Cal Thomas was wrong in his Oct. 9 column on abortion. The bishops have said this is not a single issue election, and he neglected to note that Catholics decide on the basis of their own consciences.

The issues of social justice and peace go beyond abortion. What of the thousands who have been killed in an unjust war? What about seven million new uninsured citizens? What about five million who have fallen into poverty? What about a tax system that rewards the rich? What about an unemployment rate in excess of six percent?

Barack Obama will address those issues in a fair way.

On the abortion issue, the Republicans are anti-abortion, but abortions have increased.

Obama will reduce abortion by ratcheting up preventive programs.

I am a practicing Catholic.

I will vote for Obama with profound respect for my faith’s teaching on social justice and peace.

James Carignan, Harpswell