Washington (CNN) – A group of Catholic nuns is urging Congress to pass health care reform, breaking ranks with bishops who say the current bill does not do enough to block federal money from being used to fund abortions.
"We write to urge you to cast a life-affirming 'yes' vote when the Senate health care bill (H.R. 3590) comes to the floor of the House for a vote as early as this week," a group of nuns wrote in a letter to members of Congress released Wednesday by NETWORK, progressive Catholic advocacy organization.
NETWORK said the 55 signatories represent tens of thousands of Catholic nuns in the United States.
The letter argues that the legislation "will make crucial investments in community health centers that largely serve poor women and children."
"And despite false claims to the contrary, the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions," the letter reads. "It will uphold longstanding conscience protections and it will make historic new investments – $250 million – in support of pregnant women. This is the REAL pro-life stance, and we as Catholics are all for it."
The nuns are siding with the Catholic Health Association, a group representing Catholic hospitals, which offered its support for reform earlier this week.
Both groups are diverging from the powerful U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which stepped up its criticism of the bill in recent days. The president of the bishops conference, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, said Monday that the bill's language on abortion is not restrictive enough to satisfy Catholics.
"It expands federal funding and the role of the federal government in the provision of abortion procedures," George said in a statement. "In so doing, it forces all of us to become involved in an act that profoundly violates the conscience of many, the deliberate destruction of unwanted members of the human family still waiting to be born."
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From CNN Politics
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Way to go, Nuns!
Finally, some religious group that says that it is better to pass something with a possible problem than have no bill at all.
Way to go SISTAS!
**I equate the Republican talking point of the 45% that do not want health care to the commercial about Teens on Drugs. If 45% of the Teens using Drugs are in cities, then where are the other 55%?
Republicans need to worry about the 45% who want it. Both parties have a DRAW here.
MY GOD Pass the bill ALREADY.....I'm tired of hearing about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No offense to the Catholic Church, but bishops really shouldn't have a say in the matter. Hundreds of them molesting altar boys and they are questioning abortion. I guess they're against abortion so they can have some more young kids to molest.
The Catholic Church needs to stay out of American politics. ... its that whole separation of church and state thing that the state of Texas is trying to ignore.
That said, I'm glad these nuns are not letting the white male hierachy of the Catholic church act as though they are GOD.
Hopefully their actions will teach an embarassing lesson to these men.
Lesson 1.) If you can't keep quiet because you are part of the church and this is politics, then
Lesson 2.) Keep quiet because you don't have wombs and other associated anatomy, or
Lesson 3.) Support this bill because it is represents "Christ-like behavior". Covering uncovered people with healthcare is something Jesus probably would have been in favor of.
Good for them. THANK YOU !!!!
This is not a bill about potential people, this is a bill about real live, walking, talking, thinking, feeling people! i applaud these nuns who are standing up for the lives of people who are dying for lack of health care. the so-called pro-'life' opponents of this bill who would let thousands of real people die every year rather than vote for this bill are raging hypocrites! there's nothing even remotely pro LIFE about them.
"This is the REAL pro-life stance, and we as Catholics are all for it."
Now THESE are couragous women!
They don't pay taxes and should not have any say in politics or how our tax dollars are used.
Wow this is shocking news. I thought nuns didnt have any right to voice their opinion especially for catholics. Now all we need is for nuns to have more power in the catholic church. After all, women know more about pregnancy (family, children, women's body, etc.) than men do!
Funny how the higher-ups place more value on the health of potential people than they do on the health of actual people.
Finally, some compassionate Christian voices are raised to fight for the less fortunate among us!
now "that's" courage! God bless the Sisters!
How dare the 55 signatories implie that they speak for ten of thousands of other Catholics! And to say that the bill does not include federal dollars for abortion shows a tremendous lack of understanding of the bill and congressial procedures.
This group deserves to be excommunicted!
May my father forgive them.
FINALLY a Catholic that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the Four Gospels instead of worrying about how many angels can stand on the head of a needle. Any # of fetus's aborted as a direct result of this Health Care Bill probably pales in comparison to the # of real people who will die w/out the medical care if Catholics help kill this bill.
These nuns are just showing that they are hypocrits-–if they can support this Bill-–knowing that abortions will be covered and knowing that millions of senior citizens are going to have their medicare benefits cut.
Has everyone seen Obama's approval rating on the Gallup site???? There are now more people who DISAPPROVE of Obama, than those who approve of Obama.
The Democrats are going to get clobbered in the 2010 elections.
These are some great comments! I applaud these nuns for taking a strong and realistic stance on the subject. Sitting back and condemning healthcare for millions of people simply because of abortion (which is not funded) is idiotic at best and severely misguided.
Very courageous. They'll be speaking from hell pretty soon. Same with the Catholic Health Association. They need to realize that their primary responsibility is to be Catholic. You cannot be Catholic and support anything having to do with abortion.
The bishops are speaking for the vast majority of Catholics in America. They represent us better than any representative in Congress.
But go ahead! Pass this bill. Whether America likes it or not, pass it! We'll see what happens in November.
I remember a while back when it was the bishop's who opposed it and the proponents of the "lost cause III" were yelling atta boy and the left was screaming "what about seperation of church & state".......read on fellow Americans and look at how easily the stances reversed themselves.......interesting, very interesting.....This too....shall pass!
Essayons America!
I guess the Nuns are Nazi, Socialist, Commie, Freeloading, Constitution-hating, non-patriots too huh Rethugs???
For the first time in a long time, I'm proud to be Catholic. WAY TO GO NUNS! Finally someone in the church with some brains.
John said, "Funny how the higher-ups place more value on the health of potential people than they do on the health of actual people."
Unfortunate, but true...
Nuns are smart.
These Nuns are Heaven sent.
Once again, a bunch of nuns are in disagreement with the church, and being vocal about it.
Amen!!! No church has the right to dictate what's in a health bill. Period. About time someone had the guts to stand up for what's right.....
Abortion will not be covered under this bill and I am not sure what the Bishops don't understand about that. I would think the Church has other things to think about, i.e. cleaning up their own mess than to comment on this.
It is imperative the Untied States has Health Care Reform and the Bishops ARE NOT speaking for the majority of Catholics in America. I know, I am one!
