If he's supposed to be a member of "the best educated laity in Church history"...

...why is he reasoning like a tween?

So, unless the Pope personally hits you on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper and says "No! Bad Catholic! BAD!" you can assume it's OK?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not in full agreement with Novak's analysis, either, but at least he's noting the incongruity.

On the other hand, Winters' core argument is borderline infantile. Yes, it's true that the Pope has removed no bishops for communing pro-aborts. However, that constitutes evidence of nothing, given that the bishop-removal rate is about zilch.

Maybe, just maybe, he expects Catholics of all stations to start thinking and acting like grown-ups, instead of hiding behind threadbare excuses.

Thanks to Jay for the links.