“The answer for me to E. J. Dionne’s rhetorical question about why people stay Catholic is simple: I attend Mass to deepen my relationship with the Lord. It matters not who wears the miter and carries the crosier. I don’t care if my priest is gay. The hierarchy and politics of the church offends me so I ignore them.

I am a Catholic in daily conversation with God in prayer and am strenthened by the Eucharist. No one can take that from me, and I’ll never give it up”. (Brian M. Mulholland, Washington).

What immediately came to mind reading this was a parallel attitude now rampant in a section of society. It goes something like this:

The answer for me to why people stay Republican is simple: I love money and the Party can be relied upon to put more of it in my pocket. It matters not who is in the White House, whether he is a crude, serial philanderer, liar, unethical businessman, childish or incompetent. Yes, the hierarchy, the politics, divisiveness and craven behavior of the present Republican party offends me so I ignore them.

I am a Republican in daily conversation with the God of Higher Income and am strenthened by the recent bonanza given me by Congress. No one can take that from me, and I’ll never give the Party up”.