"How dare the 55 signatories implie that they speak for ten of thousands of other Catholics! And to say that the bill does not include federal dollars for abortion shows a tremendous lack of understanding of the bill and congressial procedures"
And YOU are the ignorant moronette with the lack of understanding!
Too much Fake News? Did you miss your morning allotment of pablum fed to you as "sound bites" that your functioning singe brain cell could comprehend?
There is no provision in the Senate bill for federal funds to be used for abortions, which of course, are legal medical procedures in this country, but if women are in the streets rioting, as a male it dos not apply to me.
Pretty sure none of those nuns are guilty of pedophilia either. Nice new face for the Catholic Church.
I have been a non-practicing Catholic for 30 years. This move by these courageous women lifts my spirit! Thank you! Having just lost my health insurance, I am forced to pay COBRA to cover two type 1 diabetics in my family. Because i can't let their insurance expire, or they would become pre-existing and lose future coverage, my husband and I can't pay our mortgage for the first time in our lives. It's a horrible feeling but health needs to come first and the extra $1300 we have to come up with every month is a struggle that's taking us down a bad road. There are many more like us. America needs to be courageous and embrace health reform – even in it's diluted current state. I'm very embarrassed by the 'Tea Party' and other selfish and narrow-minded groups like them. I APPLAUD the nuns.
this is bar-nun the best news to come out of the church in a long time
hahahahahahahahahahaha... heh
You Dems are so funny, first you curse the ground that christains walk on and now you praise them for doing something wrong. Whos the real devil here?
Thank you, sisters! I was educated by nuns, and they were such a powerful influence over my life. I am proud that these Catholic women have given their support to something that so obviously reflects a caring attituted towards their fellow human beings. They are to be commended for going against the church hierarchy.
Next thing we need– women priests!!!
Isn't this the same church that routinely molests young boys and have been doing so for centuries? They cover up these disgusting practices by transferring Priest to new hunting grounds. They then claim to be a "moral authority". Hypocrite is just too mild a word for these Bishops.
NO special deals for unions. NO special deals for Nebraska. NO special deals for Louisianna. NO special deals for Florida.
Gives us exactly the same deal that congress gets (remember they are EXEMPTED from this plan)....
OR JUST PLAIN NO.
God bless you. It is a moral imperative to help provide health-care for our fellow Americans with no coverage, pre-existing conditions, etc.
Let's get it done for America!
more propaganda....this bill will finish breaking the financial back of the country, as planned by Ayers, Soros, through Pelosi and Obama...then, we'll begin rebuilding the country as a socialist nation...since all other socialist nations have worked out so well....yessir, your entire life will be dictated by an inexperienced, nonUScitizen......put in place by a majority of entitlement leeches who have never held a job...way to go, liberals!
Let see... Bishops that protect child-molesters... yea there's a group that is worth listening too... NOT!!!
Burn in hell? You Chatholics are so funny. I bet I could line up 10 catholics, disect their lives and find some hell worthy offenses bouncing around in all their closets (that they haven't repented to)...and lately that would go double for the preists!! Obviously, there is no way I can prove my assertion but it is my opinion. I remember being in college and hearing my girlfriends roomate preach about how all gays and abortion receipents were going to hell...as she herself was practicing pre-marital sex, using birth control.
Where were these moralists bishops when their subordinates were raping and sodomizing children? Paying hundreds of millions in hush money, bankrupting their dioceses and ignoring the emotional, spiritual and physical destruction of young people. I thank the nuns for taking the high ground and showing these hypocrites the way. May God save their souls.
Finally, Christians acting like Christians! Jesus clearly would have been on the side of saving 44,000 lives each year, those who now die needlessly thank to lack of or insufficient insurance.
Thank God....maybe we need to look more closely at allowing women to become priests. At the same time...allowing priests to marry.
Sue, abortions are no more covered in this bill than it was before. When the mother's health is at stake, an abortion is some times necessary. People need to stop hiding behind abortions in every election. You can not legislate people morals.
Why is it that Republicans are so concern about abortion but applauds the death penalty? Murder is murder.
As for me, I do not believe in abortion. So I want ever have or encourage others to have one. However, I believe that each individaul has the right to make their own decision as that is how God treats us. God does not make us do anything, he gives us a choice.
Abortion can not be the determination to whether millions of people who are in need of health care recieve it.
John said it best, "Funny how the higher-ups place more value on the health of potential people than they do on the health of actual people."
As far the Catholic Bishops, who are really Republican supporters, is is okay for priests to be gay? I know some who are. What did the bible say about that. We can select certain areas of the bible to live by, we must live by all 66 books.
David March 17th, 2010 4:40 pm ET
Very courageous. They'll be speaking from hell pretty soon. Same with the Catholic Health Association. They need to realize that their primary responsibility is to be Catholic. You cannot be Catholic and support anything having to do with abortion.
------------------–
well David, I guess about 51% of current Catholics are not "real" then according to your narrow minded parameters because the majority of Catholics support "choice" in some form or another. Anything to say now??
Rick in AZ – there are just as many molesters in other religions...it's just that the liberal, atheists who run the media want to discredit any ressemblance of God, so when they have an opportunity to throw mud at the church, they do so....Islam have far more child molesters...but, the media's afraid of them.
The only way I would approve abortion is if an amneo test could show the fetus was a liberal....because, after all, most are born with only a brain stem; as evident in Pelosi and Obama....
Amen to that enough of that abortion bull crap, pass the bill
the church needs to clean up its own mess – the church is no longer relevant and bishops have no right to tell anyone what to do! the nuns are finally making their voices heard!
Listen to the women!!!! What do the old men know - never nurtured anything in their lives.
Sigh. Abortions have not been covered with tax dollars, and will not BE covered with tax dollars if the health bill passes, and there is already plenty of wording in the current laws to this fact and those lwas won't change with the passage of this bill. What congressional opponents want to do is add additional wording so that people who buy into PRIVATE insurance also won't be able to have their abortions covered. If it is private insurance, it is NONE of your BUSINESS, anti-abortionists!
Who's the nitwit who thinks nuns don't pay taxes so they shouldn't have any say. What a moronic, uninformed thing to say. They do pay taxes and as citizens they have just as much right as you to voice their opinions.
The Democrats are going to get clobbered in the 2010 elections.
