YOUR COMMENTS

Correction, I don't agree with Tom in Barnstead. Tom, ER rooms are required to treat everyone, but not to treat them right. Try being a homeless guy in NY and getting treatment for TB. You'll be lucky if you get a band-aid before being shoved back out onto the sidewalk.
- Jim, Manchester

I agree with the posts by Tom in Barnstead, Spike in Brentwood, Franks in Manchester, Stan in Concord, Judy in Bradford, Thad in Dalton, and especially William in Concord.
- Jim, Manchester

Tom in Maine,
You are off topic, but correct, we could protect the American homeland for billions less in defense spending, from all but terrorist’s sneaky attacks (as proven on 9-11, the 1995 World Trade Center attack, and Oklahoma City etc.). To protect ourselves and our allies against terrorist attacks we must attack them wherever they can be found; note the drop in annual deaths from terrorist attacks outside the war zones of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq since the beginning of those campaigns.

Further, our investment in the military and military industry not only defends the homeland. It helps defend our democratic allies from communist, totalitarian and Islamo-facist aggression and expansionism, guaranteeing democracy and freedom for millions who otherwise would lose it, and helping spread it too. It helps defend global trade routes guaranteeing prosperity for a few and decreased poverty for the rest. So I guess you could say our investing in a global military presence is the ultimate expression of do unto others as you would have done to you? Reducing waste, corruption and fraud in all types of government contracting (military, construction, healthcare etc) is an entirely separate issue that should proceed (somehow) regardless of other reforms. God bless you too.
- Jim, Manchester

Gene Robinson,
I’m sure President Obama thanks you for coming to bat for him but I’d say you can be just as good a Christian and support Republican health care reform initiatives; tort reform, transportable non-employment based private health insurance pools. You can be a better Christian if you would only abrogate those scriptures which Jesus and the earliest Apostles expressly abrogated as the basis for the New Covenant, and not willy-nilly ignore passages that don’t agree with your lifestyle. No ones perfect, but as Christians we are called to pray unceasingly. God bless.
- Jim, Manchester

Thank you for the reality check Bishop Robinson! I appreciate seeing a well written editorial in the Union Leader. Your article certainly cuts to the core issue of the healthcare debate.
- FM, Manchester, NH

This is one, uninsured by choice, person that will oppose anything/anyone.. that requires, nay, DEMANDS me to give up my autonomy in medical decisions and treatment options. That is between myself, my GOD, and whomever I, repeat, I I I , deem suitable to handle my most intimate and personal information and more importantly my life.
It makes me physically ill to know that all freedom over my body will officially be stolen from me in very short order. It breaks my heart to know that so many support this kind of thinking. Whether out of sheer desperation or plain ignorance, it is wrong to sell the lives of unwilling persons, no matter how well intended.
Your caring is going to kill me.
- DT, Goffstown

Sorry, Spike, but I think you've hit the nail on the head...again.

I would add, "who is going to pay for it, and how the heck will we pay for it?"

We cannot afford it. Period. While we're at it, we need to cut welfare, medicaid, and certain parts of social security that pay people to sit around and do nothing when they are perfectly capable of working. (I am not referring to our elderly who have paid in for many years and depend on SS for their final years, the purpose of the program).
- Melvin, Keene

This really takes the cake. Bishop Robinson, you are a self-serving hypocrite.

It is your job to preach that a homosexual act is a sin and to tell people not to do it. Yet it is somehow OK for you to do it.

If you want to be gay, be gay. I don't care. If you want to be gay and preach the Word, well, you can't and not be a hypocrite.

Now to healthcare. You quite frankly have no clue what you are writing about. Everybody here can get treatment whether insured or not.

Healthcare prices are inflated because of all the previous "good works" of government. Not because of any kind of corporate greed.

Sure, corporate greed exists, even in healthcare. It doesn't help anybody to mandate a government run system that's run like the school system or the post office.

If you want to live in a country where they believe that it's the right of the govenment to 'take care' of its citizens, feel free to go live there. My grand parents didn't want to so they came here. Might I suggest North Korea as a possible destination.
- Paul, Manchester

Jeff, thanks for proving my point about taking scripture completely out of context and mixing the Old and New Testaments to make the Bible say what you want it to say.

