Pro-life Democrats insisted that a no-abortion-coverage amendment be placed in the health care bill before they would vote for it. That is OK as far as it goes, although I do not agree with that position.
This flame Tied in Knots©2009, expresses my frustrated joy in the passing of the health care bill by the house.
But why would they have to get permission from the Catholic Church to vote for the bill? Why is the permission of their constituents not enough reason to vote? When did a government that expresses Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State to be the Law of the Land allow a religious leader control over what Congressional members do? Neither the Catholic Church nor any other religious group should be making laws for the United States. Influence, ok, just as other special interest groups have influence. But to control the vote is anathema to the Constitution of this country.
Maybe legislatures should be prevented from discussing an upcoming vote within 12 hours of a vote with any lobbyist, special interest group--including religious leader, or non-congressional member. Then they would be forced to vote their conscience and/or what they know their constituents want. No, I guess that wouldn't work.
Maybe, the amendment will be declared unconstitutional since it is obviously religious in text and motivation. Oh, that's right, there is a preponderance of Catholics on the Supreme Court, too. Hmm. Who controls their judgements? As Americans, we trust that our Supreme Court to rule on constitutionality, not religious belief. I hope so. Otherwise, a group analogous to the Taliban will rule this country as Thought Police--and that is no more extreme an hyperbole than those the Republicans are tossing out when they say America is in a Civil War and Obama is Hitlerian.
The Republican lost the 2008 election. Why are they crying foul? Republicans, you lost. Get over it! Stop trying to hurt this nation in your snit over having the majority rule! While I am fussing at you, Republicans, would you please stop it with the lies and hypocrisy? "Three years ago" problems were being covered up; and when they finally forced an economic crisis, Republicans had just been voted out of office. The Obama Administration did not create the national debt or the recession. That occured under the Bush Administration, under the Republican watch. Why do you speak as if Obama created the problem? Everyone knows Obama is cleaning up the mess the Republicans created. The huge national debt we face today is money spent to clean up the Republican mess plus the excessive spending during Bush's term in office. Just because Bush's Presidency brought us to the brink of ruin is no reason to not take care of the US citizenry today.
And how do you Republicans plan to recover from the disastrous national debt in place at the end of the Bush Presidency without raising taxes? I suppose you think you can just pretend it ain't so and it will all go away. Do not blame Obama and Democrats for the need to raise taxes. Your careless placement of this country in debt means someone has to pay your bills. Be grateful the Democrats are fiscally responsible enough and politically courageous enough to bail you out so when the country is back on its feet you can claim their rightful credit as your own.
Back to the issue at hand: Thank goodness the health care bill passed the House. Now if only it doesn't get gutted before it clears the Senate!
And why must the war mongers insist that a woman have an unwanted baby? The Republican's war is currently killing our sons and daughters. I guess they want to insure that a new crop of poor kids will be around to repopulate the army so their wars can continue to be fought.
Yes, I am also tired of the Conservatives, no matter what religion, forcing their religious views on all of us, too.