______________________________________________________
LOL! No they won't because the 31 million americans who will finally get health care will vote for the Dems and that's what you republicans are so scared of. Go Nuns!!
It is so sad that all of you can't open your eyes and see what is really in this bill. It will cover abortion, Christ has nothing to do with this bill. I thank the Republicans that are standing up and saying "no" to this bill. Yes, the Republicans have a bill that would cost far less than this monster that the House has to force through but Speaker Pelosi is the one that won't let it be heard on the floor. For all of you that don't know she decides what bill comes to the floor or not. Why don't you all really read the bill. This bill is going to cost me, my children and grandchildren so much and will eventually restrict our healthcare. Let's fix the things that need to be fix and leave the rest alone. Why aren't we going after malpratice suits? This country was not founded on what it can do for its people (even though this President thinks he needs to fix everything). We as a nation are much better off when the government stays out of our lives and doesn't try to force us to have healthcare, it is not in the Constituation that we must have healthcare so leave it alone. As far as these "55" nuns, they don't speak for thousands of nuns. Just as Rep. Baron Hill doesn't speak for me because he doesn't listen to anyone but Obama and Pelosi!!!
These sisters have great courage!! They are to be commended for their stance!
Pass the bill already, we need it now!
Hey Sue:
1) Learn how to spell
2) This article has nothing to do with President Obama – if you must spew hate at least do it on an appropriate article
3) Stop just reciting GOP propaganda about health care reform and actually get the facts
@Dar,
The cursing is usually at people often called CINO's (Christians in name only). They call themselves conservative christians, but they do not use christian morals when acting or legislating.
'Real' christians, who try to help those in need and offer comfort rather than judgement, are worthy of praise by almost everybody.
If you can't tell the difference between the two groups, you are either blinded by politics or very jaded. Or both.
@david ..it always makes me laugh when i hear self – righteous catholics talk about who is going to hell and who isn't.Do you keep all of God's commandments???If you are guilty of transgressing one law the bible says you are guilty of all. God's word calls for us to be holy not a "good catholic". A good catholic is something a bunch of men made up. Holiness is the standard God set and it is a lifestyle that can be chosen by all men not a certain few. Also we have no heaven or hell to put anybody in. Judge not lest ye be judged. This is not Rome. This is not a catholic theocrasy. There is only one Holy father and he is in heaven. Besides the catholic church needs to focus on their corrupt and systematic abuse of children that they often have tried to hide. Also, as for your socialist, communist names that you like to throw around...its well documented that your pope was part of hitlers youth and that the church systematically harbored nazis in the late 40s(look it up)...so until you get the same passion and hatred that you have for people that diagree with you politically for people that sexually abuse children and decietfully try to cover up that and their history up....NO ONE IS LISTENING OK!!!! OH...and By the way...the health bill will pass!!!good day
abortion aside, this bill is the worst thing that can happen to this country right now....to pass it does nothing but tax ALL of us...reduce the quality of medical care, and availability. NOTHING the government's run as been advantageous to the masses....this is strictly for low income minority votes...to include funding illegals. When will you liberals be satisfied? When we're a nation of mediocrity, and you're paying >50% of your salary (those few of you that actually work) in taxes? What a bunch of idiots....healthcare reform needs to take place, but not with this bunch of incompetent loons....wait and see; you're end up with FAR less than anything you have now, and you'll be paying far longer for it......
As a Roman Catholic who went to Catholic schools, I can tell you that nuns are at the forefront when it comes to helping the poor and disadvantaged. Bishops, on the other hand, are like politicians who love making rules just so they can control the masses.
So, yes...I'm with the nuns on this one. They're the ones who see the suffering of those in dire need of medical care but can't afford them. And the Bishops...well, let's just say that they'll just repeat whatever the Vatican tells them to say.
So the nuns think the chance that the healtcare bill will not change government funding for abortions is worth a deal to get healthcare! WOW! They are not the nuns who taught me in school. I guess the next time they ask for donations for retired nuns, I will decline as should everyone else and let them get their needed treatment at the community health centers and Catholic Hosptials who will be getting cents on the dollar from the government for reimbursement.
hey DANO – just what facts are you talking about? Obama saying it'll save you $3k a year? Or Pelosi saying we'll all have more affordable healthcare...and more plentiful? What are you smoking in that bong?
Keep shouting it Sue, maybe someone will believe your nonsence.
Seems to be a stratagey of the right, keep telling lies, someone is bound to believe you.
Good job! Nuns. The GOP lacks morality. How can they claim to be a Pro-life Party, and when it's time to save millions of lives they become hypocritical? Now here is why we need Healthcare/Insurance reform:
Doctors support health reform because it:
Makes coverage more affordable: We see patients every day who have a job but lack insurance coverage because their employer cannot afford to provide it and their wages are insufficient to pay for it. Hardworking Americans should not have to choose between basic health care and feeding, clothing and housing their family.
Expands access to care: We support subsidies for small businesses and individuals, and investments in training doctors so all Americans can access health care. You should be able to see a physician when you are sick without fear of bankrupting your family, or being denied the insurance you paid for based on pre-existing conditions or gender.
Increases quality of care: You should always be able to get quality care and prevention to live a healthy life. As physicians, we see patients every day who have insurance that does not cover the treatments they need. It should not matter what zip code you live in, how much money you make per year, whether you are old or young, or a man or a woman.
Builds a healthy health care system: Every hospital and physician’s office in America should focus on patients, not paperwork. True coordination of care means patients can focus on getting well. A large investment in prevention allows doctors and patients to focus on staying healthy. These reforms coupled with trial pilot programs to improve the broken health care system offer hope for doctors and patients.
jm for sc:
Sorry, you are WRONG!!!!
Stupak-–a Democrat---has been coming out publicly saying that it will cover abortion. This is why Stupak-–and 11 other Democrats will not vote on the Bill.
I "believe" that Stupak said that the abortion coverage is listed on Page 270 of the Bill.
Stupak also said that the Democrats even want to INCREASE abortions...........as they do not want to have to pay for any more babies.
So, Obama, Pelosi, Reid and the liberal Democrats have now targeted babies and senior citizens. After all, they cannot work and pay taxes for "dear leader".