Oops! Gotta go mix some fabrics as I'm making a quilt. Cheerio!
- judy, bradford

PS to Dover-Foxcroft--The reason "not a soul" has commented on your attempt to segue this op-ed into your left-wing worldview on our "culture of death" is not because you are right, but because it is irrelevant; and you are adversarial, hostile to the Union-Leader, dislike New Hampshire and its citizens, live 200 miles away, and never respond to facts or a clear argument (except that one time where you admitted you mischaracterized a photo in order to insult the caption writer). Google Walter E. Williams if you want to know why your citation of the "general welfare" clause is dishonest. But you don't want to. So GO AWAY.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Judy, do you also refrain from the mixing of fabrics? This is listed as an offense equal to a man laying with another man. They are both abominations to god.
- Jeff, Manchester

This is rich coming from a guy who left his family and has been in rehab for drinking problems. How's this Mr. Robinson: sell that massive house you live in and practice what you preach.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

Funny how no one, not a soul, can directly comment on my first post. What's the problem? That is my viewpoint and I attacked no one. I gave very relevant information to give credence to my argument. And I made an analytical comparison in our government's and thereby our chosen use of our money. Any rejoinder other than something like Patricia's ridiculous and irrelevant reply to the issue?
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Jim in Raymond NH -- I agree wholeheartedly with your comments.
- Katharine, Manchester

Yes, where are those Christian voices? Where are the Christian leaders --bishops of entire states, perhaps?-- who are decrying massive government spending that not only ruins private charity, but also further impoverishes their congregations?

Excellent question, Bishop. I await your answer.
- Kevin, Lancaster

As a religious leader I'm sure Mr. Robinson can point out the scriptural principles involved in using government and the law to force involuntary contributions for the care of others.

My Bible says I have a responsibiiity to care for those in need. I can't find the part where I have the responsibility or the implied power to use the law to force others to do that.

Forced charity is no virtue.
- Bob, Wilton

Hey Tom DF,ME,

We could save big bucks by slashing the President's travel budget!

I am so glad that Obama has ended the unjust war and brought the troops home so quickly. His quick action on this part has really decreased the defense budget.

As to this editorial, Gene Robinson's Christian perspective is a little sketchy to begin with anyway, so this piece is nothing more than a hack job.

Jesus didn't want us to kill one another--yet we have abortion.
Jesus didn't want us to lie (covet thy neighbor's wife, cheat on your own wife...)--yet we glorified Bill Clinton.

Not to mention the whole homosexual thing.
- Patricia, Raymond

A sloppy editorial. Bishop Robinson must have felt he had to write something, but really doesn't say anything new. Clean up your own house first, Bishop. Many Christians actually like themselves and their religion, and are working to help others on a daily basis.
- Jonathan, Salem

I thought this was a great article, but the comments as usual are pretty enlightening. What it seems to boil down to is all the good UL "Christians" feel that care for the less fortunate works better when they do it themselves, rather than when the government does it. Sounds great on the surface. Of course when this recipe is followed it puts THEM in the position of deciding who is deserving and who is not, doesn't it? I'm sure that's probably what God intended...
- JC, Newfields

I'll tell you, I'm sick and tired of these religious types who think they can impose their values on the rest of us and try to control our political system and ... what? ... wait ... this guy's a liberal? Oh, well then ... never mind. As long as religious folks are liberal, they're OK.

Thanks to the many posters here who accurately point out that the bishop's points are wrong, invalid and/or mischaracterized.
- Rick, Portsmouth

This man knows little about Christianity, and once again puts himself to work promoting his alternative, secular gospel.
- Tom, Campton

I am a practicing Christian and I do give to charity to help the poor. I do not like it when the government forces me to give to the poor.

