Time Blogger: Catholic Bishops Should Go to Jail if They Want to Protest Obamacare Contraception Mandates
- Posted on February 22, 2012 at 7:06pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
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Harvard administrator Erika Christakis of the Time Ideas blog had a few choice words for who she considers the “hysterical” folks up in arms about the Obama administration’s contraception mandate for religious employers — namely, the Catholic Bishops.
But it gets worse.
Christakis, who considers those opposed to the contraception mandate as dealing in “hysteria with a fever pitch,” insists that if Catholic bishops don’t like being forced to cover the cost of contraceptives, abortifacients, and sterilizations, then they should either pay for the cost of all the unwanted children in the world or, go to jail for civil disobedience a la Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King. Yes. Those were Christakis’ two choices for Catholic Bishops.
She writes:
The cost of living in a democracy is tolerating moral judgments we don’t always like. For those who object, there’s a clear alternative. Protesting the Mexican-American War in the 1840s, Henry David Thoreau withheld his taxes with the understanding that he would have to go to jail for his principles. In reality, he only served one night in jail, but he was willing to pay the price for his convictions. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela paid a much higher price for theirs.
Let’s see what our society would look like if we all had the luxury of imposing our unfettered will. At a minimum, the Catholic bishops and employers resisting contraceptive coverage should be willing to pay for the care of all those unwanted children. Or perhaps they’d be willing to spend some time in jail in protest. At my taxpaying expense, of course.
As Newsbusters points out, the link above takes Time readers to a February 13 post by Time reporter Tim Padgett titled, “Birth Control Debate: Why Catholic Bishops Have Lost Their Grip on U.S. Politics — and Their Flock.”
Christakis also painted a picture where Catholic bishops are encroaching on the “rights of millions of people who are burdened by unplanned pregnancy.”
People who cry moral indignation about government-mandated contraception coverage appear unwilling to concede that the exercise of their deeply held convictions might infringe on the rights of millions of people who are burdened by unplanned pregnancy or want to reduce abortion or would like to see their tax dollars committed to a different purpose.
Why should an employer’s right to reject birth-control coverage trump a society’s collective imperative to reduce unintended pregnancy? Should employers be allowed to withhold a polio vaccine or cataract surgery or safe working conditions on similar “moral” grounds?
Needless to say, many will likely take issue with Christakis’ suggestion that Catholic Bishops warrant jail-time for simply staying true to their faith.
(h/t: Tim Graham Newsbusters)
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Comments (64)
RykerWrite
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:26amBIG QUESTION: who would pay for the care of all of those unwanted children? ADOPTIVE PARENTS. that’s who.
I am sure glad that Catholic leaders of principles should go to jail, but occupy wallstreeters who destroy property should be venerated. I mean: for a while there, I thought that Erica’s capacity for cogitation was limited.
Report Post »JimL
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:41am“Catholics didn’t stop practicing their faith, and Mexico‘s secular government didn’t stop trying to stop them. By the end of the 1930s, about 40,000 Catholics were dead, killed or martyred…”
“Déjà vu all over again”?
Report Post »proudinfidel54
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:44amHey Erika, I have a better idea how about you and your loose friends just close your leg, youi know the old form of birth control, put a penny between your knees. Maybe the Bishops should pitch in and distribute Chastity Belts.
Report Post »davisgarvey
Posted on February 26, 2012 at 1:47pmWould rather send Obama and his administration to jail for violating the United States Constitution.
Report Post »UBETHECHANGE
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:05amThe problem with the left is they have been brainwashed. Look up Thomas Malthus who was Margaret Sangers inspiration. I am a Catholic now!
Report Post »Tresse
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:54amWelcome Home!
Report Post »mdlwoods
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:02amI vote we put all progressives through de-education camps. We de-educate them from the idiocy they learned in college, and we re-educate them in true American History and the intents of our founders.
Report Post »GoodvsEvil
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:01amGreat answer! I love how you think. The progressives are the ones who need the reeducation.
Report Post »JimL
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:51amHarvard creed: humanism without the human; every self made god for her/his-self; …
Report Post »Tifn8r
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:55amFunny how with liberals, life = money. It all comes down to the actual monetary value of the child. They want contraception and abortion paid for (money again.)
For a group of people who seem so empathetic to the “life” of trees, rocks, dirt, water, and the earth in general, they certainly have an interesting view of human life.
You notice she wants the Bishops to pay for the children’s care. I imagine if they could sell those babies, and then get free plastic surgery to get their bodies back into shape, they’d be more interested in carrying them to term.
Report Post »tamara13
Posted on February 26, 2012 at 11:00amI read the UK had labeled birth control pills an environmental pollutant. See Environmental Impact section:
Report Post »http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_oral_contraceptive_pill#cite_ref-williams_121-2
bunnyma5
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:39amobvious the Left doesn’t know right from wrong….can‘t discern what constitutes a violation of one’s beliefs since they have none…
Report Post »conservativejon
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:03amwhy should the catholics have to pay for your promiscuity. individual responsibility
Report Post »Sandoz
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:02amHow do you KILL 11 Million 238,000 thousand people?
