Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Society

In March 23, 2010 President Barack Hussein Obama signed into Law the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act.

Or, PPACA.

Which the media reported as the Health Care Law or Health Care Reform.

And, which the Republicans called Obamacare.

Whatever –

Under the Health Care Law [PPACA] insurers are required to cover preventive health services without any co-pay.

These services include birth control, pills, implants, sterilization.

The Catholic Church, and other religious organizations, opposed to birth control, demanded an Exemption from the requirement.

On January 20, 2012 the Department Of Health And Human Services [HHS] said that Churches, Synagogues, and Mosques, will be Exempt from the requirement.

But, their affiliated institutions like Universities, Hospitals, Social Welfare Agencies, and the like, would not be.

The pregnant question before us is this –

Should the Government accede to The Catholic Church’s demand?

Should The Catholic Church be Exempt from providing Abortion?

The answer is — No.

A million times – No!

The Government, the Obama Administration, is wrong to Exempt any group from any part of the Law under any circumstances.

The Law is the Law.

It is the Law of the land.

And, if The Catholic Church does not like it – well, tough.

America cannot have one form of the Law for The Catholic Church, and another form of the Law for the rest of us.

The Catholic Church has argued that providing contraceptive services, and such, go against its Conscience.

washingtonhotwire.com firmly believes that Conscience must be respected.

But, the exercise of The Catholic Church’s Conscience must not be allowed to encroach upon my Freedom to receive these services.

The Catholic Church cannot have a veto on my decisions.

So, what’s the solution?

The solution is quite simple –

The Catholic Church’s individual Churches, as well as its affiliated institutions, must comply with the Law.

Or, shut down.

But, not shut up.

The Catholic Church must work to change the Law that it does not like.

That is the Democratic way.

The Catholic Church must work to persuade the majority in the House and the Senate that contraceptive services, and such, as the Law [PPACA] requires, are wrong.

And, get Congress to write and pass a law banning them.

Quite simple, don’t you think?

After all, if The Catholic Church is so convinced of the Rightness of its position, everyone in Congress will fall in line behind it.

Right?

And, passing a law to ban contraceptive services, and such, should be a cinch.

Except, it’s not.

There are 156 Catholics in the current [112^th] Congress.

Only 29 of them have voted 100% against abortion, and contraceptives services, and such.

And, the Catholic Church, despite threats of denying Holy Communion, and despite threats of Excommunication, has, so far, failed to persuade any more of these Catholic Congressmen and Senators to vote against abortion, and contraceptives services, and such.

Much less persuade them, and the other Congressmen, to pass a law banning these medical services altogether.

A failure in itself –

The Catholic Church has now turned to using strong-arm tactics to impose its views on the rest of us.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Society

If one is asked to describe Jesus in just 1 word –

That word would be “Kind”.

Jesus was a Loving person.

In all His acts, His words, His deeds, His actions.

Kindness, indeed, is listed as a Theological Virtue.

Among the 7 Virtues to be practiced by Catholics.

Indeed, to be practiced by all Christians.

Considering that the Virtues are unexceptionable.

I got thinking about Kindness because of my friend Barth.

Several days ago it had snowed pretty heavily in these parts.

And, Barth had done the driveway of the widow across from him.

Unasked.

She had gone to her daughter’s the night before.

And, would return soon, he knew.

But, her driveway was unplowed.

The guy who did her driveway had not come.

So, Barth did her driveway.

And, she was very thankful.  Effusive would be the more proper word.

You know, said Barth, when I thought about it later, about what I did, I could feel a tingling sensation inside me.

I was not surprised.

That tingling sensation that Barth was feeling is produced by Endorphins.

Coursing through his veins.

When we are Kind, or practice any of the 7 Virtues, our body releases these Endorphins into our system.

Endorphins produce a natural high in us.

The more we practice Virtues, the more, and higher, highs we experience.

And, these highs have positive psychosomatic effects.

Which is why Virtuous people tend to be –

More joyful,

More content,

More youthful-looking.

And, in addition –

Will go to Heaven.

How wonderful is that!

A 2-fer.

Joy on Earth.

Glory in Heaven.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Society

The 2012 March For Life, sponsored by The Catholic Church, took place in Washington DC Monday January 23, 2012.

The National Park Service has stopped providing official crowd estimates for such events since 2009.

But, The Catholic Church likes the 250,000 number.

And, its mouthpieces dance around that number year after year.

This year the acceptable number is “between 100,000 and 200,000”.

That said –

If that many people turned out in DC on this cold, wet, rainy, Monday – in below freezing temperatures – and a water main break on the Beltway — washingtonhotwire.com has nothing but admiration for their dedication.

Even, if it for a Hypocritical cause.

