Debate among Catholics on voting for which candidate is unnecessary; it's obvious which party nationally is the right one on church teachings

For whom should a Catholic vote on Nov. 4?

That's none of anyone's business, particularly church leaders. But The New York Times reports that Catholics on the left and the right are getting quite vocal on whether a vote for Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain fits church teachings.

Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/us/politics/05catholic.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The debate is nonsense. But if I had to choose a side on which national party is "pro-life", I'd go with the Democrats. (Editor's note: Contention is about Democats nationally, not the fake ones elected in Nashville.)

While life does begin at conception, it also continues for decades after that. While anti-choice forces considers themselves "pro-life", simply fighting against abortion is not worthy of the title. Many pro-choice folks are also against abortion. They find it despicable. But they consider a woman's right to counsel with her doctor and make an educated choice according to as many options as possible the most important thing.

The mother and child within the womb must be supported with available pre-natal care and necessary nutrition. And after the birth, they must be supported with health care, food, job training, affordable housing and affordable, accessible day care. That's just the beginning. But conservatives, who mostly claim the pro-life title, usually oppose funding for these programs.

And if the mother cannot raise the child properly, and a court puts the human being in foster care, this life that began at conception faces even more obstacles and less scrutiny from overworked and poorly paid social workers. And "pro-life" forces usually fight against funding for these wrongs and professionals.

I could go further in following the life of the child, like trying to get a good education in a bad public school system such as in Nashville. I've been there in Nashville's schools and seen that. I saw no bishops around to notice and speak out.

This life that begins at conception could end up in prison or on death throw -- tried as an adult and a fearful society -- for making the wrong choice and running with the wrong people. I've been there and seen that, too, in New York and Tennessee. I saw no bishops around to notice and speak out. And again, the supposed pro-life forces simply cry "throw away the key" on this life that began at conception.

That's why the debate on which presidential candidate to vote for -- to follow church teachings and in particular the needy of Matthew 25 -- is ridiculous. The party choice nationally for life is obvious.