[icwhatudo]

"I hope you can see the distinction here -- This guy is not a politician - he's a priest."

Exactly, politicians can actually cause the deaths by their votes, this guy can only express his opinions. I am glad they finally got this guy out, and you are right that the church is FINALLY stepping up.

[AnAmericanMother]

The politicians who cooperate in an abortion are already excommunicate, laetae sententiae. If they create a public scandal, they can be refused communion - or they may be warned (as a number of bishops and priests have publicly proclaimed) that they had better not present themselves until they have repented, confessed, and done penance.

The priest who strays is in fact far more harmful than the politician. He may cause many, many more deaths by giving cover to hundreds of death-minded politicians, not to mention putting immortal souls at risk. Plus, of course, he's betraying his vows of obedience.