Stupak’s commitment to pro-life principles in beyond question; in this murky world of politics if anything is clear, it is clear that Stupak was willing to defeat the bill unless he felt his concerns about abortion funding were met. So, it will be interesting to see which groups – and which Catholic blogs – denounce him now. This will distinguish those whose primary concern is for the protection of unborn life from those whose primary concern is the promotion of the GOP’s agenda.
Stupak’s courage is pretty stunning, too. He stood his ground and because the ground on which he stood was a principled ground, he could fend off attempts to placate him with other non-related sweeteners or with any backroom deals. He has earned the respect of everyone involved in this health care debate. Still, I will wager any amount of money that within hours, the cries of “Judas” will be hurled his way. I hurl a different cry toward the Congressman from Michigan and his allies: Vivat!
Michael Sean Winters
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Here's a quote from President Obama's speech. Maybe because the "gentleman" from SC was calling the President a liar, people didn't hear the President's clear words about abortion funding. Also, remember, the Hyde amendment is still the law of the land.
"There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false – the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally. And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up – under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place" (President Obama. Speech Sept 9, 2009).
If the health care bill allows tax dollars for abortion, the ads will play that segment over and over again. I can't believe the President and the Democrats would open themselves up for such an attack.