And, this is the Hypocrisy:

If The Catholic Church can launch a protest March against Abortion – washingtonhotwire.com asks –

Where are The Church’s protest Marches against War?

After all, there is no difference between Abortion and War.

Abortion and War are 2 sides of the same coin.

Killing.

Abortion is Killing inside the Womb.

War is Killing outside the Womb.

Is there a difference?

The Church may see a difference.

Normal people don’t.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Society

On Saturday January 21, 2012 Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina Republican Primary.

Gingrich’s victory is a significant milestone in Republican Party politics.

As it represents, for the very first time in Republican politics, the triumph of Adultery over Christianity.

Why is this significant?

Because, Republicans, Conservatives, and Evangelicals, in South Carolina, and in the rest of the country, see themselves as the ayatollahs of Christianity.

Pure people.

Guardians of the flame.

Who condemn the Catholic Church as the Whore of Babylon.

And, Mainline Protestants as Liberals.

So, it came as a great surprise when this Conservative group, with strictly Conservative ideas, and ultra-orthodox ideals, gave Newt Gingrich a resounding victory over the putative Republican nominee, Mitt Romney.

Romney is a straight-arrow when it comes to Marital Fidelity.

Gingrich, on the other hand, is a Serial Adulterer.

Who has lived at least 6 of his mature years in Adulterous relationships.

What gives?

Why have Republicans, Conservatives, and Evangelicals, abandoned their most important – abandoned Christianity’s most significant — Religious tenet?

That of Fidelity.

Are Republicans, Conservatives, and Evangelicals, not afraid that God will punish them for their approbation of Gingrich’s Adulterous behavior?

Whatever the answer, this much is apparent:

Republicans, Conservatives, and Evangelicals, are less frightened of God.

And, more frightened of having Barack Hussein Obama in the White House for a 2^nd term.

God – they have Him figured.

The seeking forgiveness mantra always works.

But, the prospect of having to deal with a Black President for another 4-year term horrifies them.

So, they have decided to abandon the most important Principle of their Faith.

In search of deliverance.

At the hands of an Adulterous man, rather than a Faithful God.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Business

The results of a Harvard Business School survey of 10,000 alumni reveals a shocking truth.

Its Graduates are an extremely lazy bunch.

Read the survey report at http://www.hbs.edu/competitiveness/pdf/hbscompsurvey.pdf

“The survey results provide strong evidence that the United States faces a deepening competitiveness problem.”

OK.

So, what did the Harvard Business School Graduates do about it?

Instead of working [hard!] to improve the competitiveness of American business –

They took the easy way out.

They simply shipped the business overseas!

They made no effort to devise innovative ways to keep the business in America.

As the survey puts it –

“Facilities involving large numbers of jobs, high-end work, and groups of activities located together [were] moved out of the U.S……”

Just like that.

Is this a lazy response – or, what?

It’s the kind of response that the one expects from the first idiot off the streets.

But, from a Graduate of the Harvard Business School?

No wonder American business is going to the dogs.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Business

Martin Luther King Jr Day was celebrated last Monday, January 16, 2012.

A line from an MLK speech changed Warren Buffett, the world’s 3^rd richest man – with a net worth of $45 billion – from Republican to Democrat.

A speech delivered by Dr King at a time — October 29, 1967 – when the majority of Whites believed in Segregation.

And, opposed any Law that proposed Integration.

It was in this time that Dr King spoke at Iowa’s Grinnell College.

“It may be true that the law can’t change the heart,” said King, “but it can restrain the heartless.”

The next day Dr King began his 19^th jail sentence for his involvement in the Civil Rights movement.

Six months later, in April 1968, he was assassinated.

Buffett’s conversion noted in Rana Foroohar’s article Warren Buffett Is On A Radical Track in the January 23, 2012 issue of TIME Magazine.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Business

Just who is responsible for ensuring Good Behavior among the US Marines?

The Military, of course!

But, what about that particular piece of Bad Behavior by US Marines which came to light last week?

US Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters.

And, one of them saying – Have a good day, buddy.

Who is to blame for that?

See the still at http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/01/marine-allegedly-urinates-on-corpse-in-video-011112/

The Military, yes.

But, in this particular case, in this particular case of the 4 Marines urinating on the dead bodies of 3 Taliban fighters, more than the Military – the Military Chaplains.

It is the Military Chaplains who are to blame for this revolting behavior.

It is their duty – it is the Military Chaplains’ duty — to instill in our men/Marines our Christian belief about the Sanctity of the Human Body.

Why is the Human Body sacred?

Because, it is made in the image and likeness of Our God.

Our Lord, Jesus.

And desecrating a Human Body is like desecrating the Body of Our God.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

And, urinating on a Human Body – Taliban or otherwise – is like urinating on the Body of Our God.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

In this, our Army Chaplains have failed.

