Sound Off!

Here's a sampling of recent comments from Sound Off! Also located at the foot of every news Feature Story and Off the Record, Sound Off! gives every donor the chance to post a small "editorial" regarding any news item.

  • Dec. 01, 2008 12:51 PM EST Posted by: bernie4871 | Story: Analysis: Cardinal George sees America overcoming racism but not anti-Catholicism

    "One in faith, doctrine, . . . governance and shepherding." OK - How about starting with what the Code and the Pope say about abortion and Communion? Or does Cdl George just want to be one with those Bishops who agree with him? Talk, talk, talk. The Law is a teacher, but the unenforced law is a nightmare. The Cdl should do something before he jaw-bones us anymore. Enforce the law!!! He does nothing but talk to the choir.

  • Dec. 01, 2008 10:13 AM EST Posted by: sparch | Story: If the polar icecap melts, will the common ground survive?

    This soft science is popular and feeds the spirit of left leaning catholics. Who will tell them that abortion is really murder, that homosexuality is not induced by ones genes and that sin and evil are real and exist in our world. Stay at home and tend your flocks. The world will take care of itself (if God doesn't get to it first).

  • Nov. 29, 2008 11:20 AM EST Posted by: bernie4871 | Story: Top Vatican-watcher predicts key Vatican appointment is imminent

    Ah yes! We must get those chairs positioned properly. All the while there is a hole a mile deep beneath the sinking shell of Catholic liturgical life.

  • Nov. 29, 2008 1:50 AM EST Posted by: centurion | Story: top of the season

    There is no climate change of real significance. There are variations in climate thhat follow a rather wide time frequency according to scientific research. But the religious leaders have to get with the "in-crowd". But this ploy to control planet pollution is just another move to control thew world's population. Soon the two car garage will give way to two horse barns. Government can limit travel. But what impact religions can have will take exhaustive study.

  • Nov. 28, 2008 12:51 PM EST Posted by: Catholicity | Story: If the polar icecap melts, will the common ground survive?

    Unfortunately much of our own Catholic hierarchy is on board with this pseudo-scientific slop. When will they learn to keep their mouths shut about things they don't understand or for which they don't have an infallible charism from the Holy Spirit?

  • Nov. 27, 2008 7:53 AM EST Posted by: edfarinholt5799 | Story: Faith and works: Pope Benedict explains St. Paul's teaching

    After reading this wonderful reflection by Our Holy Father, I am struck with the thought that instead of contentiousness between our brother Christians over Pauline understanding of faith we can be examples of charity which in fact IS faith in Christ by our works.

  • Nov. 26, 2008 9:24 AM EST Posted by: Brad | Story: if a hate crime takes place in a forest, and nobody hears it,...

    "I called the cops, and when they got there, they pulled her out of the circle and asked her if she wanted to press charges. She said "No, tell him I forgive him." " This is a problem. We don't have to seek marytrdom - it will come to us as God wills it. If we want a better society we need to fight using all moral means at our disposal and that includes pressing charges when someone is violent against you because you are a Christian. Press charges and forgive, similar to how a parent acts

  • Nov. 25, 2008 8:21 PM EST Posted by: bernie4871 | Story: New Vatican document weighs use, limits of psychology in seminaries

    In the 40s and 50s, I had seven years of Seminary life with hundreds of schoolmates, and not one single solitary incident or suspicious person. The vocation directors and persons in charge were straight. Today many are not. sophisticated Psychologists entered the picture along with persons who made a career out of it. Innocent at first, trying to stem the large number of drop outs, they were soon polluted by the good ol boys. End of mystery.

  • Nov. 25, 2008 8:49 AM EST Posted by: bernie4871 | Story: Religious and social issues were not prominent in US presidential campaign coverage, study shows

    Reading Canon Law and other things like the Declaration on Procured Abortion leaves can leave no doubt in anyone's mind that abortion is incompatible with being a Catholic. No one could ever be legitimately accepted into the Church who has not completely rejected any form of cooperation with it. Why then allow them to stay? Canon Law affects only those who believe and no effect on those who do not share the mind of God's Church. Bishops,declare them out of the Church as a practical matter!

