Confused? Sharpton Uses ‘Separation of Church and State’ to Defend Contraception Mandate
- Posted on February 6, 2012 at 12:49pm by
Billy Hallowell
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The Rev. Al Sharpton offered up support for the Obama admin’s contraceptive mandate on “Morning Joe” today. While hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski characterized the mandate as a government “overstep,“ Sharpton said it helps protect individuals who work at religious institutions and he called it a ”principled decision.“ He even went as far as to cite ”separation of church and state.”
Sharpton’s main argument is that employees who disagree with “the dogma and theology of the church” should still be able to be protected, equally, under the law.
“I think that what the Obama administration is saying that you do not have to follow the tenets of a church organization to be an employee of a church,” he explained.
“Do you think this is a good decision?,” Scarborough perplexingly asked.
Sharpton’s response was a bit difficult to follow, especially considering that he didn’t answer the question and ends up making the claim that the mandate somehow reinforces the separation of church and state.
“If we are going to have a separation of church and state, we’re going to have a separation of church and state,” Sharpton proclaimed. “Whether I would personally agree with the decision or not, the question is do I have a right to make that law?”
Aside from being difficult to decode, these statements run counter to reality. Regardless of where one stands on contraceptives and the Catholic Church, the government’s mandate does anything but reinforce a separation of church and state.
HotAir’s Ed Morrissey had a thought-provoking response to Sharpton’s comment:
This is an absurd perversion of the concept of separation of church and state. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that (it’s not found in American law), he meant that the church should not dictate to the State on law — and that the state should not dictate to the church on doctrine. Jefferson wanted to avoid establishing a state religion run by Parliament that had the power to manipulate the spiritual for the sake of the secular. That is exactly what Obama proposes to do in this case: dictate to the Catholic Church and its organizations that its doctrine on contraception, abortion, and sterilization are incorrect and force them to fund those practices that violate their most deeply held beliefs on the sanctity of life, all to satisfy Obama’s political needs.
When asked by Scarborough whether he knows clergy who disagree with the decision, Sharpton affirmed that he does. That being said, he went on to claim that disagreement on the part of church leaders “doesn’t mean you don’t take a principled decision.”
“Clearly this is not calculated by politics, this is based on principle,” he continued.
Following Sharpton’s defense of the Obama admin, Scarborough made no bones about his disagreement with the mandate.
“You have a lot of Catholics who are pro-choice who were offended by this decision…The very idea that a centralized government, a centralized state can reach out and tell the church…,” he said. “I must say it’s a staggering, staggering decision by HHS…”
Mika, agreeing with her co-host, said, “I think it’s wrong; I agree with you. And I think it was an overstep.”
Watch the dialogue, below:
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Comments (282)
Micmac
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:23pmIf employees don’t like the health care package offered by the employer then they have the option to opt out or find new employment. Plain and simple. The govt cannot tell the church or its organizations what to do.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »RabidPatriot
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:33pmI’m glad that the “Reverend” has his priorities in the correct order. I did not know that Secular Humanist Liberal Progressives had Reverends in their organization. Maybe they give you that title if you are a successful race wrangler.
Report Post »onthefrontline
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:46pmHUH, whatd’ he say ??? every the Rev. speaks I usually “sa wha’ !!
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:52pmSharpton is not a very bright man. It’s difficult to listen to him.
Report Post »gramma b
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:52pmHis is the perpetual confusion of the stupid.
Report Post »HPDsolo
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:05pmWhy would anyone listen to this man, two-words Tawana Brawley !
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:10pmI still have not figured out how to “resist we much” and now the rev is giving me another puzzle…
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:27pmThink about this, Sharpton is the last person on the planet you want defending your position
Report Post »Good Luck with that ….Obama
I.Gaspar
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:27pmOnthefrontline,
Report Post »reverend Mumbles said he don‘t like the way the right wing be manipsulatin’ his intellectualatin’ about
da separatinin’ of church and estates….it’s pretty straightforward.
Jinglebob
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:38pmThis from a guy who send in his three dollars and became a minister.
Report Post »83plus
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:54pmWouldn‘t this mandate actually violate ’separation of Church and State’
Report Post »Thors Hammer
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:02pmJust proves once again that ‘Sharpton logic’ is an oxymoron
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:02pmAgree, but if the church you work for is catholic and you are a catholic, it is forced on you as the law is written. This is a violation of my religious convictions by forcing me to pay and fund abortions. So that means, if you are catholic, you cannot vote for Obama or even Pelosi. One is a hypocrit and one is an idiot…pick one…
Report Post »PatriotNAmerica
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:32pmI’ve had pets smarter than this guy! Does he not realize how insanely stupid he is? My goodness man you are a disgrace to humankind.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:37pmThe Rev. al make me think of Jimmy carter – talks in circles and says nothing. I heard him in a live interview say one thing to a reporter and then turn to another reporter and say the complete oppisit – same question.
