tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085963324792413556.post5439973186729967403..comments2015-12-23T19:57:35.733-08:00Comments on EXPONENTIAL HORN: Archbishop Chaput Gives Back of the Hand to Pro-Life CongressmenUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085963324792413556.post-36628153079762443772010-03-27T09:15:08.823-07:002010-03-27T09:15:08.823-07:00Like the other bishops, Archbishop Chaput complete...Like the other bishops, Archbishop Chaput completely ignores the horrendous violation of subsidiarity in ObamaCare. This is complete overreaching by the federal government and a violation of the rights of citizens to make decisions in the most vital matters. Thus it is an offense against prudence and justice.<br /> <br />The Church's primary social principle of subsidiarity requires that the individual and family do for themselves all that they can; that the local community, through voluntary intermediary associations, including churches, do what next is required; that local governments do what cannot be done privately, and that the national government become involved only in matters that cannot be handled at lower levels.<br /> <br />In contrast, we have before us an attempt by the federal government to provide all types of ordinary and extraordinary health care under mandatory taxation and fees whether one wishes to participate or not. <br /> <br />Now from principles to some practical considerations. We are told it will save us money. How can we cover the cost of 30 million more people, without any assured efficiencies, and save money? If the Democrats know how to cut costs, why don't they show us with Medicare and Medicaid, which the government controls and which constitute one-third of the total healthcare economy? <br /> <br />A report last week in the New England Journal of Medicine says a survey of physicians found that 46% will retire if Obamacare passes. My sister, a pediatrician, says her boomer colleagues are planning to retire as soon as they can if this bill passes. They are already being stressed beyond what they are willing to bear, expected to spend no more than 15 minutes with a patient. They are paid so little (no increase in insurance payment for five years) that they have to see lots of patients to cover expenses and take something home. That is a recipe for unintentional malpractice. Either they take that risk or donate their time and lose income, as she does, because she specializes in children with serious problems that cannot be handled in 15 minutes.<br /> <br />Our bishops take no cognizance of these realities, and there are many, many more problems with this bill and the bishops' political positions. They need to hear from us laity. They need to hear from us, over and over again. We need to make a record, at least to have it in our defense at the Judgment, and to have it against them, Lord have mercy on us all.Donna Bethellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03889995101309151034noreply@blogger.com