One can only applaud the long-overdue pledge to do something about the health care legislation. And the three objects of their resolution are worthy. And if the bishops were to prevail on Congress, the victory might effect changes in other parts of the legislation.
It is necessary to point out, however, that the bishops entirely miss the point of the present drive to reform health care. Obama and both parties are intent on transforming medical care from a compassionate basis to a cost-cutting, government-controlled basis. Such a change will be great for those who own the wealth of the country, but disastrous for everyone else.
No where do the bishops refer to this transcendent issue. Not only do they ignore it, they have given the impression over and over again that they would support the legislation if their three concerns are met. (By the way, the bishops did not include the right to conscience for medical workers in their central issues of concern in their open letter. Previous statements always included it. This omission is surely a step in the wrong direction.)
Here are two matters in the legislation that call out for the Church leaders to say something:
1). The proposed legislation calls for levying a fine on those who do not procure health care insurance coverage. The proposed fine may be as much as $3,000 per person!!! It doesn't take any imagination at all to see that this provision would affect the poorest, least advantaged people in the country. And surely, a good percentage of these are found among the faithful. Do the bishops have anything at all to say about this? Shouldn't they be shouting from the rooftops? They might say that their concern for affordable coverage for all covers the question of fines. Maybe so, but it is a little strained. The point is that the Congressional leaders are serious about imposing fines. And therefore the Church leaders should be serious about vigorously and expliciitly opposing the fines.
2). A number of proposals have been made for the legislation that involve evaluating doctors on their performance, on how many tests they order, etc. Those receiving the least rating would have their medicare payments reduced. Such provisions will encourage doctors to avoid seriously ill patients and other situations that may put them in a bad light. Again it is simple to see that the victims of this proposed provision will be found among the faithful, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Is it not reasonable that the faithful would expect their Church leaders to take a stand on this key issue? What is involved here is the beginning of the abolition of compassionate health care, the great contribution and legacy of the Catholic Church. It is a disgrace that the leaders are silent on something like this.
In general the Church leaders stance on the health care legislation has been off. They seem to frame everything in a stance of support to what they see as a "much-needed" reform of health care. The object seems to be that they can attain their goals by cooperating with the framers of the legislation. It won't work. These legislative leaders are carrying out their orders and they are nothing but intent; repeat intent. If the legislators get their way, the health care of Americans, including the faithful, will sharply decline. Such a reality ought to induce the Church leaders and bishops to oppose the thrust of the proposed legislation. Perhaps their open letter is a step in this direction. Let us hope.
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