Report Post »rs9
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:37pmWhy does anyone go this piece of S##t to ask his opinion about anything?
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:54pmCome on, these goons like Al Sharpton don’t have a clue what the 1st Amendment means in the first place, how do you expect him to give an understandable answer to something he obviously can’t comprehend.
His logic is so twisted I surprised some of these people even understand that putting one foot in front of the other causes you to walk.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:08pmYet more proof this idiot has no idea what he’s saying or what words actually mean. Using the establishment clause to justify government intrusion into religious areas shows how stupid sharpton is.
Report Post »liberty_for_all
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:26pmit can if it (the church) receives funding from the government
Report Post »AZMatt
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:33pmEveryone is missing the point HHS is defining what the minimum standards for all health care plans are. This means that we will all be paying for abortions (the morning after pill)!
Report Post »Lucy Larue
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:29pm@BIGJAYINPA,
Merci! Merci! to everyone. I read ALL six pages of posts. Tres hilarious!
BIG JAY your comment was my favorite.
It struck me as bizarre that Monsieur “Resist We Much” Sharpton speaks of this most heinous edict being based on principle.
Report Post »Is this an admission that he actually has an inkling of what a principle is?
mycomet123
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:19pmWho else would you expect MSNBC to have for their religious consultant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Report Post »snooop1e
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:20pmThis is just the first salvo, next on the list is forcing churches to perform Gay marriages. Most of the “Christian” denominations are pushing their heads in the sand and remaining silent because 1. They don’t care for the Catholic church and 2. Most of them allow birth control, sterilization and even abortion and have for quite a while now. It will be interesting to see how many “churches” take a stand when the Gov’t rules that all churches cannot discriminate against Gay couples and MUST perform Gay marriages. Pray for us, we need Gods grace and forgiveness….
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:59pmLMAO This discussion WENT WAY over Not So Sharpy Revy’s head
Peggy Noonan is right. Obummer has gone TOO far with this.
I stand for the Catholic Church!!!
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:59pm.
Report Post »Sharpton is an idiot, with apologies to idiots.
Yeah, I know, I’m a neo-con far right wing racist, yawn.
AKDuclos
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 12:11amMICMAC. They can NOT opt out. Employers MUST provide this option. What part of the “REQUIRED MANDATE” are you reading that says it’s not required. I need it BADLY. I employ.
Report Post »Uranium Wedge
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 12:19amI take pity on that poor village idiot.
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges08
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 4:07am“The [in]Rev.[erse] Al Sharpton offered up support for the Obama admin’s contraceptive mandate … said it helps protect individuals who work at religious institutions and he called it a ”principled decision.“
Now that is one áss-backwards níggér.
Report Post »PaxInVeritate
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 1:26pmScarborough stated, “You have a lot of Catholics who are pro-choice who were offended by this decision…”
Report Post »You cannot be a Catholic in good standing if you are “pro-choice” (i.e. self-excommunication). You follow the Catholic Church’s tenants, doctrines and its’ mores or you are not Catholic. It’s not a democratic institution. Period, Exclamation Point. The majority of “Catholics” in America are so under educated in their faith that it’s no wonder there are those who think they can be pro-choice.
muddpuddle
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 4:06pmOh no bother, this will all be much easier to sort out when all jobs are created and awarded by government.
Report Post »dirtydog1776
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 6:13pmThey’re trying, really, really, really hard.
Report Post »AOL_REFUGEE
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:40pmOne thing worse than pure stupidity is stupidity with a big mouth, and Sharpton does his race a huge disservice with his.
Ignorance is guessing at the answers; stupidity is getting them all wrong.
Report Post »cosette
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:39pm@ Rabidpatrion. I don’t believe he is an actual minister, but self ordained. Has anyone ever looked into it? Probably not for fear of being called a racist. Just like his Messiah he’s given a pass on the basis of skin color.
Report Post »MCzwz
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:36amFor many people, the benefits/fringe packages offered by employers are often the tipping point to accept or reject an offer of employment.
For many people, in this environment especially, finding a job — any job — is better than living off the dole; the fringe benefits make up for a lot.
So . . . “leave the job” if one does not like a politically based policy is unrealistic in today’s environment.
What is realistic is that government has NO say in controlling the doctrine and beliefs of ANY religion.
