Catholic congressman: I'd rather save my soul than vote for the health care bill

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New Orleans, La., Aug 3, 2009 / 02:06 pm (CNA).- Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao, (R-New Orleans), the first Vietnamese-American congressman and a Catholic, announced this past weekend that, because of the “stealth mandate” for abortion still present in the Health Care bill, he prefers to “save his soul” rather than vote in favor of it.

Cao, the only member of the Louisiana House delegation who had not weighed in on where he stands on the health reform bill, told the Times-Picayune on Saturday that he cannot support any bill that permits public money to be spent on abortion.

“At the end of the day if the health care reform bill does not have strong language prohibiting the use of federal funding for abortion, then the bill is really a no-go for me,” said Cao, who spent time in formation to be a Jesuit priest.

“Being a Jesuit, I very much adhere to the notion of social justice,” Cao said. “I do fully understand the need of providing everyone with access to health care, but to me personally, I cannot be privy to a law that will allow the potential of destroying thousands of innocent lives,” he explained to the Louisiana newspaper.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced that Cao will be one of seven Republican members of Congress targeted with radio ads that will play on radio stations with largely African-American audiences, urging him to support Obama's health reform efforts.

“I know that voting against the health care bill will probably be the death of my political career,” Cao said, “but I have to live with myself, and I always reflect on the phrase of the New Testament, ‘How does it profit a man's life to gain the world but to lose his soul.’”

Cao is the first native of Vietnam to serve in Congress and the first Republican to serve in his district since 1890. He won in a district that usually votes overwhelmingly Democratic.

The poorest member of Louisiana's delegation, and a devout Roman Catholic, Cao served as a board member for Mary Queen of Vietnam Catholic Church's Community Development Corporation which assists Vietnamese-Americans with hurricane relief, and is a member of the National Advisory Council of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Cao also told the Times-Picayune that he is still undecided about the merits of including a public option in any health reform redesign. He believes that it may ultimately lead to the destruction of the private insurance market and a "government takeover" of health insurance.

Comments: 68

Subscriber comments:

Published by: David
San Antonio 11/09/2009 06:00 PM EST

What happened to Cao's "courage and integrity"? Cao was the only Republican to vote in favor of the house bill that passed last Saturday. While he justifies his vote because in theory abortion funding has been eliminated from the bill...but surely he doesn't really believe the Dems won't find a way to get abortion funding back into the final bill and signed into law, does he? Mr. Cao obviously doesn't get it and just like Pelosi and Biden should stop claiming to be a faithful Catholic. Just my opinion. I am personally fed up with politicians claiming to be Catholic when their actions clearly demonstrate they are not. It's scandalous. I repeat abortion funding will find it's way back into the bill, and Cao must know that.

Published by: Nora Torres
Ontario Canada 09/11/2009 11:24 AM EST

Congressman Anh Joseph Lao's political life may be in jeopardy - this is the current form of martyrdom. May God continue to bless him with courage and integrity. Paul Bradford, a declared Pro-Life Catholics for Choice, said in his comment that the abortion money is miniscule. Does he mean that it does not cost much to kill babies? May God have mercy on him.

Published by: felix
ondo/ondo/nigeria 08/18/2009 05:52 AM EST

this calls for a celebration.am really elated that an american politican could stand against all odds.may God bless him and his family.his virtue is a challenge for every catholic.

Published by: dAVID LARSEN
scituate Mass 08/10/2009 03:43 PM EST

Paul Bradford, Pro-Life Catholics for Choice?
That must mean a Catholic that has made a Holy Faith their Choice and that they will always be pro-life ? Thou shalt not kill,so death is not an option under any miniscule circumstance? Right?
Rep Cao: Eternity is certain to outlast time. It is a good choice to to make the choice for eternity and your eternal soul than to sign on the dotted line for the obvious policy of sin that this health plan represents. That is real professional,"Pro-choice for pro-life". May God be with you.

Published by: Mike Myrick
Warner Robins, GA 08/08/2009 07:51 PM EST

A man of Rep Cao's character has the strength of Almighty God supporting him. It would do well for many public officials who call themselves "Catholic" would do well to follow his example. The liberals supporting OBAMAcare fail to understand it is not the Health Care that is the issue, it is the government intrusion into our lives with the full intent of a complete takeover of every decision in our lives

Published by: Joseph Reich
Colorado Springs, CO, USA 08/08/2009 04:00 PM EST

God Bless Rep. Cao.Were the leadership of Notre Dame as grounded in their Faith as he is, Notre Dame would truly be Catholic.

