Catholic Culture Dedication
Catholic Culture Dedication

I won't force your conscience

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Oct 15, 2012

If Vice President Biden hires me as a speechwriter, here are are few passages that I'll suggest:

  • The Catholic Church teaches that we should pay our taxes. I accept this teaching of my Church, and in my own personal life I pay my taxes. But I would not impose on the conscience of another American. If you don't think you should pay your taxes, I support your right to choose.
  • The Catholic Church teaches that we should not smoke crack. I accept this teaching of my Church, and in my own personal life I don't take crack. But I would not impose on the conscience of another American. If you make the decision to smoke crack—and that's a very personal decision—I will protect your rights and ensure that the federal government pays for your next hit. 

Waddaya think? Will I get the job? 

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.

Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: JimKcda - Oct. 17, 2012 12:54 AM ET USA

    Perhaps not - he already has an entire staff crazy writing stuff just like that, and those people actually believe those things that you think are just a joke. The Sec of Treasury doesn't pay his taxes and most of the senior staff acts as if they are "stoned" most of the time. I think you'd need to get way farther out in left field to get hired. Another good article, Phil.

  • Posted by: AgnesDay - Oct. 15, 2012 1:55 PM ET USA

    I wouldn't be surprised.