HHS Religious Exemptions - Abysmal Jokes

Yesterday the Messiah Most Miserable decided to fling a few crumbs our way in regards to the onerous HHS mandates that forces each and every taxpayer to pay for contraceptives - that is, chemicals that murder tiny unborn children.  Well, not really!  (Hint - When these "announcements" are released on Fridays, caveat emptor!).

The crumbs, in all their dubious 80-page glory, can be found here.  You will notice one thing immediately on page 8 of the pdf; only churches, "integrated auxiliaries" and "exclusively religious activities of any religious order" are the recipients of the largess of Dear Leader.  That would mean that any religious order that does not engage exclusively in religious activities would be subject to the mandate; thus Catholic hospitals and religious orders with any kind of outreach are bound.  All other business entities, regardless of the beliefs of their owners, MUST fund the availability of drugs that kill preborn children.

This gesture on the part of Obama is simply that - a meaningless gesture, an empty ruse.  No wonder he waited until Friday to announce this tripe.  Most Catholic and conservative blogs see through this silly set of smoke and mirrors: Catholic World Report, American Life League, Catholic Vote,  EWTN, Susan B. Anthony List.

Of course the progressive infiltration weighed in, as well.  Read the Catholics United we read that "more women will have access to the health care that they need".   The author makes no bones about his support for contraceptives, placing himself at odds with Church teaching.  However, what else can be expected from Catholics United, whose director, James Salt, once worked with Sebelius' campaign office in Kansas?  Michael Sean Winters of the Not-So-Catholic Reporter gushes over this latest Obama slop as well.  He starts off his piece by stating that he's not a lawyer.  He forgot to add that the bishop of the diocese in which NCR operates has made plain that NCR is not qualified to call itself "Catholic".

Most baffling, though, is the reaction of the USCCB.  Perhaps "baffling" is a poor choice of words as they have always seemed eager to try to find ways to appease the tyrants of Washington; "disappointing" is actually a better word for this situation.  Basically they said nothing, citing a need for "study".  Really?  Let's assume that everything was just wonderful with these new regs in giving churches and church-related organizations carte-blanche exemptions.  Would that make the HHS mandate morally acceptable to the USCCB?  What about the small, for-profit businesses?  Would the USCCB be ok with them being forced to pay for baby-murder?  The statement by the Susan B. Anthony List was excellent and one that should be echoed by the USCCB.  Key segments are: "religious and moral freedom is not up for negotiation", "there must be no religious test by the government", "only complete repeal is acceptable".  This is not rocket science requiring copious amounts of study.  These exemptions are a sham, and the Catholic bishops of this country must grow backbones and call out this charade for what it is.

Surprise! Obamacare Will Extort Money From Catholics To Pay For Contraceptives!

Actually, the real surprise is that anyone is surprised about this!  Yes, the Messiah Most Miserable has made plain that all insurance plans must pay for contraceptives, sterilization and abortifacients.  That includes Catholic employers.  Here's the HHS statement.  And yes, pro-abortion "katholyc" Kathleen Sebelius is a chief messianic battle-ax with regards to this draconian pronouncement.  But don't worry!  Some churches etc will have an entire year to "figure out how to violate our consciences", as Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan so aptly stated.  He issued a video response to the mandate that is posted on the USCCB site.  This dismal state of affairs may well be on the mind of the Holy Father; read his "ad limina" address to the bishops as he comments on the deteriorating state of affairs between the Church and the White House.

Of course the NARAL and Planned Parenthood types are just as giddy as they can be about this ruling, as it gives them greater leeway to pick our pockets while they engage in the slaughter of babies.  I suppose they can now justify the campaign donations that the Messiah Most Miserable will be asking of them.  It's so convenient that this ruling is coming so close to a presidential election - but maybe it's just a coincidence!

I understand that even Sister Carol Keehan, who was so instrumental in foisting this monstrosity upon us two years ago, takes a dim view of this HHS development.  She said that they are "a missed opportunity to be clear on appropriate conscience protection.  The challenge that these regulations posed for many groups remains unresolved.  This indicates the need for an effective national conversation on the appropriate conscience protections in our pluralistic country, which has always respected the role of religions."  Sister, with all due respect, there are some things you and your buddies need to hear, and I'll start with four little words: WE TOLD YOU SO! 

A little aside - when Sister Carol Keehan gave the address to the Gonzaga graduating class in June 2010, we protested that because she sold us all down the river with her support of the Obama Hell Bill.  We knew precisely what she wrought on our country and church and we voiced these problems mightily.  Some obviously took issue with us.  Well now the chickens are coming home to roost!  I regret the necessity of pointing out to you that our outrage against Sister's appearance at Gonzaga is now justified in spades!  I will also say, though, that it's nice to see some signs of her waking up and smellng the proverbial coffee.  Hopefully that's not "too little too late".  Sister, if you haven't done so, I'd suggest you return the Pen of Perfidy to the Messiah Most Miserable!

I now have some questions to ask of the bishops:

1. Will you now hold each others' feet to the fire regarding your solemn obligation to obey Canon 915?  Those among you who demure in obedience to this mandate (including our local bishop!) only give aid and comfort to those "katholyc" politicians who visit this mischief upon the Church.  In a word, will you finally deny the Eucharist to Kathleen Sebelius until she publicly repents?  This woman has much blood on her hands.
2. As the election season draws near, will you (at last) teach the Catholic voters that issues of life and intrinsic morality are of primary importance when selecting candidates for whom to vote?   Will you proclaim that anyone who supports abortion, euthanasia, gay agendas, abuse of embryonic children are utterly unworthy of the Catholic's vote -despite any favorable stances on lesser issues?
3. Will you dismantle or at least expel from the USCCB the "Catholic Campaign for Human Development"?  It has been shown, over and over again, that this organization, at its core and inception, is a cash-cow for individuals and organizations that work to foist the anti-life and anti-God agenda on this country.  Stop harboring this cobras' den.