 01/13/2009 01:11 PM EST

Rate: Regular

God bless Mr. Kmiec. Finally a voice of both reason and faith.

Published by: Rob Kaiser
La Habra, CA 01/13/2009 12:57 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Is anyone else tired of Professor Kmiec whining about how persecuted he is? How many platforms will he be given for him to salvage his reputation as a credible Catholic intellectual - a task made impossible without any acknowledgment or regret for leading Catholics astray.

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