To the editor:
I read with dismay and concern in the Catholic Courier of October 27 Bishop Clark’s statement to the press regarding the SCRIP bill in the Congress. The Bishop’s letter states:
“I view health care as a basic right of every individual, intrinsic in the dignity of the human person; and support state and federal efforts to expand opportunities for coverage for the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
The Bill of Rights of the United States does not include health care as an individual right. If health care ever comes to be a right it must be entered as an amendment to the Constitution by an act of Congress followed by ratification of 38 states. I hope the Bishop is speaking for himself and not representing the Catholic Church. If he is, then our Holy Roman Church has become a political pressure group to which I did not sign up for.
SCRIP is another expensive social program sponsored by the Democratic Party. It intends to expand medical coverage to children of families beyond its original intent to the middle class by including families earning $80,000 yearly. The Democrats know they do not have the votes to pass socialized medicine now. This legislation is the first step. Those opposed to SCRIP are being accused of being against children.
I am registered in the County of Chemung, NY as belonging to no party, independent of political parties. As a member of the Catholic Church, am I now presently a member of a political party?
Edward A. Ryan III
Easterbrook Dr. W
Horseheads
