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Archbishop intervention?

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Hmmm.

Is Archbishop Blase Cupich the guy to do it?

Could Cupich become an arbiter in the state budget battle between House Speaker Michael Madigan, and Gov. Bruce Rauner — a third-party whisperer in the ear of two hardheaded men used to getting their own way?

“I’ve heard the archbishop’s name being discussed in that way,” a top Sneed source said.

“It’s being discussed by people who feel everything is getting out of hand; that a voice of the common good is desperately needed,” the source added.

“Think about it. A whole range of programs for the suffering and the underprivileged are hanging on by their fingernails. Someone has to be the voice of moral authority.

“Cupich could be the voice for the voiceless,” the source said. “Catholic Charities. Lutheran Services, Misericordia are suffering. Catholic Charities isn’t about Catholics. . . . It’s about the poor.”

“I would think the archbishop might be the person these guys might want to invite to tea,” the source said. “Or the other way around.”

Thoughts?

…Adding… Wordslinger in comments…

Now if the archbishop can flip about a half dozen GOP House members, that’s a different story.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:03 am

Comments

Keep religion out of politics.

The Catholic Church should clean up its own house before it tells others what to do. It willfully put thousands of children in harms way.

Comment by Jose Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:06 am
I’d be surprised if Rauner agreed.

“Why?”

https://capitolfax.com/2015/09/21/the-not-so-hidden-message/

“Speaker Madigan and Labor… and the Archbishops they control”

I’d like to see the Archbishop help, especially if I knew it would help.

Dunno if Rauner and the Superstares want the lecture that comes with it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:07 am
2 thoughts

the parties have the same budget hole, so the battle is over getting rid of union rights. you cant mediate that successfully w/o taking a side. the archbishop to be successful would have to get one side to change on that pioint. ao they need to pick a side on that topic or its a waste of time.

with all due respect, a bit of extreme hypocrisy here . catholic charities refused to help poor, abused and neglected children if they had to also allow loving gay parents adopt those kids. they killed their whole program state wide. So they are not opposed to making the poor suffer for an ideal, just saying.

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:09 am
I support Archbishop Cupich’s attempt to help resolve the budget stalemate. He is an avowed supporter of union rights. I just don’t know whether he can get Rauner to drop the radical anti-union stuff. It’s part of Rauner’s political reason for being–the shakin’ up Springfield and knockin’ the legs out from unions and public unions in particular.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:09 am
-might be the person these guys might want to invite to tea-

Would he come if they were serving Girl Scout cookies?

Comment by Bigtwich Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:11 am
Our politics is based upon our religion. Politics without a religious base was tried throughout the 20th Century. It gave us Fascism and Communism. It caused millions to die, based upon “scientific” techniques to make a society better, more efficient, and more racially pure.

What Rauner is going by neglecting his job is immoral. No one elected him to sit on his can and starve children in order to beat the guy he has to work with to keep our government functioning. No one voted for him in order to destroy unions, lower wages for their neighbors and shut down our civic responsibilities.

A little religion is exactly what is needed. The idea that Rauner is willing to replace our Judeo-Christian responsibilities by outsourcing them in order for his friends to “profit” from their desperation, is disgusting.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:12 am
I thought Archbishop Cupich gave a great speech recently, and understandably he holds a respected position for both parties.

However, isn’t part and parcel of this argument that the religious authority holds some sway over the two parties. I would get it if it was Pat Quinn, but the Governor isn’t Catholic. Does he really care what Cupich things other than the fact that a large portion of his voters are Catholic?

Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:13 am
Can you throw a bucket of holy water on Raunerband and see if he starts to melt like The Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:13 am
Rauner listens only to Mammon, his Lord and Master.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:14 am
The archbishop’s intervention presumes that there’s some misunderstanding between personalities.

There’s not. The governor is determined to get the state out of the social services business. Many of his supporters are all for that, as we read in comments here every day from the honest ones.

The governor is not dumb, he knows exactly what he’s doing.

This is a guy who can meet and commiserate with homeless kids one day, and the next day shut down homeless shelters for children.

How clear does he have to make it?

Now if the archbishop can flip about a half dozen GOP House members, that’s a different story.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:14 am
No downside for Rauner. Meet and greet, photo-op, smiles all around. Nothing changes.

