Not excommunicating a pro-abortion politician is really not merciful because of the injury to the flock.

A bishop replied to me stating that excommunication does not make the erring sheep better. I did not engage him further but thanked him for his candor. I think though that while he is right, excommunication protects the rest of the flock from bad example & influence. I think bishops need to follow canon law and excommunicate pro-abortion politicians like Kaine, Pelosi, Biden, Sebellius etc... to protect the Church that is confused if not scandalized by their position and justifications thereof.