Obama pays tribute to Catholic Health Association, Campaign for Human Development
June 10, 2015
President Barack Obama addressed a Catholic Health Association conference on June 9 and paid tribute to the organization’s role in passing the Affordable Care Act of 2010.
While supporting the principle of universal healthcare, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed the legislation amid concerns about abortion, conscience protection, and other factors.
Referring to Sister Keehan, the Catholic Health Association’s president and CEO, President Obama said that “we would not have gotten the Affordable Care Act done had it not been for her.”
“My first job in Chicago when I moved after college to work as a community organizer -- my first job was funded by the Campaign for Human Development, an anti-poverty initiative of the Catholic Church,” President Obama continued, referring to the US bishops’ controversial anti-poverty program. “And my first office was at Holy Rosary Church on the South Side of Chicago, across from Palmer Park.”
President Obama continued:
And at the time, when I had just moved to Chicago, the Cardinal there was Cardinal Bernardin, an extraordinary man. And he understood that part of that commitment, part of that commitment to the dignity of every human being also meant that we had to care about the health of every human being. And he articulated that, and the Church articulated that, as we moved at the state level in the Illinois legislature, once I was elected there later on in life, to advance the proposition that health care is not a privilege, it is a right.
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Further information:
- Remarks by the President at the Catholic Health Association Conference (White House)
- US bishops reemphasize opposition to ‘profoundly flawed’ health care law (CWN, 3/24/10)
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Posted by: Foundas -
Jun. 11, 2015 3:08 PM ET USA
Sorry that the ACA didn't pan out like it should have. Isn't there a saying about "Sleeping with the Devil"?
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Jun. 11, 2015 3:06 PM ET USA
President Obama offered his comments to the crowd of Catholic health care politicos who replied with thunderous applause. I wasn't there, but that's what it sounded like on the radio. Saul Alinsky must be wearing a smile right now.
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Posted by: unum -
Jun. 10, 2015 6:54 PM ET USA
It is hard to explain an appearance by this pro-abortion President touting his pro-abortion health plan at a gathering sponsored by a number of Catholic organizations. Will our bishops explain this event to the faithful, or will they close their eyes to the evil that these organizations have endorsed by their presence and sponsorship.
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Posted by: ForOthers8614 -
Jun. 10, 2015 7:49 AM ET USA
How can we express our gratitude to Sister Keehan for this scourge? Why is this president allowed to repeatedly wrap himself in a Catholic mantle? Notre Dame, why do you honor him? (the institution not our Blessed Mother) Shame! Catholics, what reparation is due?
