To the editor:
The article “Michigan governor violates pledge” (in the Courier’s Southern Tier and Finger Lakes weekly editions of July 30) tells how Gov. Jennifer Granholm is supporting legislation that would force Catholic institutions to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives as part of prescription drug plans. The article did not mention that Gov. Granholm, who is considered to be a rising star in the Democratic party, is Catholic. This is the second time in two years that Gov. Granholm has taken action in direct opposition to the moral teachings of her Church. In 2003 Gov. Granholm vetoed legislation that would have the effect of banning partial-birth abortion in Michigan. Fortunately the legislature overrode her veto. The Legal Birth Definition Act became law. It seems to us that far too many Catholic politicians of both parties abandon the teachings of their Church when it comes to public policy. We need more strong Catholic leaders such as the late Robert Casey, Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Rick Santorum. Both statesmen who live their Catholic beliefs and bring them to the public square.
Mary Lou & Edmund J. McGarrell Jr
Wall Street
Elmira
