So, bishops, you've outlined a set of moral principles related to tax policy. That's nice. I'm sure it's lovely and  very well written. It's a pity nobody in Congress is going to read it.

Bishops, here's the reality. The Republicans pay no attention to you because they know that no matter how egregiously they screw the poor, as long as they spout the proper "pro-life" claptrap during election years, you'll stick with them. And the Democrats pay no attention to you because they know that, no matter what, you'll remain snugly in those GOP pockets.

See, guys, you've forgotten that the lifeblood of politics is the quid pro quo. If you want to be taken seriously by Congress, you've got to have something they need. You don't. The Dems have figured out how to win without you and the GOP knows that you're the cow that gives the milk for free. 

Face it. You're politically irrelevant.