Comment by tobor Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:17 am
–I support Archbishop Cupich’s attempt to help resolve the budget stalemate.–

Sigh.

It’s not a budget stalemate. It’s The Plan, in action.

This is what the governor wants, and he’s winning big because many people are under the impression that he’s blameless, that his deliberate actions are some sort of accident.

After nine months, that’s simply beyond reason.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:19 am
Kudos to Archbishop Cupich if he speaks up in a balanced way.

It can’t hurt.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:20 am
You could also say it was morally wrong to shortchange education and social programs for years so outsized comp, health, and pension benefits could be paid to a reliable Democratic constituency, while debt was piled on future generations and bankruptcy made the only real way out of Illinois financial mess.
See where this could go?

Comment by In a Minute Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:20 am
Willy +1

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:20 am
Consider the source…if there is one. Hello Ald. Burke.

Comment by The Fox Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:21 am
I agree with WS above — the real issue — and the place for Cupich to pressure (and perhaps provide some additional persuasive context) — is the GOP house members.

These are the folks who, in some cases, at least, do have a moral core — and a belief that this kind of potent suffering is not needed. You don’t need to punish people to reform the state.

Ironically — and it’s clear that Rauner and his braintrust haven’t yet grasped this — that’s the point of the (so far) successful criminal justice reform initiative. It’s not all about punishment. It’s about resetting the compasses — and touching the moral core (which Cupich can certainly do with authority). Punishment is a part — but that in itself doesn’t always (or mostly) lead to successful outcomes.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:22 am
I can’t honestly see this working. Boone’s right - what makes Rauner accountable to Bishop Cupich? Madigan clearly doesn’t trust Rauner on any level. Cupich’s involvement wouldn’t change anything.

Also, this is Sneed, so this is probably as real as Sam McCann’s mileage reimbursements.

Comment by Century Club Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:26 am
I have noticed that many people thought it was just fine for certain Catholic clergy to not allow politicians to receive communion if they were pro-choice. Now that the church wants to focus on caring for the poor they should stay out of politics.

Comment by Niblets Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:28 am
Whew, almost took my mind of the intentional destruction of human services and higher education. It’s all about personalities, not about intentional actions. /snark

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:28 am
With all due respect to Archbishop Cupich, Rauner will only listen to a leader of an entirely different realm.

The question is, who does Rauner admire and respect, that also genuinely cares about his fellow man?

Figure that out and you have your arbitrator.

Lots of luck.

Comment by Chicago 20 Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:30 am
Photo op. That’s BVR’s stock in trade these days. Sure, bring the Archbishop in, make sure the cameras are front and center — allude to promising the moon and then the minute everyone leaves SLAM, close something else valuable.

Comment by Not quite a majority Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:30 am
Is he affilated with a religion other than Ayn Rand?

Comment by illinois manufacturer Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:31 am
So is Sneed saying we could see the Archbishop, Madigan, Cullerton, Radagno, Durkin and Rauner all disappear into a room for Conclave?

I suppose Rich will be letting us know what color of smoke we should look for that will indicate a deal has been reached or one of them has been elected Holy Father of Illinois.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:31 am
I also believe that the archbishop should meet with the members of the GA, without the 5 leaders. Point out to them the harm they are causing by making the cuts, and listening to the Governor, who just doesn’t care who he hurts in his egomaniac approach to killing our state.

Comment by Big Joe Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:32 am
Cupich? No, probably not.

How about Bishop Paprocki? He’s got some clout among the HGOPs. He’s the guy who should invite the Governor and Speaker over for tea.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:39 am
==Now if the archbishop can flip about a half dozen GOP House members, that’s a different story.==

There’s the Springfield “compromise” we know and love - “the Republicans should just give us what we want.”

Comment by so... Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:40 am
As much respect as I have for the clergy, especially Archbishop Cupich, the church just doesn’t have the same pull it once did. Hopefully he brings the Pope with him to discussions.

Comment by The Muse Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:42 am
Maybe he can flip twice as many House Dem votes.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:43 am
===Maybe he can flip twice as many House Dem votes===

To do what, cut Catholic Charities even further?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:45 am
A guy, if you think Cupich would intervene on behalf of the Turnaround Agenda, you couldn’t be more wrong. Did you miss this?

http://ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/cupich-consistent-ethic-solidarity

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:48 am
Something has to change to break the log jam. The introduction of a new character certainly can’t make things worse.