The answer is breathtakingly simple.
And it is a method still being used by some
elected leaders to achieve various goals today.
How do you kill Eleven Million People?
LIE TO THEM.
- Andy Andrews
Report Post »marthasusan40
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:06amThis book was amazing..I am quoting it constantly, can not recommend it enough…and I totally agree with you.
Report Post »defendingfaith
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:58amThere goes that word COLLECTIVE again. Every time I see a liberal use the word collective I know my personal liberties are about to be trashed. Collective is another word for Marxism plain and simple. How’s this Erika? Since when the does the COLLECTIVE right of business owners get trumped by someone that is irresponsible in their behavior? Besides, the point is its not about contraceptives, its about freedom and rights of conscience for religious institutions which is the primary reason this nation was founded. Make no mistake about it. Obama knew what he was doing. He believes- with the help of the liberal press- he will be able to break the back of religion with this issue. Remember- He does no want us clinging to our guns and religion.
Report Post »discus02
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:54amMaybe she should stop drinking Odumba Koolaid!
Report Post »alsj
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:37amMaybe we should be focusing on the constitutionality of the “Obama mandate” rathr than the church response.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:43pmObama’s “accommodation” on contraceptive coverage is ripe for challenge, too. Why should a religious entity get “free” coverage for anything? (of course, we all know that they are paying for it in reality) A secular (or, better yet — religious but not Catholic) institution should sue to get “free” coverage, too — it would be fun to see how that plays out.
Report Post »kfrederic
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:31amKatieFrankie said it well. Nobody, anywhere, is denying anyone birth control. Some argue that poor women can’t afford birth control. That same bogus affordability argument is made whenever there’s another give away being proposed. These poor women who can’t afford birth control presumably also do not want children or more children. They are making a choice of what to not afford and an alternative solution to their problem would be to change their recreational habits.
Report Post »Katydidnt
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:29amLet me get this straight. I didn’t get the pleasure of having the sex. I didn‘t choose the deadbeat guy who won’t support the child. I warned you that this was a bad idea. I didn’t want to enable you and left getting the $2.00 to free contraception up to you, and now I am responsible for raising this kid for the rest of it’s life?
Report Post »Adults take responsibility for their own actions. We are not like the grasses of the field pollinated by the wind folks.
Cavetroll
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:31amObviously the writer (using very loosely) Does not realize that more then 50% of adoptions are completed through the Catholic church. I would say they are doing “their part”!!
Report Post »EastofEdenFarms
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:19amI’m not Roman Catholic, but I AM prepared to go to jail for my beliefs, if necessary. So far, though, the First Amendment still allows my opinions to be expressed. I do agree, though, that the Church (in all its denominations) is responsible, in part, for ministering to those ‘unwanted’ children. And to a large degree, we do. All across this country, and the globe for that matter, are thousands of crisis pregnancy centers, hospitals, single parent homes and orphanages operated and funded by Christians. Let’s not forget all the Foster Parents and Adoptive families. Sure, we could do more, and we will, but I guarantee you, the Church is not idle in caring for ‘the least of these’.
Report Post »ZeroOff4impact
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:23amKnucklehead.
Report Post »glenng2
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:23amI’d be happy to pay too have her legs super glued together, she’s too stupid to be allowed to breed.
Report Post »Lumbar Spine
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:24amThe irony is that the Catholic Church eventually will remove its disapproval of the use of contraception from its teachings. A vast majority of its members already ignore the Church’s ban.
Report Post »PaxInVeritate
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:59amLUMBAR
Report Post »Obviously you do not understand Catholicism. First, “remove it’s disproval” will never happen. Second, those that ignore the Church and use(d) contraceptives have excommunicated themselves, and their souls are in mortal jeopardy if they do not stop and repent. Period. Core beliefs are not left up to democracy/“grass root movements”. There are Two choices, believe what is taught and follow or leave.
Floyd ALsbach
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:47amAMEN PAX my brother.
Report Post »Falindraun
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:11amThere is already a free contraceptive on the market. Its called ‘keep your legs closed / keep it in your pants.‘ and whats even better it prevents all std’s and prevents pregnancy 100% of the time. If you don‘t want to get pregnant and you don’t want kids, its simple ‘don’t have sex’
Report Post »hillbillyinny
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:52am@ Falindraun
Not disagreeing with you at all, just pointing out one thing when I was using the 100% statistic for not having sex–that’s a statistically incorrect statement for those Christians who believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. So I do add “relatively” when as a Christian I cite that statistic!
But without the intervention of the Holy Spirit (Angel’s explanation to Mary), there wouldn’t even be that statistic, but THANK YOU LORD, there is! Alleluia!