  • Nov. 24, 2008 10:53 PM EST Posted by: extremeCatholic | Story: Religious and social issues were not prominent in US presidential campaign coverage, study shows

    There must be a sense of relief among bishops that, finally, the matter of legal abortion is so futile -- that analogous to the just war doctrine of the Catechism -- "there must be serious prospects of success" and with Obama's election -- it's time to end the expectation that bishops might lead the Church in ending the murder of the unborn. The excommunications should started in 1970 where Catholic legislators began to legalize abortion.

  • Nov. 23, 2008 5:04 PM EST Posted by: aberlour36 | Story: hush, hush

    Yes, Weakland is still in Milwaukee and continues to blame others in large part for his difficulties. You know, all those wicked people in high places, such as the Vatican. May God have mercy on his soul. He was a terrible Archbishop and even in retirement continues to disgrace himself. Our Archdiocese may take another generation to heal itself.

  • Nov. 23, 2008 3:02 PM EST Posted by: LenSuazo1411 | Story: hush, hush

    If this was known, why, for the sake of the Church in Milwaukee, was this man not removed from his office? He is out now. Perhaps this was the way the problem was handled.

  • Nov. 22, 2008 12:52 PM EST Posted by: juon36 | Story: hush, hush

    Is this the same bishop who disregarded the the Vatican's directives to stop the wreckovation at the Cathedral in Milwakee, Wisc? Some shepard he is/was.

  • Nov. 21, 2008 11:02 PM EST Posted by: Catholicity | Story: hush, hush

    He's not in good standing with me. But then, he isn't my bishop, so it probably doesn't matter. To me, he's just some guy's ex-boyfriend.

  • Nov. 21, 2008 7:42 PM EST Posted by: Gregory108 | Story: Religious and social issues were not prominent in US presidential campaign coverage, study shows

    Our Catholic bishops could've changed this sad absence of religion and ethics in the campaign. Though some stepped up and tried,most hid in their offices doing nothing. A few worked against God's Word and Will and against the teachings of the Church they're pledged to lay their lives down for by becoming apologists for the other side! And the flock, buoyed by ridiculous documents like Faithful Citzenship, went down the tubes and elected the most pro-killing bunch ever! We Catholics elected them!

  • Nov. 21, 2008 6:28 PM EST Posted by: hUMPTY dUMPTY | Story: hush, hush

    However, it was the Diocese that paid the boyfriend: "I directed that the half-million be paid." Was this a special option for the poor & homeless?

    AMDG

  • Nov. 21, 2008 5:48 PM EST Posted by: TheJournalist64 | Story: Did the Pope predict the meltdown of world financial markets?

    OK. Fifteen years or so ago I predicted that we would have a major recession and stock market decline sometime between 2006 and 2010, based on a simple economic analysis derived from the relationship between birth rates, family formation and market retrenchments. Lower birth rates and family formation lead to economic recessions. It happened in the US in 1929-35, in Japan about 18 years ago, and it's happening now.

  • Nov. 21, 2008 1:21 PM EST Posted by: juon36 | Story: about face

    A good priest a wonderful shepard ,why not a Bishop, one who would teach the truth of our Catholic faith, doctrine and tradition.

  • Nov. 21, 2008 10:45 AM EST Posted by: Thomas429 | Story: the march of history

    The problem with the German governments's stance on home schooling needs watching. I intend to homeschool my grandchildren. The curiculum in schools is just wrong. Disipline and safety are also very much a concern.

  • Nov. 20, 2008 5:51 PM EST Posted by: extremeCatholic | Story: about face

    "Repudiated?" Well, that ought to chill any thought in priests of offering moral guidance on matters of public policy in the future.

    What, by the way, were the consequences to priests who were entirely silent on the right to life of the unborn in the last three months?

  • Nov. 20, 2008 3:31 PM EST Posted by: Thomas429 | Story: if a hate crime takes place in a forest, and nobody hears it,...

