November 20, 2009
Life Issues, Catholic values
Active citizenship needed
BY EMILY SNIPES
I owe an apology to a few high school teachers. In my teenage years of knowing pretty much everything I proclaimed that I would never, ever need to understand how our government works. I also said the same thing about math and that put me on the five year plan in college.
In my own defense I had no ambition of pursuing a career in politics, law or any other related field (including math). As for my naïve understanding of government, I thought my only duty was to show up and vote. How hard could that be? My plan was to get all the information I needed to form my decision from the media.
The past two years have been a learning experience for me in understanding politics and the effects government law has not only on my own life, but also on the Catholic Church. All of sudden I’m in a role where people ask me what is going on and honestly that is scary considering several years ago I probably couldn’t have told you who our state senators were.
But I don’t think I’m the only person who’s suddenly tuned in to the world of politics. It seems we’ve been able to coast along the past few years without a lot of interference from those with differing opinions, but since the new administration took over in January 2009 our guard has rightfully been up.
In the past 11 months we’ve battled the reversal of the Mexico City policy which withheld funding to foreign aid organizations that perform or refer for abortions, the Freedom of Choice Act, intent to change the Conscience Clause Rule and a ban being lifted on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The latest has been the health care reform debate, which is far from over.
Unless you live under a rock there was no way to have avoided the discussions over health care during the past several months and they will likely continue as the bill reaches the Senate. Many of you receive emails from various groups and have responded to the action alerts by contacting our local Congressmen regarding this issue.
In the past I’ve heard people question the effectiveness of that method but both the Freedom of Choice Act earlier this year and the current health care bill are proof that your voice does matter. And that doesn’t even take into account the prayers you your parishes have laid before God about the future of our country.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was a pivotal force in the last minute negotiations and worked closely with Congressman Brad Ellsworth after he had announced his own amendment as a compromise, which as you know did not clearly address any of the substantial criticisms offered by the Catholic bishops’ conference.
Several key lawmakers relied on the USCCB to discern the pro life amendments for this bill.
Locally, our office worked with the Indiana Catholic Conference, including Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger personally speaking with Congressman Ellsworth, to ensure that the voice of the Catholic Church was heard.
Ultimately Ellsworth ended up being a co-sponsor to the Stupak amendment, which was successfully included. He took a lot of heat from both sides of the argument, but in the end came through. I pray that his support in future pro life issues will continue despite the mounting pressures he battles.
One lesson in government I’ve learned in the past year is that not everything we read or hear in the media is accurate. I’m sure that isn’t a shock for most of you. Ellsworth was portrayed at one point in the days leading up to the House vote as “not being supportive,” which is untrue. In actuality he and Indiana Second District Congressman Joe Donnelly were instrumental in getting the Stupak Amendment heard and passed.
Ellsworth followed the route we asked of him and for that he should be acknowledged and thanked, despite what party you may affiliate with. Many have questioned how you can be Democrat and pro life. This is a good example.