text: First of all, I wouldn't call excommunication "cupcakes & gold stars." 
  
  Second, I agree that Francis is challenging parts of the Church that previously saw themselves as immune from such criticism. I also agree that some of those quarters need a readjustment. But I also strongly disagree with the thrust of your original comment, i.e., that all that went previously to Francis was insufficient. It's a lot more complicated than that. Another data point to keep in mind: many of the highest ranking Church officials who have adopted Francis' agenda are John Paul/Benedict appointees. Schonborn, Wuerl, O'Malley, heck, even Francis himself. The Church is complicated, not black & white, which is the real lesson I think Francis is showing.
  
  Finally, your last point undercuts it seems to me the thrust of Winters' original post. Namely, challenging elements of the "right" such as Church Militant ought to serve as a wake-up call to elements of "conservative" Catholicism not nearly as extreme.