[JohnnyZ]

But the Rev. Richard McBrien, a liberal theologian at Notre Dame, said in an interview conducted by e-mail that he wondered how much the new pope understood the more liberal strain of American Catholicism represented by leaders like Mr. Kerry or Mr. Cuomo. "I doubt if he understands it as well as he should,

ROFL -- he's only been dealing with dissenters and heretics for the past 20 years, I THINK HE UNDERSTANDS THEM PRETTY WELL!

[Howlin]

Mario M. Cuomo, the former governor of New York, says that in the current climate, Catholic Democrats cannot shrink from a debate over values, even if it means debating their bishops. "You say to the bishops, look, I respect you, I want to stay in the club, I try to live by your rules, but let's not be selective."

Let's all imagine saying that to your boss, much less your priest or minister. "I'll try?"