February 19, 2012 in Opinion, Letters

System caused the controversy

 

On Feb. 7, Jeanie Wagenman wrote “Birth control mandate wrong,” a letter stating that it was a violation of the Constitution to force churches to purchase birth control coverage in their insurance.

While I think that Wagenman has a point, I also think that the opposite case can also be made. It’s unconstitutional to give religious institutions a special exception under the law, since this establishes some faiths as being exempt from the same laws as the rest of us. I’m no legal scholar, but I know that the First Amendment cuts both ways.

In fact, some faiths don’t believe in medicine at all and would rather let faith alone heal the sick! Where do you draw the line?

What I really want to point out is that if we got rid of employment-based insurance and allowed everyone to purchase insurance at group rates regardless of employment, this problem wouldn’t even exist. The grip the insurance companies have on our political process is a big part of this problem. So let’s not lay all the blame at the feet of President Barack Obama, shall we? He didn’t make the system that he is trying to change.

Paul Susac

Spokane

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Three comments on this story so far. Add yours!

  • jdspokanewa on February 19 at 12:18 a.m.

    I think they should pay taxes, just like any other business. Don’t let the churches fool you, the Catholic Church in particular which is where most of the recent issues have been battled from, make plenty of money and use their position of influence to say their congregations politically.

    Make them pay taxes, hit them where it hurts.

  • Jeffrey_Grey on February 19 at 9:39 a.m.

    “…since this establishes some faiths as being exempt from the same laws as the rest of us.”

    Very good point, Mr. Susac. A cogent analysis that I haven’t encountered before, but an argument that I think could very well prevail.

  • richardch on February 20 at 10:58 a.m.

    If I believe that only faith heals and don’t believe in medicine, and am of sound mind, then It is my choice to refuse medical care. I do not want the government mandating that I receive medical care. For a child that is different and has been tested in the courts.

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