Report Post »vaman
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:08pmPaxInVeritate:
The news reports are saying 98% of all catholic woman currently use or have used birth control. The percentage is the same or higher for men and condoms. So all of these people will be burning in hell or whatever fantasy you believe in because god doesn’t like some man made law about breeding? This is a prime example of religion taking over common sense and rational thinking.
Report Post »adeleeeee
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:20amWhat? Why can’t a human being state on what he believe in? Their standing doesn’t hinder women obtain contraception at all. If Catholic hospital or institute don’t want to apply that coverage to woman then the whole country will get into crisis? Bad economic will and why no body doesn’t mention about it at all? That Erika guy should go to jail first!
Report Post »Komponist-ZAH
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:17am“Why should an employer’s right to reject birth-control coverage trump a society’s collective imperative to reduce unintended pregnancy?”
Did she really write that and did I really read it??
How about: Because society doesn’t exist except as mental abstraction, and therefore has no “collective imperative” to do anything, and the notion that it does is a dangerous portent of totalitarianism.
And what is this with “unintended pregnancy”? Do people really “unintentionally” or “accidentally” have sex?
“Oh! I’m sorry I just accidentally fell on top of you, and–Oops!–I completely unintentionally happen to be accidentally naked, and…”
Report Post »Dockta
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:26amEnough. Conservatives are against abortion, which is a good thing. If democrats support abortion, so what, let them…they’ll abort themselves into extinction. We have more pressing matters which affect the ENTIRE country and it’s existence. Concentrate on those issues.
Report Post »denofcubs
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:25amThis abortion mandate has absolutely nothing to do with contraception or sterilization. It has everything to do with religious freedom. The Catholic church is just the first one to be attacked and then the dominios will fall one by one. It has to do with total government control over our lives in everything we do. Wake up folks, this is just the beginning,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:34amDENOFCUBS, Finally, someone who gets it.Thank-you for your comment.
Report Post »janmil200
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:36pmCan anyone tell me on what basis the Church gets Its tax-exempt status? Is it on religious grounds or because of being a non-profit? If on religious grounds, then I think it is unconstitutional and the government would have some authority in the matter. If not on religious grounds, then the government intrusion is in violation of religious freedom. Just my thoughts.
Report Post »South Philly Boy
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:01amIt‘s a SHAME her MOTHER or FATHER didn’t use Contraceptives
Report Post »Lost Rebel
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:57amFirst, we live in a Republic, not a Democracy. And second, people need to take responsibility for having unprotected sex. If they want to be permiscuous, use protection. A baby being conceived has no choice in the matter. God has a plan for everyone he creates so it is So wrong to say “unwanted children”. Obama is attacking religion. This is not about contraception or women’s health and to suggest that is a crock!!
Report Post »katiefrankie
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:24amI don’t see any Catholic bishops throwing themselves in front of a crowd, preventing anyone from purchasing condoms or birth control pills from their local pharmacy. In fact, when I lived in Siena, Italy, there was a farmacia on my route to work with a condom dispenser right outside. It made me giggle so much that I took a picture of it – it was just like a Coca-Cola machine, except you weren’t going to be finding an ice-cold beverage from that vending machine!
As a former Catholic, I can‘t say I agree with the Pope’s stance on birth control, but I a) also don’t believe the Pope communicates with God in this day and age, b) left the Church to become a Latter-Day Saint because that church DOES have a living prophet, and c) don’t care. The Catholic Church has the right to abide by its own precepts, and that includes choosing not to subsidize birth control for men and women. Married people need to figure this out for themselves, and I wish them the best. When I got married, my insurance plan did not cover birth control (it was considered a “cosmetic” medication, so I paid for it out of pocket). Not-married people have a great method of not getting pregnant that worked 100% of the time for me – not having sex. It’s a pretty cheap fix.
Report Post »edmundburk
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:30pm@KATY-I don’t want to be mean here,BUT I must point out that like a lot of former catholics you are IGNORNANT of the church’s teaching. it is not the popes teaching on contraceptions it’s the CHURCHS! and 2. it‘s not up to the bisops to stop people from using contraceptions it’s the individual.
Report Post »That’s what I like about the Catholic church, it gives you the teachings and it’s up to you to follow!
katiefrankie
Posted on February 24, 2012 at 8:05pmEdmund, I’m not ignorant. What is “The Church?“ Who is the head of ”The Church?” When I reference the Pope, I am of course including the conference of cardinals and everyone else who got together and created the Humanae Vitae, issued in 1968 by Pope Paul VI. Not ignorant by far – just using abbreviations.
The greatest problem had by the Catholic Church is that it does not have a direct communication with God. By accepting that all revelation ended with the first-century Apostles, the Catholic Church is granting that it does not have a living prophet capable of receiving divine revelation for our time, and thus all proclamations are merely the interpretation of man and men whose authority disappeared with the death of Peter, the holder of the keys of the kingdom.
Report Post »