Compromise needed on new health care bill

The Democratic administration has been working on the details for the new health care bill. Because of concerns of religious groups, especially Catholic organizations, there was reassurance that concerns related to birth control and abortion would be addressed.

Now, essentially the only accommodation to be offered is to give a year to come into compliance with the program to accept these issues. A year, or any length of time, will not change the deeply held moral obligation on this issue.

Rather than insist that only one way is possible to implement the health care system, there must be a compromise on this conflict. People of good will and respect for opposing views must come together to solve this clash of views.

And another thing to keep in mind: the Catholic vote is a huge part of the Democratic bloc. The Republicans have adopted the very conservative and evangelical views of morals in order to attract their support. Do you want to encourage many more people to abandon the Democrats? Please resolve this very important issue.

Mary Lou Hess

Cedar Rapids