Hey Michelle:
How is this bill is going to cost you, your children and grandchildren so much and will eventually restrict our healthcare? Maybe it will help you and/or your family someday when you/they have a pre-existing condition and would not be able to get affordable coverage in the current system. If that happens you'll be thanking God that health care reform was enacted in 2010!
I'm a lifelong Catholic who once studied in the seminary to become a priest. I'm a lector in my parish church and an executive in the insurance industry. I've raised two adult daughters, one of whom recently lost her employer-provided health insurance. I admire these Catholic sisters (but not our bishops) for speaking the truth and supporting our President’s plan!
Not only will his plan extend coverage to 30 million citizens (such as my daughter); the Congressional Budget Office and Medicare actuaries agree his plan would reduce the growth in healthcare spending and the federal deficit! We Catholics and all Americans will have much to be thankful for this Easter when the healthcare reform is passed!.
I'm with the nuns in this case. Pass the bill.
31 million Americans who currently do not have health insurance will be covered by this bill. I am not sure how people cannot understand that as a GOOD thing! And for all those people that say government should stay out of your lives, I have this to say to you.... Don't EVER collect social security, and don't ever go on Medicare because you'd be a hypocrate just like the rest of the Republicans. I know so many people that collect social security and are on medicare, but call THIS healthcare reform "socialism".... wow, such hypocrates!!!
I applaud the nuns for breaking ranks with that bunch of gray-haired old pedophiles who hate women and think they shouldn't have the right to choose.
For all you goodie two shoes that want to stop funding for abortions with your tax dollars, there are just as many of us that want our tax dollars used for it. We are all paying the price for welfare childrenand unwanted childern. So, whenever you bible thumping, advocates of pro life step up and adopt and or pay the price to raise these kids with your own money, then and only then can you ask that government funds or insurance premiums stop paying for abortion. Get it? You thick skulled morons.
Hey TCM:
Just what facts are you talking about??? You just bashed President Obama and Speaker Pelosi (and me I think!) but you said nothing of substance. Like I told Sue don't just spout GOP propaganda but say how health care reform will be bad for us.
Please don't vote for HCR.
If you do then over 18,000 won't die every year anymore.
Is that what you want? You want to save the lives of double the amount of people that died on 9/11?
that's not what REAL America is about.
It's all about being born into a white family with money.
Shame on you people trying to save lives.
REAL AMERICANS DON'T DO THAT!
President Barack Obama called for COURAGE for all Americans to stand up to GOP opposition and pass Healthcare Reform...and the nuns have answered in the affirmative "YES" WE CAN and rightfully so!
Please stand up with COURAGE and call your congressman and senators and let your voice be heard....WE WANT HEALTHCARE REFORM NOW!!!!!
Say NO to the G"NO"P and the status Quo!
Enough Is Enough....It's time for Americans to start taking care of Americans!!!!!
TCM you ignorant stooge, how much does the health insuance industry pay you to post your nonsense?
I imagine the President, sitting in the Oval Office, looking at the TV and seeing – lets say – 1000 Tea Party protestors outside the White House. Then, slightly annoyed, he picks up the phone and calls in 10.000 NUNS to counteract. And then i imagine the boss of Faux News' head exploding because, for the life of him, he can't figure out where he should stand on this...
I smell reform in the air....it's beautiful.
Isn't it amazing that anyone would want or attempt to stop a program that will save thousands of lives yearly, because of the possibility of funds being used for abortion. Healthcare for Americans will save more lives than our 1 million soldiers army. People who oppose this healthcare need to do their cost and benefit analysis. Am not a believer in abortions, but I love those who are already here, living and need care.
Narrow-mindedness is the problem with these bishops. Am equally a Catholic, but seeing people die everyday is a concern to me and the numbers are too great to ignore.
Oh, it has it been such a looooong time that I have wholeheartedly agreed with any position the Catholic Church took. But, this time....right on sisters!
In the last several years, I've met more nuns that have influenced my life so greatly and I am a recovering Catholic. I only wish that the availabilty of nuns of this caliber were around when I was younger, I might have not done an about face and left the church.
Changing the Priests and the Bishops or moving them forward into the 21st century I know will not occur in my lifetime......so sad!
AMEN!!!
It really sickens me when people care more about HUMAN LIFE than they do MONEY.
This is America, and here we make choices only if they produce a profit.
Disgusting that Human Life is more important than money.
Please, vote Republican. Show everyone around the world how here in AMERICA money is more important than human life.
Be a Patriot.
Of course, the bishops are informed as well by healthcare professionals – many of whom also oppose the bill for intelligent, well-articulated reasons. As do tens of millions of citizens, at last count.
Just because you put the work "catholic" in front of something does not mean that thing then automatically represents catholic teaching.
Nobody should can what the roman catholic church says, it is just a pedophilic operation, rife with obscene corruption, moneywise and sexual aberrations, lies, complete dissention among its members and a stagnant, archaic outlook on life in the 21st century.
Now, where was I ??
I cannot believe how arrogant these Republicans and the Democrats are who are opposing his bill. It's a many steps forward to universal health care – that has been a goal for generations of American people – both Republicans and Democrats. What can you get from these uneducated people like Sarah Palin, Mike Huchabee, Rush Limbaugh, Joh McCain, George Bush, Dick Cheney etc. Unbelievable!!! These uneducated people do not have the degree of competencies to drive a country for sure. There can only be attack dogs.
A
So many Americans need to WAKE UP!! It is amazing how seemingly few people realize what this messed up bill will do to our freedom? Not to mention how many more innocent lives will be killed by abortion??!!?? People in countries that have socialized medicine are looking @ us wondering what in the world we are thinking – to give up our freedom for an unknown result.
You cannot be a true Catholic and fund abortion! Maybe these Nuns need to read Cannon Law a little closer!
One of the major problems this country has is that Religious organizations can sway our government. Religion is usually wrong to begin with on most subjects and bases opinions off a guy that died 2000 years ago. Until we cut that plague called religion out of the government, our country will continue to fail and get worse.
whoops,
that 1st line should have read: nobody should "care".
Oh Michelle, that's not really your name is it, it's really Billy-Bob or Dick Armey or some Republican liar like that.
Nuns see the everyday suffering of the poor. Republican liars on the other hand live a life of luxury paid for by corporate lobbyists so long as they spread their corporate master's lies.
