On the question of abortion. Since we are a democracy and not a theocracy, it is ok in my view that a Catholic can be against abortion but allow laws protecting abortion rights.  I say that because we have the choice not to engage in abortion as an individual and our individual choice is guided by our morals.  However, in addition to my own religious views that abortion, in general, is immoral (as is capital punishment), I see abortion as wrong because it is bad for the human species, the preservation of humanity. I guess what I am saying Is that abortion for me is an invalid form of birth control, but is a valid option for cases such as rape, incest and the life of the mother.  That may sound oxymoronic, but I try to see not the act of the abortion but the entire picture including the woman, the child and the rest of the family not just in an instant but a lifetime.