Wonder when we will see HHS speak on the beheadings and killing of women in Muslim countries rather than continuously attacking, denigrating, and attempting to destroy faith in their own country?
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:23pmSharpton is another radical and traitor to the nation; their day to face the courts and justice will be soon in coming.
Report Post »shogun459
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:13pmUh don’t look now but they are the courts and the justice dept.
Report Post »ShyLow
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:02pmI wonder how many times MSNBC will run ads form the bailed-out companies to pay for Sharpton to promote Obama
Report Post »MistaB
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:22pmSeems like there’s only a separation of church and state except when Jesus says you should pay more taxes.
Report Post »UBETHECHANGE
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:32pmIsn’t that the truth!
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:55pmYou hit that nail squarely on the head!
Report Post »CHRISTIANNATION
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:24pmI couldn’t agree more.
Report Post »JustPeachy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:37pmGOOD one, Mistab!
What gets me is this. Here’s what Obama said: “Even Jesus said to whom much is given, much will be required.”
And SOME people do NOT GET the TRANSLATION: “The more you make, the more we’ll take–you’ll NEVER get ahead, you fools! Hahahhahahahhahahaha!”
The ones who cannot GET this concept are beyond MY comprehension! LOL
Dang some people are stupid. They don’t seem to understand that GOD also “required” 10%–across the board. He didn’t say, “Hey you over there! You give 20%. And you over there–you give 40%.” Because He didn’t HAVE to. Those who earn more WOULD ALREADY be giving more. Someone who had $10.00 would be giving $1.00. Someone who had $100.00 was to give $10.00. Now I know there’s been some crazy math out there, but as far as I can tell $10.00 is more than $1.00.
Some people do NOT get BASIC MATH.
All we need is a flat rate. Those who make more ALREADY give more, Obama–and YOU KNOW IT! But you play to the STUPID out there who don’t seem to understand basic math.
And then we have the continuous “duming down of our youth” in public schools. . . all so the government can continue to swindle the stupid out of their money.
Report Post »JustPeachy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:43pmTypo: “duming” should be “dumbing” :-/
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:16pmMISTAB!!!! I found it! I found the verse B.O. quoted. It’s in Hesitations 5:9! See?!! Right there, it says “Jesus wants rich people to have more tacks.” Wait. Tacks, not taxes. Oh, darn.
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:16pmMISTAB!!!! I found it! I found the verse B.O. quoted. It’s in Hesitations 5:9! See?!! Right there, it says “Jesus wants rich people to have more tacks.” Wait. Tacks, not taxes. Oh, darn. So close….
Report Post »JBaer
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:21pmI don‘t know why he’s still given the title “Reverand”. Shouldn’t that be for somebody you should “revere?”
Definition of REVERE from Merriam-Webster: transitive verb: to show devoted deferential honor to : regard as worthy of great honor
This guy is a mockery to the Christian faith.
Report Post »Danthebugman
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:31pmDitto JBAER!
NOBAMA 2012
Report Post »disgustedAmerican
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:05pmNot one man or woman should have or use the title reverend. It is only used once in the Bible to refer to the name of God. So to use or have that title, that person has put him or herself at the same level as the creator. Blasphemy!!!!!
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:04pmFalse prophet ..
Report Post »WatchingObama
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:20pmSharpton is a sell out.
Report Post »Certainly not a reverend in deed – only in title.
Pathetic.
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:17pm.
Report Post »Damn shame Al did not end up in a bucket at the end of an exam table………
RJJinGadsden
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:59pmGood point. I’ve always seen him to be about as useful as t!ts on a stop sign.
Report Post »APEXGT
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:14pmI think its sad that anyone gives an eight ball like Him or some of the other left wing goof balls time to talk. The media and the govt is so corrupt that We are in big trouble and it will only get worse with fools like Him ranting.
Report Post »Delta D-5-3
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:25pmI think the good Rev. might want to go back and repeat 3rd grade. He’s about as dumb as you get and only makes himself look even dumber then the dufus he is. Not to mention he’s a even bigger racist then anyone on TV. What an idiot………..
Report Post »smartass
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:13pmI don’t necessary agree with Sharpton, but you would think that Cotholics would be all for contraception.
Contrception = No Abortion
Catholics are permitted to use the rhythm method for contraception and I’m at a loss to see the difference between that and other methods of contraception that keep the egg and sperm apart.
This seems more a belief of tradition than one of logic.
Report Post »WatchingObama
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:00pm@SMARTASS
Report Post »This mandate isn’t about stopping abortion – please! This is all about FORCING religious institutions to pay for healthcare that includes abortion and/or contraception.