I bow to these brave and coscientious women who speak with compassion not with greed like some of the right wing pukes posting here (like you TCM).
What with the frenzied overreaction of the bishops, you'd think there was anti-pedophile legislation here.....
Dano:
I can spell just fine........Perhaps it is YOU that cannot spell--as all of my words were 100% accurate.
Typical loony left liberal..........Attack the messenger, because you cannot dispute the message.
As I said........Stupak is a Democrat and has been coming out publicly and saying that abortion will DEFINITELy be covered under this Bill. I "believe" that he said it is on Page 270 of the Bill.
Not only did he say that abortion IS covered under the Bill, he said that the Democrats even want to INCREASE abortions in our country--as they do not want to pay for any more babies.
Just like the Democrats want to cut the money/benefits for senior citizens, mentally/physically handicapped, very sick, etc.---as these groups will cost more money--and not pay into the system through their taxes.
These were also the very first steps of communists/marxists/socialists in other countries as well.
And, please check out Obama's approval rating on the Gallup site!!!!
Don't Nun's work in hospitals? I've never seen a bishop change a bandage. Maybe we should listen to them.
Go for it Sisters!
Michelle,
Yes, please open your eyes to see what actually IS in the bill to avoid the two lies in your post:
1. READ Senator Nelson's amendment to strenthen the Hyde language for no federal funds for abortions. The good nuns are correct here.
2. Malpractice reform IS in the bill, too. Please READ Section 6801.
shame on the nuns who call themselves catholic,and believe in abortions which is in the health care.I will never support funding for their retirement,they should be banned for being nuns.shame on them........................................................
in 2005 according to the CDC there were roughly 820k abortions. the average price 430 dollars. total cost about 350 million.
abortion is a choice, is legal and constitutional.
if you dont like it dont get one. anyone with a penis doesnt get a vote on this.
Jesus(the Zombie version) - Very creative (5:12PM ET) post. The sarcasm was VERY dry. Given the number of people who don't really comprehend sarcasm, I'm a little worried about how many people might be whole heartedly agreeing with your "literal" comments.
men can say whatever they want, but it is the women or nuns who are taking care of the sick and poor. And, they can no longer stand the despair they see every day in America.
If you truly love life, you will support medical care for all.
The problem with the “Right to Life” movement is that none of the supporters of it have actually read Roe V. Wade. Once you read it you will realize it is a right to life case – the right to the mother to protect her life. Pregnancy is, and always has been, deadly. As such, women must have the privacy right to be treated by their doctor in the interest of protecting their life, not to mention emotional and psychological issues which people should also keep their noses out of as well. The reason many church leaders do not agree with Roe v. Wade is because their view is that women’s lives are not as valuable as “potential-life.” Therefore, the “Right to life” leaders are really anti-choice but more anti-women rights, which brings us back to the church....
Dano,
I will never thank God for healthcare reform, at least not this bill. It will cost my family and yours because it will come to a point due to their will not be enough doctors to take care of everybody, longer wait times to see a doctor which means that cancers and disease will not be detected in time to save a life. If you don't think that your healthcare cost is going to go up than you are crazy!!
By the way Dano you get the facts right about healthcare reform, you need to stop watching all the liberal media. They aren't giving you the true facts.
We Catholics should have let women start running the Church centuries ago!
wow! one of the first times Im proud to say I was raised Catholic! Again, its the insight and reason of women that have to lead the way
God Bless you Sister's, what if everyone was of like mind. "Oh, maybe to much to hope for but I still have "HOPE".
Women are so much smarter than men!!!!!!!!!!! They think of all, while men only think of THEMSELVES!
dar "You Dems are so funny, first you curse the ground that christains walk on and now you praise them for doing something wrong. Whos the real devil here?"
Ansewer – Republicans !!!!
Dar, you only hear what you want to hear, what makes you the claiiss idio that votes agaist your self intertest bcasue you belive repub lies.
Maybe some where you can find a Dem that does not like Christains, but you would have a very difficult time doing so.
I think that when any Head of a Church starts tell its followwers who to vote for, the Church is then tained as the heads of that Churches are likely to be selected by the powerful w/in the church for political reasons – evail reasons!!!
It is a bit scary that the head of another country, even if they call them selves Pope and self proclaimsed voice of GOD, starts telling Americans who to vote for and a bunch of Americans do as they are told. Evil is as evail does!!!
Bravo to the Nuns, who show that they have a individual voice, are confident in thier personal relaitionship with thier GOD, are intelligent to see that the heal care bill is good for Amerioca, and care enough about thier neighbor to say so.
Way to go Sisters! Time to be REAL.
MikeH is such a big tough guy on an internet posting board.
Stop ripping other people's opinions. Post yours and move on.
You have no more actual information than anyone else on this subject.
Health Care is totally irrelevant when Unemployment sits over 9%, but Obama has brainwashed his followers into believing Health Care in 2013 in more important than Unemployment in 2010.
hey david –
you can also not be catholic and get a divorce, have sex before marriage, use contraception, be homoesexual, lie, etc – the list goes on!!! let's get realistic here – i highly doubt there are many catholics are perfect.
so i guess no matter what all catholics are going to hell for one reason or another.
Marty,
You really don't know much!!
1. The Hyde Amendment is signed EVERY YEAR into law. It is not a standing law, all it takes is Obama not signing it one year.
2. Malpractice reform is NOT in the bill. It is up to REVIEW.
Get your facts straight Marty!!
@ K in CA
I'm just showing everyone who is ok with letting 18,000 people die every year to save a little tax money what they look and sound like.
It would be much scarier if they actually took it to heart, but like I said:
Money > Human Life
Stacey March 17th, 2010 4:59 pm ET
The Democrats are going to get clobbered in the 2010 elections.
______________________________________________________
LOL! No they won't because the 31 million americans who will finally get health care will vote for the Dems and that's what you republicans are so scared of. Go Nuns!!
******************************************
Wrong, not 31 million Americans, more like 6 to 8 million Americans. And most of them choose not to pay for health care because they get it free in the emergency room at the hospital. Ever walk into the emergency room at a hospital. Not one of those people are turned away and are treated. And yes the Democrats will get clobbered in the 2010 elections.
