Obama rallies ‘Religious Left’
By Edward Terry, The Layman, August 20, 2009
Speaking via conference call Wednesday, President Barack Obama asked people of faith to help move the health care debate forward by treating it as a moral commitment, while at the same time claiming that some of its opponents are liars.
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The call to action came during a health care reform pep rally sponsored by a multi-faith consortium, being described by many political observers as the “Religious Left.” The Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington Office is listed as one of the sponsors of “40 Days for Health Reform,” a national effort that calls for people of faith to lead the campaign for national health care reform.
According to the organizer’s Web site, an estimated 140,000 people listened in on the nearly 40-minute call, which included speakers from various faiths and Christian denominations speaking in support of the administration’s proposals for health care reform.
During his nearly 7-minute presentation Obama focused on so-called “misinformation” promulgated by opponents of his administration’s health care proposals.
“There are some folks out there who are, frankly, bearing false witness,” he said. “We are closer to seeing that reform than we’ve ever been. That’s why we’re seeing the divisive, deceptive attacks.”
He refuted claims that the current proposals would create so-called “death panels,” lead to a government takeover of healthcare, cause Medicare and Medicaid cuts, provide health coverage for illegal aliens and include government-funded abortions.
“These are all fabrications that have been put out there in order to discourage people from meeting, what I consider to be, a core ethical and moral obligation, and that is that we look out for one another, that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. And in the wealthiest nation on Earth right now we are neglecting to live up to that call,” Obama said.
He then likened opposition to current health care reforms to criticism faced by previous presidents as they worked on implementing programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
Participants were repeatedly asked to lobby for health care reform and to sign a petition that states: “As a person of faith, I support health care reform, and I’m tired of shouting, disruptions and distortions preventing an honest debate. Over the next 40 days, I commit to doing my part as a person of faith to promote health care reform. I commit to taking actions like writing my representatives, attending events, and telling my friends about our efforts to make the faith community a positive force for health care reform.”
Organizers said Thursday that 24,000 signatures have been collected.
The conference call included remarks by religious leaders, lay people and healthcare professionals from various faiths offering opinions, ideas and anecdotes all expressing support for health care reform. White House Domestic Policy Director Melody Barnes also answered four questions submitted by participants.
But not all faith-based organizations are lobbying the way the administration is hoping. On Thursday, Coral Ridge Ministries’ The Coral Ridge Hour announced a three-week focus on health care reform beginning Aug. 23.
“The president wanted this bill passed in August before the summer break, but thankfully there were not enough votes,” Coral Ridge Hour host Dr. Jerry Newcombe said. “Now we have a second chance to stop this legislation in its tracks. The debate is not over.”
The Coral Ridge Web site also is offering a petition for those in opposition to the current proposed health care reforms, as well as access to the programs focusing on health care. Coral Ridge Ministries was founded by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, former pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The organization and church are not affiliated.
Despite the effort to clear up some of the “misinformation,” some weren’t convinced by the president’s claims to the faith community.
The Family Research Council, a conservative pro-life advocacy group, fired back claiming that Obama’s statement that current proposals do not fund or cover abortion is misleading. The group then called for amendments to the current health care reform bills that would prohibit abortion funding and coverage.
“The president knows very well that pro-abortion House and Senate Committees rejected every single amendment to keep abortion funding out of the health care overhaul,” said Tony Perkins, president of the FRC. “Instead, the House Energy and Commerce Committee adopted the Capps Amendments, which allows abortion coverage in the public health plan, and subsidizes health plans that cover abortion.
“This evening, President Obama stated that abortion funding in health care reform is a ‘distraction.’ If that is the case – then why not end this so-called ‘distraction’ and amend the bill to explicitly prohibit abortion funding and coverage with his health care plan?,” Perkins said.
None of the speakers on Wednesday were identified as having a Presbyterian connection, but the denomination has made clear its position on the debate. On Friday, PCUSA Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons released a statement proclaiming the denomination’s support of a government-run, single-payer health care system. The statement, which was approved in 2008 by the General Assembly, also designated $25,000 in mission funds to be used for hosting 10 regional seminars “supporting single-payer universal health care reform.”