S Conference of Catholic BishopsSr Mary Ann Walsh of the U

For a more detailed descriptionof our concerns please see Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB2008), pages 19-30. Nonetheless, we offer this outline as an agenda for dialogue andaction. We hope to offer a constructive and principled contribution tonational discussion over the values and policies that will shape our nation'sfuture.We seek to work together with our nation's leaders to advance thecommon good of our society, while disagreeing respectfully and civilly wherenecessary for preserving that same common good.In closing, I renew our expression of hope and our offer of cooperationas you begin this new period of service to our nation in these challengingtimes.We promise our prayers for you, that the days ahead will be a time ofrenewal and progress for our nation and that we can work together to defendhuman life and dignity and build a nation of greater justice and a world atpeace.Sincerely yours,Francis Cardinal George, OMIArchbishop of ChicagoPresidentSOURCEU.S Conference of Catholic BishopsSr Mary Ann Walsh of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, O:1-202-541-3200, H: 1-301-587-4762.

TURIN, Italy, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Italian new car orders andsales in the first 15 days of January registered "very badresults", according to UNRAE, the association of foreign carmakers in Italy. UNRAE's statement followed Thursday's publication ofindustry figures showing a 7.8 percent drop in European carsales in 2008 ID:nLF98010 In Italy they fell 13.4 percent. Sales for Fiat (FIA.MI), Italy's biggest car maker, fell14.9 percent for December and 6.2 percent in western Europe forall of 2008 even though it managed to increase its market share. UNRAE renewed its call on the Italian government to adoptmeasures to help the country's car industry, which is facing theworst crisis in decades because drivers are no longer buying newvehicles.

"There can be no more delay on a decision on a new campaignof incentives," UNRAE Chairman Salvatore Pistola said in thestatement.Despite vows from France and Germany to help theirrespective industries, Italy has given a relatively muteresponse, saying it prefers to introduce incentives incoordination with other European Union member states. The top teams looked a little bit better this week with Oregon making it virtually certain that USC won't win a Pac-10 championship.1. FloridaFlorida beats up on a suddenly hapless Georgia team.3. AlabamaLSU comes calling this Saturday in what should be a very interesting game.4.

OregonThe Ducks jump up to number five by giving the USC Trojans their worst loss in the Pete Carroll era, as well as the second most yards ever given up by the Trojans, 613. 6. CincinnatiThe Bearcats continue to impress even without quarterback Tony Pike.7. Boise StateThe Broncos win over Oregon looks impressive, but nothing else on their schedule will give them any boost.8. Louisiana StateWith a win this Saturday, the Tigers could jump back into the BCS picture for a possible at-large berth.9. IowaThe Hawkeyes have trailed in every game except one this year. That's a testament to their character, but also a sign that this team probably isn't the real deal heading into back to back games against a sneaky Northwestern team and Ohio State in Columbus.10.