Good for the sisters,they are much smarter than priests.
mother theresa would turn over in her grave over these nuns and what they think,maybe they should just leave the the sisterhood and go out into the real world. what is your life about?what are your vows about? mother angelica would really have a few words to say to you. no more funding for the nuns when they retire.
Sue, you really should read more, or maybe I should say LISTEN to the right news channels.
Can we each write a letter to Obama and claim that we represent "tens of thousands" of similar citizens? How does that work?
I applaud the nuns:
THEY are the face of the Church.
THEY are the hands of the Church.
THEY are the feet of the Church.
THEY are the ones that have compassion and show the God's meaning with deeds.
Bishops are administrators, watching out for each other. Doing what it takes to climb the ladder to the next position. I would be suprised if they had a clue about what it is all about.
it's funny how people like Amy here care so much about not funding abortion because "abortions are murder" but then don't have any problem with 40000 people dying every year because of lack of insurance, that on the other hand is capitalism? So if the babies you saved die because of lack of health insurance where does that fall into?
I do want to say though that I disagree with the demonizing of health insurance companies. These companies are profit maximizing firms. So that is their bottom line. whatever they do to max their profit is what you'd expect from a private firm. They're not evil, just rational. The problem becomes when the product is your life. Because who cares about an unhappy customer if he's dead?
So either you're ok with that (but at least have the guts to say so) or your not, in which case we can agree that a private market cannot handle on its own people's lives (i.e we need the government to step in to some extent).
And for all of those screaming about how this is a government takeover and yadayada and to Amy saying that people w/ "socialized" medicine are asking what are we doing, it shows you haven't lived anywhere near those countries. Well I have.
People there are very happy with paying 2 euros to see a Doc and 300 euros a year for insurance. Those who want more, buy more coverage from the private sector. (oops that doesn't really fit into a takeover idea since there shouldn't be a private sector) and are actually stunned every time they visit me here.
Educate your opinions before ranting
God bless these nuns!!!!!
Health Care is not a privilege, it's a right as a American citizen. The Republican will pay a big price in November for denying the American people it's rights. This bill is about saving lives and the federal budget, to do nothing is admitting to failure.
"The Republicans arms are too short to box with Health care"
Anyone familiar with the operation of Catholic Hospitals and other Catholic Health Centers will realize that the nuns have far more first-hand knowledge authority than the bishops when it comes to the actual health care situation. If a person believes that "intellectual elitists" don't have a clue because they're too detached and theoretical, then that person's beliefs must lead him/her to siding with the nuns.
In this situation, the bishops are the "intellectual elitists" who have primarily detached and theoretical knowledge about health care. It is the nuns who are in the "trenches" doing the actual work.
As for the abortion issue, the article clearly states that the nuns do not believe the health care bill funds elective abortions with taxpayer money. A person can believe that the bill does, and is welcome to those beliefs. However the nuns cannot be accused of contradicting their faith. The nuns believe that the bill does not.
The nuns' basic argument is they believe the bill will bring more to life than the current system which abandons the hard working individuals upon which America was and will be built.
No one gets pregnant with the intention of having an abortion. But 50 percent of the pregnancies in this country are unintended. Perhaps if all of these women had access to health care coverage and birth control, we could cut the number of abortions in half or more - which should be the real goal.
Sue:
When you lost me when you said "Just like the Democrats want to cut the money/benefits for senior citizens, mentally/physically handicapped, very sick, etc.-as these groups will cost more money–and not pay into the system through their taxes". Senior citizens will continue to be cared for under Medicare, mentally/physically handicapped, very sick, etc... will probably, depending on their age and income, be covered by Medicaid. What page of the bill are you referring to there? Also the word is spelled "hypocrite".
Michelle,
I have my facts straight, thanks. You can remain in lying denial if you choose...or you can read the actual sections in the bill I mentioned for you.
Although I challenge CNN's profiling of these Sisters as "progressive Catholic advocates, I agree with the Sisters. Let's legislate universal health care now and work out the details later. It's a good thing.
After reading all of the comments from TCM, I now understand what the initials stand for – The Conservative Moron!!
The nuns know the deal,they dont take payoffs.Its the same drunken 15 year old canadian kid on here everyday using fifty different names,thinking hes really fooling someone or swaying their opinion,I wish CNN would do something about the racist punk.
Michelle
I wasn't aware there was any liberal media left, only corporate owned news providers that are run by companies that dictate what news will be allowed to air. I suppose you think that FOX news is a legitimate news agency?
@File under "Sarcasm"
Google Congress. Thats' how one voice = thousands.
But I agree with you anyway. We should not be letting 18,000 Americans live on our tax money.
Now if we are sending them to die, like say Iraq, then YES use my tax money.
But the thought of a child allowed to live because my tax money helped him get insurance, which helped him find that tumor before it was too late, just DISGUSTS ME!
Money is always greater than human life. You would learn that if you were a REAL AMERICAN like me and Sarcasm. We got ours, too bad you weren't born into a upper middle class white family.
Not my problem.
If the Republicans wanted to ban abortion they had 12 years of being in charge of Congress, six of which included a Republican president. Fact is, they no more want to ban abortion than ban guns. For them abortion is a hot button issue that they drag out to solicit campaign contributions and get votes from their conservative (but naive) Christian base.
It's about time someone from a religious organization showed some understanding and decided it wasn't worth throwing away the apple because there was a small spot on it.
Dee:
Believe me, I read enough.........However, unlike you, I do not get all of my information from MSNBC, New York Times, Huffington Post, etc.
Danny:
So what, I left a letter off.........What is the big deal.
As I said, the loony left will attack the messenger--if they are not able to dispute the message or FACTS.
The majority of senior citizens are DEFINITELY aware that their benefits are going to be cut---that is why numerous polls have indicated-–the majority of senior citizens no longer support Obama or the Democrats.
However, in 8 months, the truth/reality will be right in your face-–as the Democrats are going to get clobbered in November.
Also, for those who commented on the Scott Brown article.......There was just a recent poll-–80% of Massachusetts citizens support Scott Brown and the job that he is doing!!!!
Go Obama, Go Obama.... Go Catholic Nuns, Go Catholic Nuns.
The bishops are so busy molesting kids or moving fellow priests and bishops around they are out of touch with reality.
