As I have read the back and forth regarding AL over the last year, I keep asking myself the question, "Who and where are all the people so "scandalized" by it?  Listening to someone like Cdl. Burke, you would think people (lay and cleric alike) are pitching themselves over cliffs because of this encyclical.  Really?  I think it would be really interesting to see accurate statistics which demonstrate how many Catholics:  1.) Have heard of AL;  2.) Have read it: and finally 3.) How many give a flying fig about Chapter 8?  I know it sounds uncharitable, but, the phrase that continually pops into my mind regarding the supposedly "grievously harmed" by this document is simply "get a life!"  And, truly, I think that is what PF is saying too.  Nose out of others' lives and you'll be a better person for it.  And, he gave his bishops latitude to do just that.  The question, as Monica rightly points out, is do the bishops have the cojones to exercise leadership or not.  If not, step aside.