Politicians should stick to their jobs

Column

Whether from the pulpit, newsletter or word of mouth, Catholic churches in Tampa and surrounding burgs in recent days have sent a thunderous message: Oppose with righteous fury government's mandate that their health care plans cover contraceptives and related care.

But there's an even larger issue. Compare what's happening in the church to the equally ferocious backlash last week against the Susan G. Komen Foundation when, under political pressure, it announced plans to stop funding Planned Parenthood.

And let us not forget the proposal in Tallahassee to allow public school students to provide statements of "inspiration" at large gatherings such as football games. It's a naked ploy to skirt the whole "no prayer in public schools" edict, which the bill would accomplish by giving adults no control over what the students would find "inspiring" to share.

What could possibly go wrong with that?

A friendly suggestion: All those people — left, right or wing nuts — should feel free to butt out any time now. Government should provide for the common defense and fix the potholes but keep an arm's length away after that.

"I'm a nurse, and I'm a practicing Catholic. I know what the church believes in — the belief is anti-abortion and anti-contraceptive. For the government to step in like this is something I've never heard of," said Barbara Williams, who attends St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Tampa.

Last Sunday, the area diocese's churchgoers were acquainted with a letter from Bishop Robert Lynch that amounted to a Catholic call to arms. And there were reports of priests delivering passionate sermons against the government's mandate.

Greg Prine is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa but was in Sarasota on Sunday. He heard the pitch, and he's all in. "I think we should have stepped up a long time ago," he said. "They take a little bit at a time. They keep pushing and keep pushing. The next thing you know, we're a country like China where they mandate abortions."

According to reports Wednesday, the government is looking for an escape hatch, lest this issue turn into an election avalanche in November. We saw the Komen Foundation give in as well. Public pressure can make a difference.

Officials would do well to remember they were elected to do the people's work, not to impose their standards and values on everyone else. As long as there are votes to gain and agendas to press, though, I wouldn't count on that sinking in.