Speak Up

Don’t get your hopes up for a “modernized” Catholic Church that embraces contraception, female priests, abortion and gay marriage. These items are Church doctrine and cannot be changed by anyone but Jesus Christ Himself, the founder of the Church. Even if Pope Francis wanted to change these teachings, he wouldn’t be able to; the Church is not a democracy, and what she teaches is God’s Word. From Pope Francis, you can expect orthodoxy to Church teaching and emphasis on helping our least brothers and sisters.

It is difficult to understand why the Catholic Church refuses to ordain women as priests. After all, Mary was the first priest. She brought God forth in her own flesh and blood. “This is my body, and this is my blood. Do this in memory of me.” In imitation of Christ, who could recite these words more appropriately than another Mary? For 2000 years, men at Communion have been imitating her. Why can’t modern women do the same?

If there are to be true background checks for gun holders, won’t this involve a violation of HIPAA regulations, when they check on mental illness? Not all mental cases are tried in a court where there would be public access to records.

I am quite concerned about the politicians who are insisting on background checks for citizens who want to purchase weapons. I will agree with this position if they will also insist on background checks for citizens who are milking the welfare system. There is more welfare fraud that is costing millions of dollars to the honest citizens of this country than citizens who are dangerous to our safety.

I don’t believe that a concealed weapon should be registered; the caveat being the only gun permitted to be concealed would be a stun gun.

Re the March 25 article on health care insurance costing more: So long as “profits” are privileged over “patients and prevention” in this country, you can bet that pharmaceutical and HMO company and CEO windfalls will be going up even more than our premiums.

I find it curious that President Obama has a clear view of how to solve the problems in Syria, but does not have a clue about fixing the problems in the USA.

Regarding furloughs, cuts, etc.: Many years ago, “the people” got fed up with the actions of our Congress. “We the people” came up with a wonderful slogan that is more than appropriate for our Congress right now. Our country is deep in debt, yet our Congress sends billions of dollars overseas, while our own people are furloughed from various jobs. The slogan from many years ago was: Throw the bums out. It’s time to vote again.