I truly never try to be political. My only goal in writing this blog is to keep you updated on our lives, be a voice for families with special needs children (even though the drastic budget cuts are making this a political issue I would tackle), and remind everyone that all life truly has dignity. I just feel like I need to speak up on this issue.
These are my beliefs:
I am Pro-Life and not the pro-life that many ascribe to regarding abortions....I mean REALLY PRO-LIFE, as the Catholic Church teaches. I DO NOT believe in the use of contraceptives...other than natural family planning, I DO NOT believe in abortions, and I DO NOT believe in the death penalty. I believe in protecting life at all stages. Whether that life is young, old, disabled, "bad" or has breast cancer (BTW - apparently the Susan G. Komen organization doesn't even agree with that). I believe in the dignity of all life (that would be my tie in to an ongoing theme in this blog). I am sick of the supposed "majority" of Catholics speaking for me and being in favor of the current HHS mandate. Please people, do me a favor and call a spade a spade...you aren't Catholic. Faith is not a salad bar, truth is not a menu. You don't get to choose what is most in line with your personal beliefs and call is truth, the subjectivity of truth is a lie. God is not a democracy, you either believe or you don't. Sure, if you don't agree you can turn your back on him, but He is still God. He doesn't get voted out of office at the next election.
You may not agree with me regarding the use of contraception and that is okay, you are entitled to your opinion. I have no problem with that. If that is the case, do what I do...I don't support Planned Parenthood or the Susan G. Komen Foundation (yes, I truly appreciate the work this foundation does, but because they financially support Planned Parenthood I refuse to support them), so don't support, work for, or utilize Catholic hospitals, universities, adoption agencies, or charities. That is your right. What I do have a problem with is forcing my or any faith organization to violate its moral conscience. This is a clear violation of religious liberty and YOU should be worried about that. I often think about the quote at the end of the Holocaust museum and I think it is incredibly appropriate for the current situation...
" First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me." Pastor Martin Niemoller
I really don't want to offend anyone, but I feel like we see a lot of bishops, priests and religious standing their ground on this issue and appearing on television or speaking out. Please know that many Catholics (and shocker...non-Catholics) are also in union with the Catholic Church on this issue. I am not trying to convince you to quit using contraception or even attempting to change your beliefs on the death penalty. I just am so disgusted with the "polls" that seem to mean so much. Here's an idea, if polls are how we make decisions I think we should take a poll of active duty service members currently serving in the Middle East and if more than 50% want to come home, then we bring them all home. If over 50% of the people polled think that a president isn't doing a good job, at any time...then, well, step aside for the next person. At the very least our government is what faith is not, a democracy. Seriously, does this sound like a good idea? See what I mean, this "logic" just doesn't work.
In the end, this is not really a pro-life or pro-choice argument. This is not even an argument of contraception. It is the question of freedom. The first amendment protects you from having to believe what I believe, but it also means that my faith based organization can freely practice their beliefs. I challenge you to think deeply about this issue and not just dismiss those "crazy" Catholics.
Sorry Traci I posted on the wrong article!!
Anyways I still believe you should run for President!!
Love and prayers to you and your family!!
Posted by: Lisa Doughty | March 10, 2012 at 11:34 AM