[SuziQ]

Actually, the political machine in Boston was more for the cover-up because the priests involved were well known Democrats. I believe most of the abuse took place before Cardinal Law was ever in Boston. His Auxiliary Bishops knew about some of it because they HAD been there. Geoghan and Shanley were big Dem supporters, and the DAs didn't even bring charges when accusations were made early on. Shanley had been heralded by the Boston Globe as a priest who was wonderful with 'alienated' teenagers, and for the fact that he was one of the early supporters of NAMBLA in Boston.

Cardinal Law's problem, which he admitted, was being too much of a pastor to those priests, and not being tough enough on them. He did finally start implementing policies to stop the possibility of future instances of abuse. Those were beginning to get into place when he left and Sean O'Malley took over.

[ladyjane]

I wasn't talking about the political machine in Boston. I'm not sure who they are and I really can't speak about them.

What I do know is that Cardinal Law called Catholic judges, politicians and media people and leaned on them VERY heavily to cover up any mention of the scandal and to try to derail any investigations.

He repeatedly told them, in person and in telephone calls, that because they were Catholic they had to help with the cover up.

Yes, most of them were Democrats but they were shocked that a religious person not only knew what was going on but was allowing it to continue.

Cardinal Law had tremendous political aspirations. He wanted to be the first Harvard pope. Won't happen now.