When they agree with Doyle, bishops are silent

Another headline I missed over the weekend:

Bishops praise Doyle for
veto of anti-immigrant bill

The Wisconsin Catholic Conference was outspoken before the governor acted:

Executive Director John Huebscher wrote, “A significant number of those affected by SB 567 would be among our most vulnerable residents—elders, individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, and children. Some of these children were born in the US, but their parents were not, thus their parents will be more fearful of seeking help for their children.”

“In addition,” he continued, “we share the concerns voiced by others regarding the bill’s impact on public health. Children and others who decline to seek immunization and health care services may in turn spread diseases that might otherwise be treated and checked. This will adversely affect the wider community.”

“We do not endorse illegal immigration. But neither do we endorse laws that could deter many legal residents from seeking public benefits to which they have a rightful claim. In the interest of defending the dignity of human life and upholding the preferential love for the poor, we respectfully urge you to veto SB 567,” Huebscher concluded.

Funny how that doesn't make news. It's only when Doyle and the church disagree that it's newsworthy -- or worth the bishops themselves speaking out.

Mark Green, of course, criticized Doyle for the veto, as Cory Liebmann notes: Mark Green defies bishops again.

UPDATE: John Nichols in the Capital Times: Bishops' attack on Doyle crosses line.

UPDATE 2: The church comes through with a press release supporting Doyle's veto. Watch for the coverage.