> Polls show that in the U.S. 98% of Catholics ignore the prohibition against birth control.

Oh well, that's all right then. As long as it's OK where you are. And of course "polls" include absolutely every single Catholic out there.


When I was a kid in Wisconsin, there were three large families in our Catholic school

THREE WHOLE FAMILIES in the local school. Well, that proves the case. If "it doesn't happen in Catholic families nowadays" - i.e. those within your eyesight - then of course it doesn't happen anywhere.


Joe, you haven't a clue about what goes on beyond your back door. None. It doesn't even seem to concern you. You don't realise what a massive insult that is to the rest of the world. No wonder Americans get accused of insularity and ignorance. [I've just refreshed the thread and seen MGM's post. He's right, Joe. Living abroad does give you a whole other perspective.]

You've also managed to dismiss the views of non-practicing Catholics, though they're as relevant and valid as your own. There will be *reasons* why those people no longer practice their faith. But they're inconvenient. Easier not to look at them. Practicing Catholics are of course free to jump into this conversation. It's not like they've been barred from joining in.

Exclude, rationalise away, deny, accuse anyone you disagree with of exaggeration. "It's not the usual experience" / "it doesn't happen any more" / "it's only a handful".

Classic techniques for protecting yourself from ugly realities.