I agree. Dean Baker is actually asking questions that I have had. My husband and his family are all Catholic - I was raised Baptist and I have all sorts of questions about Catholicism. I admit to believing Catholics "Mary worship" but am at a point where I'd really like to learn more. A thread like this gives me a chance to ask questions.
I remember one of our prayers...Seems like "Mary worshiping", but for a very good reason. It starts...
"Holy Mary, mother of God".
Seems OK to me. Because it's TRUE!! And I don't see any problem with it. It's not like Catholics are replacing God with Mary.