NO GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY SHOULD TELL ANY RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION THEY HAVE TO OFFER OR BUY FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES>>>>>>PERIOD!!!!
Micmac
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:05pmMany religious “beliefs/sacrifices” are based on social values within their religious dogma. For example, Catholics could not eat meat on Fridays. Why? Because the fishermen in Italy were not selling their fish fast enough because people were eating meat. They went to the Pope and he make the Friday “sacrifice.”
NoBama 2012
Report Post »Just in time
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:11pmI disagree Smartazz, They are pro procreation and con fornication. Rhythm method or any other form of private intimacy. Should be just that private
Report Post »Russell in TC
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:12pmIn “Liberal World” Freedom of Speech, Separation of Church and State, Discrimination, Racism, Hate Crimes….its all a one way street. “Liberal World” only has one way streets.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:12pmTheir “Reverend” is not uncomfortable with the killing of unborn children for the sake of convenience. Why would he draw the line at sticking a gun in my face and taking my money to pay for the procedure?
If they‘ll murder a baby why wouldn’t they steal the money to pay for it?
The Revolution will not be Televised (not even on GBTV)…
Report Post »hey ohms
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:11pmWhy Why Why do people still listen to this goof ball? Maybe Im not as edumacated as Mr. Sharpton. It seems to me seperation of church and state would imply that “State” should stay seperate from “Church”. This is clearly a case of “state” trying to reach across the divide. Please, vote for a candidate that will reduce government to a reasonable size. Our government is morbidly obese. Ron Paul will perform gastric bypass surgery on our big ol fat fatty government. Michelle Obama has the nerve to be talking about fat kids, them kids are lucky to be eating. Shouldnt she be concerned with the kids who arent eating enough? Ron Paul for potus. If youre not sure about him, search you tube. At least give him the same chance you would give the super rich, big gov. candidates
Report Post »onthefrontline
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:34pmOnly when there’s a story about this Loose Screw on the BLAZE….
Report Post »Makes my eyes water, shake my head and sa‘ wha’ !!
Lesterp
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:11pmAl’s IQ is going even further down!
Report Post »hillbillyinny
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:10pmWhen you are offered a job for a particular income and with particular benefits, you either accept what‘s offered or you don’t take that job!!! This is not something that should be dictated by the government and is exactly what is being fought about with unions–everyone get the same. . .
STAND FIRM BISHOPS, we True Catholics and True Christians are with you!!!
Report Post »momrules
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:09pmI know that Sharpton is as dangerous as a stepped on snake but for some reason I now find him the funniest man in America.
I hear or read a “Sharpton” now and I start laughing instead of getting angry. Maybe I’m just tired.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:13pmResist we much!
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:17pmHe does wear you down after a while. He needs to teach the inner city kids to resist, we much. Sadly, I see him as the new GE/NBC face. That is them. They hired a liar and reprobate to be the face, real sorry Brain Williams is in that category now too. People have choices, just ask Tawanna.
Report Post »maccow
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:09pmI think advocating in favore of “A wall of separation” should automatically lose you your “Reverend” status. Who do you “Revere” God or man?
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:09pmWho cares what this racist idiot says, don’t give him the air coverage
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:07pmSharpton confused. Hey fat Albert what’s that white stuff under your nose?
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:07pmFROM the article: “Aside from being difficult to decode, these statements run counter to reality.”
This sentence pretty well sums up everything that exits the mouth of Mr. Sharpton.
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:04pmSharpton confused??? Since when???? What a joke and an abomination!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:02pmYes … he is ALWAYS confused … separation of Church and State which the libs love … (and is not in the Constitution) is not just that the Church can not tell the state what to do .. but should be that the STATE can’t tell the CHURCH what to do either. “Rev” Al .. is an idiot ..(my apologies to idiots)
Report Post »Carol in Indy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:02pmAnd Sharpton is relevant.. how??
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:02pmSo the workers should be protected and the others should cater to them even though they believe in the sanctity of life and the belief of the church. The commandment “Thou shall not kill” will be judged His way eventually. God help those who encourage it.
Report Post »Carol in Indy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 1:01pmAnd Sharpton is relevant how?
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:13pmBecause he sits to the right of the blonde ditz!
Report Post »Liberty2011
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 12:58pmI saw the interview this morning…my head is still spinning.
Report Post »AndiAndiAndi
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:34pmWhy do his co-workers let him dribble on and on and on………?
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 12:57pm“Resist we much!” I wonder how many times this will be repeated?
Report Post »