Posted on 11/08/2009 4:39:12 PM PST by Salvation
Health Care and the Power of the Bishops' Conference |
Saturday, November 07, 2009 |
Just a few minutes ago the Stupak amendment which restricts the funding of abortion in the House Health Care Reform bill, passed handily. Staffers in several congressional offices on both sides of the aisle tell me that it was the Bishops Conference opposition to any bill without a pro-life amendment that forced the hand of House leaders. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, late last night, reluctantly allowed the Stupak amendment to come before the entire House of Representatives. The amendment, which forbids using federal funds to pay for abortions via public or private health plans was approved this evening by a vote of 240-194. Many Democrats on the left were not happy. What this demonstrates is the power of the Bishops Conference when its sets its mind to something. Unfortunately, they set the bar too low. They should have pushed for the full Catholic agenda on this bill. The Democrat leadership now knows how to roll the Conference, and how to pacify it. The Bishops other demands: conscience clauses for medical workers and coverage for immigrants have been virtually ignored in the bill. And though nearly 50 bishops raised the issue of subsidiarity (a core tenet of the Church's social doctrine which teaches that decisions are best made at the lowest level), the Bishops Conference made no mention of this in any of its letters or public statements. There was also no mention of the rationing mechanisms in the bill that will very likely hit the frail elderly as well as the poor. The zeal of the staff to get a Universal Health Care Bill passed (any Universal Health Care Bill) overwhelmed even the cries of the bishops themselves. So the staff drove but one stake in the ground on Capitol Hill: the abortion stake. The victory the Bishop's Conference enjoyed with the Stupak amendment may be short lived since the hard won pro-life language will very likely be scrubbed from the final plan. Assuming the Senate passes its Health Care legislation, both bills (the House and Senate versions) must be reconciled in "conference committee." Tonight, Democratic California Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey said of the Stupak Amendment: "I feel certain it will come out of the bill before it comes back from committee. I will insist that it come out." She is not alone. Let me know what you think at raymond@raymondarroyo.com |
I’m pretty sure that the USCatholicBishops endorsed the House Health Bill late last night.
I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they did.
The amendment is a fig leaf which will be removed.
My understanding is that as long as the fig leaf is there, the bishops are fine with selling the American people into the slavery of socialism.
'Crown of Thorns' Galaxy Photographed in Space.
The bishops, and all those involved, mean well, but they are not experienced, and missed a few things. Also, being so honest themselves, they don’t understand how tricky liberal politicians can be.
I’m glad they have Raymond Arroyo as their friend, and I hope they clear it with him next time.
I believe that's exactly WHY it was written.
We got a copy of thel Bishops’ flyer enjoining us to call Congress about healthcare and a verbal announcement at the end of Mass. Trouble is, the announcement was written before Sat. night’s action in the House and it was totally out of sync with the current situation. Geeeesh!
They have stated (several of the socialist Democratic Party politicians) that they know the amendment will be removed...that it is only a ruse. They only pretended to be pro-Life for political opportunity. These low-lifes
seem to be the status quo in Washington these days.
America is in a sad state of affairs they're disgusting.
Saturday at the vigil Mass our priest asked in the House had passed it yet — to which I replied, “Not as far as I know.”
Then Sunday morning her referenced the house passing their bill, registering our disgust with them, but concentrating on the Senate now.
He has said more than once that he preaches with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.
“The endorsement is a rumor. Here is information from LifeSiteNews on it. I believe there was a thread posted on this too.”
Thank you for the information. What a relief.
The majority of US bishops embrace a socialistic solution set, in violation of the teaching of the Church. They have embraced a radical theology of liberation (even if it comes short of technically being liberation theology). I believe they will, any moaning for the benefit of the pro-life community, embrace socialized medicine regardless of any little problems that may come with it (e.g., abortion on demand, euthanasia, rationing, shortages, etc.). It fits their overall agenda of radical transformation...and they think they will be on top...being able to direct the "brave new world"'s conscience...
If that happens, there will be hell to pay. Bunch o' liars!
When Planned Parenthood is saying trust Nancy Pelosi, you know this is a ruse.
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