The New Know-Nothings and the Reprise of a Major Award for "Outstanding" Achievements in Anti-Catholicism

My friend, Don McClarey - the unofficial court historian for The American Catholic - has unveiled a new series on on modern-day anti-Catholic know-nothingism.

After giving a brief history on the rise of know-nothingism during the 19th century, Don notes that this particular form of bigotry seems to raise its ugly head even in today's times, and he intends to point such instances out when they do occur:

Unfortunately, some current politicians are attempting to follow in the footsteps of the Know-Nothings. As part of a new series on this blog I will designate Catholic bashing politicians who have earned, by their bigotry against the Church, the designation Know-Nothing.

At one time, this blog had a similar ongoing effort - the Rosie Award®. Unfortunately, I have not been as diligent in my efforts of presenting this award to so many well-deserving anti-Catholic bigots as I would have liked to have been.

For the time being, I will take the easy way out and present the award to any person that Don deems worthy enough to highlight as a "Know-Nothing" over at The American Catholic. So, here we go. Don makes the case for this week's recipient:

First up is Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, (D-Ca), a pro-abortion fanatic, who vented her anger at the Stupak Amendment, which banned all funds for abortion in the ObamaCare bill that passed the House, by writing this screed in Politico:

I expect political hardball on any legislation as important as the health care bill.

I just didn’t expect it from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Who elected them to Congress?

The role the bishops played in the pushing the Stupak amendment, which unfairly restricts access for low-income women to insurance coverage for abortions, was more than mere advocacy.

They seemed to dictate the finer points of the amendment, and managed to bully members of Congress to vote for added restrictions on a perfectly legal surgical procedure.

And this political effort was subsidized by taxpayers, since the Council enjoys tax-exempt status.

When I visit churches in my district, we are very careful to keep everything “non-political” to protect their tax-exempt status.

The IRS is less restrictive about church involvement in efforts to influence legislation than it is about involvement in campaigns and elections.

Given the political behavior of USCCB in this case, maybe it shouldn’t be.

In other words Catholic Bishops, shut up on abortion or something “unfortunate” might happen to your tax exemption...

Read the rest of Don's post. He sums it all up very nicely.

For all you do, Congresswoman Woolsey, this Rosie's® for you.

"Aarrrrgh! I hates Catholics!"



Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
This Week's Rosie Award® Winner: the Entire Cast of "The View"

This Week's Rosie Award Winner: A Difficult Choice

This Week's Rosie Award Winner: Rosie O'Donnell

This Week's Rosie Award Winner: Catholic Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives

Belated Rosie Award Winner for Last Week: Sen. Patrick Leahy

This Week's Rosie Award Winner: "Comedian" Billy Crystal

This Week's Rosie Award Winner: Federal District Judge Marilyn Patel

Announcing a New Major Award ...