In his column " A hollow plea for sympathy " (Nov. 27 and TribLIVE.com), Michael Kinsley tries to marginalize Catholic bishops' concerns that the religious freedoms of their faithful are being infringed upon. His arguments against this possibility are that Christians "are everywhere you look" and that there are six Catholics on the Supreme Court. Therefore, he contends, the facts don't support the claim of Christian suppression.
Here are some facts that Kinsley failed to consider:
⢠Catholic adoption and foster-care agencies are forced to close in New York state because they refuse to compromise their principles by recognizing the legitimacy of gay "marriage." Those closings occur despite the presence of Catholics living in New York.
⢠Euthanasia becomes the law of the land in Oregon -- despite the presence of Catholics in that state.
⢠Under the Obama "health care" plan, taxpayers are forced to pay for abortion, sterilization and contraception. This, again, despite the presence of Catholics who live here.
What a shame that Kinsley didn't address the real issues at stake. He just complains of the Catholics and their conscience thing. Hmmm ... sounds a lot like that "devout" Catholic Nancy Pelosi.
Brian W. Donnelly
Richland
The writer is a board-certified pediatric physician.