And, it’s probably time to get rid of this bunch of moochers and freeloaders.

For, clearly, they serve no useful purpose among our troops.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Society

On Wednesday January 11, 2012 a video surfaced online which showed 4 men urinating on 3 corpses.

The video went viral worldwide.

You can see the video and stills at http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-marines-soul-searching-urinating-video/story?id=15353762#.TxG7j6US0X0

The 4 men have been identified as Marines.

Members of a sniper unit in the 3^rd Battalion, 2^nd Marines, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The men they were urinating on have been identified as Taliban fighters.

But, that’s not really a proper identification.

At least, not in a Christian country like America.

At least, not in the case of men/Marines who are all Christians.

In this case, the men/Marines were not urinating on Taliban fighters.

These men/Marines were urinating on the Face of Our God.

On the Face of Our Lord,  Jesus Christ.

For –

All of us.

Marines and Taliban alike.

Are made in His image and likeness.

Don’t these Christian men/Marines know that?

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Business

Finally, Republicans are telling the truth about the economic system they support – Free Market Capitalism.

Republican support for Free Market Capitalism is not reasoned.

It does not acknowledge the good and the bad.

Republican support for Free Market Capitalism is mindless.

It only acknowledges the good.  And, completely disregards the bad on purpose.

But, now, in the heat of battle for Republican Candidate in the 2012 Presidential Election, the truth about Free Market Capitalism is being revealed.

Which revelations have left “Conservatives aghast” – according to Jeffry Bartash, writing in MarketWatch on January 11, 2012.

Free Market Capitalism Kills Jobs

“I like being able to fire people who provide services to me.”  Current Republican frontrunner, and perpetual Republican Candidate for President, Mitt Romney.  Quoted by Steven Goldstein in MarketWatch on January 11, 2011.

Free Market Capitalism Loots Workers

Free Market Capitalist companies “loot people’s jobs, loot their pensions, loot their ability to take care of their families…..”

Republican Candidate for President and Texas Governor Rick Perry.  Quoted by Arlette Saenz on the ABC News blog The Note on January 10, 2012

Free Market Capitalism — Vultures, Carcasses, Skeletons

Free Market Capitalist companies “they’re vultures that sitting out there on the tree limb waiting for the company to get sick and then they swoop in, they eat the carcass.  They leave with that and they leave the skeleton.”  Republican Candidate for President and Texas Governor Rick Perry.  Quoted by Arlette Saenz in the ABC News blog The Note on January 10, 2012

Free Market Capitalism – A Few Rich People Making Money

“Is capitalism really about the ability of a handful of rich people to manipulate the lives of thousands of other people and walk off with the money, or is that somehow a little bit of a flawed system?”  Republican Candidate for President and former Speaker of the House [1995-1999] Newt Gingrich.  Quoted by Michael Levenson in The Boston Globe blog Political Intelligence on January 9, 2012.

Gingrich’s comment, and those of Perry, have, according to Bartash, left the “Conservatives aghast”.

Why?

Because, Bartash continues – Conservatives “expect Republican candidates to defend free market economics.”

Even if Free Market Capitalism acts in ways that are clearly evil?

Yes.

Even if Free Market Capitalism acts in ways that are clearly evil!

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]

Continuing exploration on washingtonhotwire.com of issues at the intersection of Christianity and Business

Do you know which group attends Church most faithfully?

CEOs – Chief Executive Officers?

The C-Suite – the COOs [Chief Operating Officers], the CFOs [Chief Financial Officers], the CIOs [Chief Information Officers], etc.?

The well educated – with College degrees?

The moderately educated – those with High School degrees?

The least educated – those without High School degrees?

If you said the least educated – the poor, the homeless, the jobless – those who most need Spiritual and Material resources – attended Church most faithfully, you would be dead wrong.

The group that most faithfully attends Church are the CEOs and those in the C-Suite.

Followed by the College educated.

Surprised?

You shouldn’t be.

The poor are shunned at — and shunted out of — Church.

Those lovely Churches with elegant white steeples, spotless interiors, a Symphony-quality choir, and manicured green lawns.

These lovely Churches are for the lovely people.  Nicely dressed, good manners, expensive cars.

The CEOs, the C-Suiters, the College educated.

So, why do the CEOs and C-Suite attend Church most faithfully?

Not, because they want to receive any Spiritual benefits.

Spiritual benefits they can buy by making handsome contributions to the Plate.

They attend Church most faithfully, because, it’s the Social thing to do.

They must be seen at Church.

Seen as Christian.

No matter that the very next day they finagle Corporate taxes, fire Workers at will, outsource ruthlessly, and destroy Families and Communities.

Clearly, American Christian Businessmen inhabit two separate worlds.

Christians on Sundays, Capitalists on weekdays.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]