As for you "Teabaggers...... You will be remembered as the fools of this decade who were so easily led by Fox (fraud) news talking heads. Thats pretty pathetic.
The best part is everyone is making money off the teabaggers but the teabaggers. LOL!!!
I think typical Americans who oppose the bill should really step back and take a hard, objective look at the people who most publicly denounce it and why:
1) Republicans in general – politically motivated and single-minded, they want to start over and pass another one so they'll get the credit for finally overhauling the system. They had many years and didn't try, and this one's been debated for a year – no one is shoving it down any throats as they love to say.
2) Rush and Glenn – sensationalism, ratings, see # 1 above.
3) Big pharmaceutical and insurance companies – profit, hands deep in pockets of #1.
The ambition and obstructionist actions of many Republicans is embarrassing for our country. Gotta give credit to Lindsey Graham for at least trying.
Don't you wonder why the vast majority of healthcare providers support the current bill? This bill isn't perfect but our system is on its last legs and they know it better than anyone. As do these Catholic sisters.
As a side note, I find it very sad that some people in this country are so disrespectable to President Obama. President, not "Mr." I don't recall people calling President Bush "Mr."
Lot's of people claiming facts about heathcare, yet not a lot of qualification. Just saying...
I am not going to argue with a NUN !!!! They know what is right .....I agree with them. Bishops sort of get oersonnally involved in things that they shouldn't(affairs with parishioners girls and boys, etc) whereas Nuns are prettty clear all the time. You go girls.
2,200 Iraq and Afghanistan vets died this past year because they didnt have health insurance all while Republicans sat on their hands.
Havent we screwed over these Soldiers and Marines enough America?
Because of our stupidity and fear we spent the lives of almost 5,500 Soldiers aned Marines.
Stupidity and Fear.
We disgraced ourselves.
Hip hip hooray for the NUNS
Let the Bishops and Priests go to jail for molesting our children. The nuns want to help the children live a healthy life.
Maybe the women need to be running the Catholic Church, not the men.
When the word "abortion" comes up .... mouths open – ears close – and nothing is accomplished. Have nuns read the provisions of the bill? It does not include federal money for abortions.
Amen Sisters-I just never got why protecting the lives of people who have been born and need health care is less important than the most extreme efforts to distance health care from abortion of an unborn fetus. Maybe the bishops can ask their Pope what he thought about protecting life when he was manning an anti-aircraft gun for the Wehrmacht against American, Canadian and British air crews–Its always nice to see someone in a big organization stand up against its prevailing hypocrisy–again, Amen Sisters.
Let's put these nuns in congress!
Republicans are ok with American tax payers fronting the bill for "socialized healthcare" in ISRAEL.
Republicans are ok with American tax payers fronting the bill for "socialized healthcare" in IRAQ.
Republicans are ok with American tax payers fronting the bill for "socialized healthcare" in AFGHANISTAN.
Republicans have spent so much American taxpayer dollars on healthcare for other countries citizen yet they seem to hate Americans.
Why is that?
Let's put these nuns in congress.
I'll argue with a nun. I'll argue with 55, as things stand.
They may speak for their order and vocation, but not the entire Church. As things stand right now we must trust the Bishops' position.
They've actually read the Bill, to those of you who would
confuse the issue by bringing scandal into the Bishops' competency to comment on this situation and
to the sexists who claim as celibate men they have no business discussing the Life issue let me remind you: the entire body of the supreme court who decided Roe v Wade enabling legalized abortion was made up of men so your argument really has no grounds. I watch and wait and will side with the Bishops in trying to kill this bill and encourage my fellow Catholics to do the same, unless things change.
Wow, Catholic Nuns publicly opposing the Bishops and supporting a bill that will pay for increased abortions in the country! Not something I expected to see in my lifetime!
YES!!!
Eventually TRUTH rises above the din of lies. More so – the Catholic Church demonstrates there is room for growth and reason compatible with belief.
This like so many other debunked RiGHT-Wing lies will eventually go into the history as rebuke of the decieptful ideologists.
This is GREAT news. Health-care NOW!
Go Catholic Nuns! Maybe you can teach the Bishops a few things about social justice and equal access.
Good for them. Most of us don't see what these women probably see on a daily basis. People who really need health care and can't afford it and those who have some but it's not enough.
Funny how the nuns have a better understanding of human suffering and needs than those pesky bishops.
I wonder if beck, maklin (or whatever her name is) and limberger are going to after them like they did the 11 year old boy whose mother died recently because she lost her job and health care.
Only a big man (pun intended) tells a child that his mother "would have died anyway".
Way to go repugnants!
The nuns are teaching the Bishops. We need healthcare now!!!!
Funny this little group of nuns seem to know more of what is or isn't in the government rationed hellcare bill than obama does! Simply amazing!
First - where were the nums (just like the priests and the church) when the priests were molesting little kids? (FYI - I'm catholic so not against the religion). I'm not saying they don't have a point of view - but would have really loved a more sincere "message" when their own church was seemingly "okay" with pedophilia.
Second - the bill itself. In reading it, you'll find that it proposes that actions be overseen by either another government agency or another agency/committee/working group be established to oversee actions - and there are lots of actions. Considering how poor the goverment does on so many governance issues and on implementation (except the military), TSA, IRA, FDA, USDA, pick anyone you want - do you really think they can oversee anything? Plus - I pay twice in federal taxes compared to my private health insurance (on my own and not a company), and I get more value out of health insurance than taxes - that's for sure.
Let the Catholics clean their own house. These bishops could spend their time in better ways than trying to tell us what legislation to pass. They have no moral authority to make ethical proclamations, to judge others, or to decide what others should do and how others should behave.
Nuns, I note, have been involved in no such scandals as have so many of the Fathers of the Church. Put the nuns in charge, and I'll listen to what they have to say. I never met a nun I didn't like.
These nuns are aware of the struggles of many and therefore they are thinking that something is better than nothing. Interesting that those tossing out the negatives about the new health bill are men; especially when women are more aware about their own health and face those issues.
