I had tough talk with my mother today.

[NanceGreggs]

24. I was raised strict Catholic ...

... and despite having abandoned that religion decades ago, I can understand the dilemma for people like your mom.

Yes, the priest was wrong for insinuating religion into politics - but that doesn't help your mom's struggle with her choice.

I would remind her that all things considered, Democrats act more in keeping with the words of Jesus. They are the party that fights for things like food stamps (feed the hungry), homeless shelters (shelter the homeless), affordable healthcare (care for the sick and dying), and other social programs that help "the poorest among us". The Republicans, on the other hand, fight against these things, while demonizing those who need assistance as "moochers" trying to get something they don't deserve.

While a woman's right to choose can be a BIG issue for Catholics, it is not the only issue one should consider when voting. One needs to take into account ALL of the things one party stands for and, in turn, what the candidate for each party stands for.

Upholding the right to choose is not an invitation to seek an abortion, nor is it meant to induce any woman to do so. It is the right to make that choice that is important here - a right that belongs to ALL women, not just Catholics, or those of any particular faith.

If you believe in God, you know that HE knows what is in your heart when you cast your ballot. IMHO, it is morally wrong to deny basic rights to those whose religious faith, or lack thereof, leads them to base their decisions on what they feel is right or wrong in the context of their own faith, or their own sense of morality, rather than on what your own religion dictates.

I truly sympathize with both you and your mother. I understand how this issue can cause a lot of second-guessing as to what one needs to do in order to be true to their religious ideals, while doing what is right by their fellow citizens who may not hold the same ideals.

Just remember that this election is not about individuals; it is about the citizenry as a whole, and what is best for everyone, not just those of a particular faith.