Consistency

"If one contends, as we do, that the right of every fetus to be born should be protected by civil law and supported by civil consensus, then our moral, political and economic responsibilities do not stop at the  moment of birth.  Those who defend the right to life of the weakest among us must be equally visible in support of the quality of life of the powerless among us:  the old and the young, the hungry and the homeless, the undocumented immigrant and the unemployed worker.  Such a 'quality of life' posture translates into specific political and economic positions on tax policy, employment generation, welfare policy, nutrition and feeding programs, and health care.  Consistency means we cannot have it both ways.  We cannot urge a compassionate society and vigorous public policy to protect the rights of the unborn and then argue that compassion and significant public programs on behalf of the needy undermine the moral fiber of the society or are beyond the proper scope of government responsibility."  ~Cardinal Joseph Bernadin, from a lecture at Fordham University on December 6, 1983

I do not believe that life begins at conception; certainly independent, sentient life does not.

But it's especially galling when conservatives tear up at the thought of the poor little unborn babies, then build a wall to keep out the hungry, the fearful, the desperate.  In those cases I think "pro-life" really means "pro-patriarchy"; the point is domination and control, not the preservation of life.

I do not believe Cardinal Bernadin falls into that category.  I think he's genuine.

I can respect that, even though I disagree with him.