I also don't trust the government to implement a suitable health care reform. Look at the programs that already exist that are run by the government. How are they doing?
- Bill, Dunbarton

Here's just one of my arguments for healthcare reform that should be single payer-medicare for all at absolutely no tax increase or extra cost: the defense budget of the United States is a taxpayer albatross around our necks and should be slashed and given over to this healthcare issue. This year total Defense Department expenditures amount to between $859 billion to $1.16 trillion. That's right, $1.16 TRILLION. I say that the United States in its Constitutional mandate for the defense of this country has absolutely no need to have a defense budget this large to defend America's homeland. I say that we can defend America for billions and billions less. I say that the defense industry corruptions and frauds alone would pay for this healthcare reform as a single payer system for all. And remember, open your eyes, this defense budget is for one year alone while the anticipated funding for one of the proposed health reform bills, the highest estimate, is for ten years. That's right a decade; a decade to actually help Americans lives and health. Why is it that no one on either side has called for transferring our priorities from a culture of death to one of enhancing the 'general welfare' as it says in the Constitution? Now, tell me why we can't 'provide for the defense' of America for say a half to three quarters of a trillion dollars per year.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Hello Mr. Robinson,
I am without insurance, by choice, and I am against the monstrousity being foisted on us by the government in the name of 'health care'. I put my family's money into good nutrition and alternative health treatments including regular visits, pay as we go, to our chiropractor.
And if anyone in my family needs to go to the emergency room (once in the last 10 years), we pay our bill. What a concept!
- Eric, Manchester

Sorry, but homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible so where's your "Christian" perspective on that? Another great try at spinning Christianity. You can't pick and chose (take scripture out of context) and make the Bible say anything you want it to to support yourself at the cost of dividing your larger church. Oh yeah, I know I'm a homophobe because I believe in God and the Bible and marriage only between a man and a women, yada, yada. Did I mention I'm a racist and a bigot bc I don't agree w/Obamasiah?
- judy, bradford

So you get to pick and choose which verses of the New Testament should be observed? Must be the New Religion.
- Stan, Concord, NH

There is at least one lie or misconception in every paragraph here. Starting at the begining:
-Christians are here and give each Sunday and more for those les fortunate.
-50 million people huh? Right there you lost a lot of credibility.
-Actually you do because some willingly choose not to buy health insurance.
-Assumption created to support your opinion.
-Yes there has!
-Christian voices want voluntary giving, not government forceful mandates.
-We do, if you have cancer here you have the best chance of beating it. Each one of your points is scewed, we don't need as many immunizations so of course we're lower then lets say Africa.
-If we're equal under God's eye then why should some pay more while others pay nothing for the same sub par service?
-Who is saying "To Hell With You"?
-Where in the Bible does it say to be in constant conversation with the world?
-Small gave voluntary giving is much different then the feds controling health insurance for over 300 million people. sorry, you'll have to do better then that.
- Frank, Manchester

The numbers used here are either wrong or are being used out of context. If the good Rev. were really following the debate and understanding the gamesmanship going on, he would know that. Or, perhaps he does and is simply cherry picking statistics here and there to bolster his personal argument. Second, most people don’t deny the need for health “reform”. However, what it being proposed is a complete takeover of the health insurance industry by the Federal Government which will bring complete control of our lives. That is what we don’t want and what is being resisted by so many.

The Rev. assertion that…” Members of the early Church gave up all their goods to the community, and then those resources were re-distributed "as each had need." Surely, we can sacrifice a little for the good of all. Can't we?”….Well Rev. I donate my time and my money to my Parish and my community to help others in need. That is my choice and I give freely. But to be told – no, to have the Government legislate what I give to whom, when, and how much is not what the Constitution of this United States had in mind. Helping my fellow man is my choice as a “good Christian” and an American.
- Sandy, Thornton

Using God as a political cudgel is undoubtedly as crass as one can get.

The reality is that the issue is not healthcare, but rather the government that gave us the Big Dig, TARP, AIG bonuses, etc. managing a program that is at least four times as large as any of those already poorly managed programs or projects.

It is not selfish to be angry about that - it is financially responsible - which is a Biblical principle Mr. Robinson conveniently neglects to mention as is usually the case when shysters of the cloth delve into politics.
- William Simpson, Concord

What's even more outrageous is the primal rage many Christian conservatives go into with the thought that any injured, sick, or dying, illegal immigrant may get treated at any hospital.