It is really surprising that American especially the republican are doing evil things in the name of God. They said they are christian, but they dont want to see their fellow citizen having a good life. I wonder what they really think is success. These republican think that success is been measured by the amount of money you have in the bank or by been a middle class or upper class. Nope. What is success ' success is being measure by how you improve the life of another person. They forgot also, is not not by their hard work or wisdom that gave them what they have. It is by the grace of God. As an African in Netherland, i cried when i saw this so call God people behaving the way they are doing. I want the Americans to know that, one thing is for sure, Health care will be pass and the economy of America will improve and the republican shall loose moore seats. Some times when i look at the faces of the republican, what i see on their faces is evil. Look at their leader very well, well the are talking. Immediatly they started talking their faces will change. May jehova help America people, let their eyes be open to see the pain they poor are going through.
I agree with Obama and the Dems. The more babies we can kill the better off we are.
It is really odd how men ( priests, senators, legislators etc) want control over womens'bodies. Let women along with their families and doctors decide what is right for them! Why are these men so paranoid about 'life' from conception to birth but not about those folks suffering from birth to death? Don't they have a right to life through better health care availability?
Some of us are stuck on one issue....look at the larger picture. Move America forward, not backward!!!!
But I'm not Catholic so why would I care what nuns and priests think?
Hmm. Beautiful to behold, the tone and language of America.
The comments here reflect the reason why so many Catholics seem to have abandoned the Republican party. Hatred, bigotry, and racism ...in virtually each one.
I recommend everyone here get to know someone for whom this is a real issue, something beyond just politics. Talk to them. Try to understand and empathise.
For God's sake...
Oh and one more thing..It would be better for all if they put the nuns in charge for a while
I hope the Bishops put them in the place as Nancy Pelosi!
Personally, I haven't met a person yet who said we should not have health care. But, the ongoing concern is the massive expense and what it means long term to taxes; and for me, I took the President at his word about NO Federal dollars supporting abortion. For me, this is a creditibility issue.
What the nuns are telling us is . . .
If you are a Democrat and vote "yes" on health care reform, the Republicans will attack you with the fury of the devil.
If you are a Democrat and vote "no" on health care reform, the
Republicans will attack you with the fury of the devil.
See the difference?
Well now everything is out in the open: it is all about 'the haves & the have nots'. Why be concerned about those ppl and their short comings as long as 'I' am ok-right-duh-wrong! It appears that anything the pres is for, guess who is against it? I am never surprised at what goes on, it never stops and probably never will until Jesus comes again. Then everyone will have their chance to explain why they are NOT their brothers keeper. Seems like somewhere in history a government was overturned where heads went rolling away, wasn't there but I think it happened. This country, my home, we are always shooting ourselves in the foot. We tell all of our business to the world. They are just sitting by watching our demise. Home Sweet Home. I am here for the long haul.
Anyone who listens to the Catholic leadership on health care reform needs to get a life anyway, I cheer for the nuns, at least someone in the church has a clue to what reality is.
i agree with marty from fl, michelle you really need to read the bill before you start talking, malpractice reform is in sec 6801 just like marty said. thats the probelm with you conservatives, you focus so much on destorying president obama and rhetoric that makes no sense. you need to focus on whats actually in the bill.
Tough choice.... let me see... do I go with a group of women who have devoted their lives to those in need or do I side with a bunch of pedophiles.... nah... I think I'll go with the nuns.
Thank you, Sisters, for your support!
This is one time I wouldn't dare argue with a nun.
"Sue" says, "The majority of senior citizens are DEFINITELY aware that their benefits are going to be cut-that is why numerous polls have indicated-–the majority of senior citizens no longer support Obama or the Democrats."
What's your source? And there's a huge difference between people being "aware" of something and that something being a fact.
Case in point: There are fundamentalist Christians who believe that dinosaurs and humans existed at the same time, all empirical, reproducible evidence to the contrary. Just because a majority of these people believe this – and would say this in a poll – doesn't make it fact.
A question for "Sue": Do you currently have private health insurance?
If so, does it cover abortion?
If the answer is yes, then I trust you will drop it, since your premium dollars are funding abortion.
And as a reminder, under the health care reform bill, you may keep your private health insurance, with its funding for abortion, if you choose to.
"Sue" says, "I "believe" that Stupak said that the abortion coverage is listed on Page 270 of the Bill."
Are you referring to HR 3962? Because Page 270 of that document addresses "Provision of Information" and has nothing to do with abortion.
"Sue" keeps harping on about President Obama's approval ratings.
Plenty of presidents – including (I'm assuming your beloved) Ronald Reagan – had lower approval ratings at this point in their presidencies, especially when they're choosing to tackle difficult problems.
Besides, you Republicans love to trumpet polls when they support your ideas and dismiss them when they don't.
Talk about hypocritical!
Here's a question for "Sue" and others of her ilk:
Why would the Democrats pass a bill that would cut coverage for Seniors?
Democrats have a history of supporting programs and initiatives that benefit people of all ages (they were the ones who, over the strenuous objections of the Republicans, created Medicare and Social Security in the first place).
"Sue" is confusing the corruption and moral decay of her own party (the Republicans) with what the Democrats are trying to do.
But then again, that's a typical Republican strategy: Say up is down, black in white, night is day. Confuse people and fill them with fear.
Sooooooo pathetic!
Gosh, when I post with no spelling errors CNN doesn't put them up, but when I leave out a lettr (like that) or misspell, they put up my posts. Hmmm...
Anyway, looks like the Health Care Reform is a-gonna pass. Good job to all who worked so hard for this historic legislation. Gotta love those Nuns.
To all you Right Wing Republican Pukes who are lie-spreading fawning sycophant toadys (like Michelle aka Mitch McConnel, and TCM), go eat Democracy.
I don't bishops or nuns telling me a thing about the health care bill.
I'm intelligent enough to know it is a JOKE!!! and so are the democrats for trying to push it thru...
Awesome. It's so refreshing to see a group who speaks of the love of Jesus actually displaying that same love. As a Christian, I'm constantly blown away of the cruelty and callousness of the hypocritical right-wingers bellowing out about their "faith" while practicing hate and intolerance. The Jesus that I learned about it Sunday school would have been disgusted by them. They seem to forget that Jesus always spoke of helping "the least of these" and those that are most in need. He spoke of love and compassion to all. He comforted the young girl who had became a prostitute while the high priests scorned and spat on her. And most notably in today's political climate, when the temple was being used as a market for moneylenders and merchants, Jesus came in and angrily trashed the place; there was no way he was going to let thieves take over the house of the Father.