Robert George's response, and invitation

Professor Robert George asked me to post the following, as a contribution to the conversation we have been having about whether Catholics who are critical of the Democrats' position on abortion have been appropriately and publicly clear about the immorality of abuse of detainees:

I have followed with interest the discussion launched by Michael Perry.  Although my importance and influence have been exaggerated, I was certainly flattered to be singled out, first by Michael then by Eduardo Penalver.  I gather that some liberals think that Catholic conservatives are shying away from speaking truth to power when it comes to the Church's teachings on torture and the death penalty.  Some conservatives think that liberals are reluctant to jeopardize their standing with academic colleagues by defending what the Church teaches us is true about abortion and marriage and sexual morality.  Let's work together.  I propose that we issue a joint statement that makes clear that liberal and conservative Catholics, despite our political differences, are willing to stand up publicly to defend the "seamless garment" of the Church's moral teachings, however unpopular doing so might make us with people in our respective "political circles" (if I may borrow Professor Penalver's phrase).  Let's together give a ringing affirmation of the Church's teachings on torture, capital punishment, abortion, and marriage and sexual morality.  Let's call both the Republican and Democratic parties to account.  If those of us on the conservative side end up taking some heat for standing up on torture and capital punishment, I'm happy to take it.  I trust that those on the liberal side feel the same when it comes to taking heat for standing up on abortion and marriage and sexual morality.  I'll sign.  Who will join me?