Comment by Not it Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:48 am
Representative McAuliffe, the Archbishop is on line 1…

Comment by Century Club Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:49 am
–Maybe he can flip twice as many House Dem votes.–

For what?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 10:53 am
==A little religion is exactly what is needed.==

Unfortunately, I think it may have to come from the source. Maybe a bolt of lightning would be more effective?

Comment by HangingOn Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:01 am
===Maybe he can flip twice as many House Dem votes.===

“Forget all I said about Labor and doing the works for the poor, back Rauner!”

I can’t see what you’re trying to say, that’s the “best” (worst) attempt to “see” it.

Ugh.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:06 am
The Fox– the source might not be Ald. Burke. It could just as well be Justice Burke.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:09 am
Does the archdiocese employ any exorcists? They’re gonna need a bigger font.

font1
fänt/
noun
noun: font; plural noun: fonts

1.
a receptacle in a church for the water used in baptism, typically a freestanding stone structure.

2.
a fount.
“they dip down into the font of wisdom”

Comment by Irishpirate Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:14 am
The governor will only listen to someone who agrees with him.

Now is the time for Illinois voters to speak to the governor and the GA in the March 15 primary election. We get the government we deserve when we don’t vote.

Comment by Enviro Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:15 am
Maybe he Bishop can explain math the Democrats who don’t have the courage to raise taxes to fund the promises they have made. It is immoral to spend just as much money on pensions for higher education as we spend for higher education. Democrats voted yesterday for more deficit spending which has been going on for decades. Raise taxes and reform Springfield and go home.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:29 am
I’m skeptical he’ll succeed (Rauner isn’t Catholic and Cupich is more of a friend of labor), but good to see Cupich trying.

He’s representing social services that are being cut, and he’s famous enough to draw media attention to his lobbying efforts.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 11:40 am
Wordslinger (one a roll) and 47th Ward +1

Comment by burbanite Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:01 pm
Somewhere, the Superstars™ are scrambling for a statutory fig-leaf that will allow a state takeover of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:02 pm
==Maybe he Bishop can explain math the Democrats who don’t have the courage to raise taxes to fund the promises they have made.==
It’s not just the Dems. The Rauner budget didn’t add up with current tax levels.

But if the Bishop wants to help by telling both sides to raise taxes (something they already know they need to do, but want the other side to take the first step), great.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:03 pm
>There’s the Springfield “compromise” we know and love - “the Republicans should just give us what we want.”

Think of it another way: don’t you think the House Republicans could get a lot of reforms passed if they decided to make things happen? Rauner could have already have done so, but he wants what’s happening.

Frustration with Rauner’s mission of destruction does not imply people don’t want reforms or support Democratic positions. It doesn’t even imply disagreement with many of Rauner’s position, just of his cruel methods.

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Just 3 more years to go and there will be a budget

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:27 pm
I suggest that the Archbishop bring Jesus along and have the Archangel Michael standing by with his sword.

Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:33 pm
Take a breath.

Typical Sneed item that is just one of her friends thinking out loud.

No one actually involved in the state budget situation, nor the Archbishop, has actually raised this possibility.

And Cupich, while credible with both sides (he has had meaningful interactions with both Rauner and Madigan), is very unlikely to want anything to do with this impasse.

Comment by Adam Smith Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 12:42 pm
Adam Smith, very true. Although the Archdiocese of Chicago has very recently begun to raise its voice on behalf of social service agencies which are suffering as a result of the lack of State funding since July 1. https://www.catholiccharities.net/tabid/55/ctl/detail/mid/2525/itemid/894/state-budget-impasse-greatly-impacting-our-programs-and-services.aspx

Comment by 39th Ward Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Right. Because Republican legislators, in effect, siding with Madigan will fix this problem. If you believe that, I have a new shiny wall at the Mexican border to sell you advertising on.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 2:14 pm
Separation of church and state. A founding principal of our form of government. Let’s keep any religion out of it.

Comment by The Professor Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 3:01 pm
In a Minute +1

Comment by upstater Thursday, Mar 3, 16 @ 9:30 pm