    The Vatican is pleased with Obama except for infanticide, abortion, and human cloning? That sounds like Mary Lincoln saying that the play was fine other than the shooting of her husband. The article went on to say that the social and foriegn policy considerations were better than their predeccessor's. This has to be nonsense. There is no moral justification for the avowed socialism of the candidate or his party. Socialism elevates the government to God - like authority over its subjects.

  • Nov. 20, 2008 1:37 PM EST Posted by: thorns and roses | Story: if a hate crime takes place in a forest, and nobody hears it,...

    One of the best things we can do to combat the homosexual agenda is to live our lives fully as Christians, and as males and females. The 'world' wants there to be one gender, but when women and girls are female, and men and boys are male, in the truest sense as God created us -- we are living witnesses to His glory and wonder.

    We should begin today to live more consciencely as Christians in our manner of dress and relationships, keeping in mind modesty and a holy respect for the body.

  • Nov. 19, 2008 6:47 PM EST Posted by: Mike228 | Story: if a hate crime takes place in a forest, and nobody hears it,...

    As much as things change, they stay the same. Christians will always be persecuted. Christ promised this........and it holds true. "They will hate you because of me."

  • Nov. 19, 2008 10:15 AM EST Posted by: email4790 | Story: Viet police stand by as mob ransacks Hanoi chapel

    Dear Dr. Jeff Mirus, Thank you very much for carrying news about Vietnam, my home country. I can feel not only the care but also the emotion you and your organization have created in the readers facing a Church in a country with no freedom, justice. Thanks! Chuong Do

  • Nov. 18, 2008 6:00 PM EST Posted by: hUMPTY dUMPTY | Story: bad moon rising

    Clothes make the Priest a cleric.

  • Nov. 17, 2008 10:08 PM EST Posted by: gsarrazo9544 | Story: unprofessional

    When they’ve had enough of the gay agenda, I’m sure the LA Times will move on to other civil rights abuses in the church and your blog will then read: “So we've got a wholesome wish (priesthood) that a (wo)man who "happens" to be disqualified is prevented from realizing "simply because" (s)he has that disqualification.” Ugh! Maybe good faithful Catholics should stop subscribing to their paper “simply because.”

  • Nov. 17, 2008 7:14 PM EST Posted by: hduran4035 | Story: what does it take to find an ACORN?

    I will not give a penny, frank, drachma, peso, ruble, guilder or rupee to this year's catholic Campaign for Human Development. Not will any fundraiser from the USCCB receive one euro, dollar or pound of my hard earned wages. Let them eat cake! Those scounderels and wastrels in clerical garb need some good toilet scrubbing for the poor and destitute to atone for their grievous mismanagement of parishioner's generosity.

  • Nov. 17, 2008 12:06 PM EST Posted by: Barbara Kralis | Story: about face

    go here: http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/kralis/081117 The vacant See of Charleston needs Fr. Newman ordained as their next bishop, govn. in the same tradition as Bp. Baker governed. Some in the diocese say the repudiation was due to Tax Exempt Sky is Falling scare. In fact, pastors can speak out without risking tax exempt status,While churches may not endorse or oppose candidates for elective office, pastors can preach on biblical and moral issues, such as abortion and traditional marriage.

  • Nov. 17, 2008 10:45 AM EST Posted by: sparch | Story: oh here's a surprise

    Where are those bishops who shepard these politians. Silent and in hiding. There is no excuse for these Catholic hopefuls to go unchallendged in the public forum. They lead other Catholics astray and give non-catholics the wrong impression about who we are. Thank God for the bishops who take it upon themselves to instruct those in error, even if they our out of their diocese.

  • Nov. 16, 2008 11:30 PM EST Posted by: gusdelaney | Story: about face

    To who does Msgr. Laughlin owe his alliegance? His people? His priests? His God? or to his fellow bishops? It could be that the bishops who obviously pressured the good MSgr to betray his flock may have something to confess before they visit the altar rail again.