This reaction is the polar opposite of everything Jesus taught.
- Thad, Dalton

ck in manchester, in a perfect world you are probably right, but this country has too many greedy folk and not enough charitable folk. So the government should be looking out for the ones that our greedy society doesn't care about.
- Tom, manchester

Government health care, a nightmare beaureacracy where it's implemented. Who goes to Canada for procedures, raise your hand. All the compassion and efficiency of the Department of Motor Vehicles---
- dw, litchfield

When a man of the cloth sees no difference between living a life of Christian charity, and compelling a taxpayer to do so at gunpoint, America is done.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me”. ~Jesus Christ~

It’s odd how people who act the least like Jesus scream his name the loudest. To answer your question “Where is the Christian perspective on health care?” it’s very simple, the bankers and shysters are in the house of God and they’re pulling the strings. Many churches are nothing more than money making polit6ical schemes. People stand there for one hour a week and leave with the piece of mind that for the remainder of those seven days they can be as cruel, nasty and as uncompassionate as they want to towards their fellow man because that single hour absolves them from all accountability. Quote Jesus constantly, shove him in everyone’s face, but act like him? Are you crazy? Why that would constitute socialism.

My friends if Jesus walked through America today the same people that are screaming about “good Christian values” would call him a “Nazi, Marxist, and Socialist scum” They would most likely crucify him a second time for having the nerve to disagree and point out simple logic and fact. Were the same crowd gathered today in America rather than in Jerusalem Mary Magdolin would have been stoned to death regardless of the words of Jesus Christ.

Don’t think so? Just look at the way they attack anyone who tries to help and make things fair for the poor in this country.
- Jim, Raymond NH

Moral ground? This coming from a guy who ditched his family toi move in with someone else and has been in rehab at least once for drinking. Gimme a break maybe he can sell St.Paul's and donate the money to the "poor".? That massive house he lives in could be used for the greater good. He's nothing but a rich hypocrite commanding us from a top of his mountain perch
- Andy, Milford

I agree with dw and ck.. The "Christian" thing to do is voluntarily offer money for charities (in the case of individuals) or free/reduced cost services (in the case of clinics). Government's involuntary seizure of a person's assets is stealing -- it that not a sin Mr. Robinson?
- Rich, Derry

I ask myself the same question. Where are all the moral Christian voices on this citing Jesus's 'the good samaritan story' and taking care of thy neighbor. All the republican Christian seem to be on vacation. In last weeks newsweek there was a good in-depth article on how humans around the world in democratic countries like Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Britain etc. even China take care of their citizens health. The article is called 'No country for sick men'. Citizens of this country should all read it.
- Joanne, Manchester

Tom, the very poor have Medicaid. However the middle and lower middle class, are really in a bind, especially with high unemployment. I know families with no income who are mortgaging their house to pay $1000/month for $10,000 deductible insurance. So they forgo procedures because nothing in covered up to $10,000. Insurance is at an unaffordable price. If it were free-market based, like car insurance prices for both insurance and health car procedures would come down. That's my preference. But we do have a problem.
- kp, hanover

W/ all do respect Mr. Robinson, it is not the the duty of government to care for those who cannot care for themselves. It is the calling of those of us who do so willingly through our deeds.
- ck, manchester

Honest disagreement is what you are getting Mr. Robinson, some of us happen to think that the private sector can do more with our money than government beaureacracy. Yes, members of the early church gave up their goods VOLUNTARILY. And charity to those in need is still a cornerstone of the faith. But Mr. Robinson, having ever-larger amounts of taxation is not charity, charity is voluntary.
- Dw, Litchfield

Where to start on this one? Those much quoted stats on infant mortality don't stand up to scrutiny. And the 50 million uninsured? I do believe that figure went from 17 million to 50 million in the 4 days between 2 of the presidents speeches. Yes, members of the early church gave up their goods VOLUNTARILY. And charity to those in need is still a cornerstone of the faith. But Mr. Robinson, having ever-larger amounts of taxation is not charity
- dw, litchfield

The thing that many people don't understand is that we already have health care for everybody. If you are poor and go to the emergency room, they can't refuse to help you. I know another person that had a baby and she didn't pay a dime. The problem is that ALL the other people that have health insurance pay for those that don't. We pay in higher premiums and higher co-pays. The system needs reform but let's not have a public option, but a system where EVERYBODY pays what they can afford.
- Tom, Barnstead