Published by: Rodoco
Peru 08/07/2009 06:55 PM EST

Oh men!, here we are in front of a wonderful model of courage and faith, two things that our world needs urgently. Let`s make with Rep. Cao this world a better place to live!

Published by: Ruane
Chicago, Illinois 08/07/2009 11:01 AM EST

The Catholic Church has never been about one issue, as much as detractors seem to colour it as such. Life just happens to be the most important. You have to be alive before you can be poor, rich, oppressed, oppressive, or anything else.

Published by: Ulysses de St. Germain
Carrollton, Texas, Usa 08/07/2009 09:54 AM EST

And we may be assured that Sen. Landry, the Planned Parenthood darling and pro-abortion "Catholic" and "I want to punch President Bush" democrat, will be in the front line of the attacks on Congressman Cao.

Published by: John Dietrich
Vancouver, Canada 08/07/2009 07:46 AM EST

Folks, this isn't meant as a criticism of anybody here; it's the way we talk. For example, pro-Life folks might say, "In this country, we have killed millions of babies through abortion..."
I wish we would stop saying, "we have killed." WE pro-Lifers haven't killed any babies. It's the hell-bound worldling liars doing the bidding of their father the devil who are the baby-killers.
We Christians must tell it like it is, in season and out, even unto martyrdom.
I pray that the hell-bound respond to the Grace of the Lord Jesus and turn around and become Heaven-bound.
To the Father through Jesus, and to Jesus through Mary.

Published by: L Emmons
Morganton/NC/USA 08/06/2009 11:18 PM EST

I think Paul Bradford is a very brave man to add his honest comments in the face of so much opposition! I agree that Cao is a brave and upright Catholic. However, it is vital to remember that huge numbers of Americans suffer without health care. Why can't we stand up for health care for all Americans and also support the end of abortion? We don't have to continue to accept an either/or proposition. It is also a great evil that so many have no health care in this country. Must be continue to be a one-issue church?

Published by: Rick554
Strongsville, Ohio 08/06/2009 10:20 AM EST

I have a feeling that we will be hearing more from this brave man. Well Done Congressman!
PS : We could use a few good Representitives up here in Cleveland, just saying!
Rick 554

Published by: Anthony
NY, NY, USA 08/06/2009 06:10 AM EST

To Paul Bradford: Catholic teaching reveals that you can never do evil so that good might come of it. Consequently, choosing a health care bill that contains funds for abortion as opposed to risking no health care bill at all is not a choice between one good and another. It is choosing evil so that good might come of it. Further, If Obama would rather sign a bill with no funds for abortion than go without any bill at all, then why would you support a bill with funds for abortion? You don't have to choose that evil so that good might come of it. You can simply vote down any abortion provision, knowing that Obama will vote for one without it.

Published by: Lisa Ortiz
Abilene, TX /USA 08/05/2009 10:35 PM EST

Thank you and God Bless you, Mr. Cao. Keep to your faith.

To Mr. Paul Bradford: "pro-life Catholics for choice": isn't that a contradiction in terms? Pray about it. God Bless.

Published by: Lana
Lake Charles, Louisiana 08/05/2009 09:15 PM EST

Finally! Something good comes out of the state of Louisiana.

Published by: Louella J. Holguin
Silver City, N.M. 08/05/2009 06:03 PM EST

If abortion is not excluded from the health care reform bill then we are no better than Hitler and his concentration camps where six million jews were killed. In fact we are worse because fifty million babies have been slaughtered thus far. Congressman Cao you are awesome!

Published by: maria ang
chicago, IL 08/05/2009 04:13 PM EST

What an example of courage you show us. Thanks for standing up to the truth!

Published by: Judy
Upstate New York 08/05/2009 09:55 AM EST

God is truly giving us HOPE through Mr. Cao. We need to keep praying and voting for representatives who stand
for truth and life for all.

Published by: Marcella
Rio Rancho 08/05/2009 09:27 AM EST

Dear Paul Bradford,
You are confused about what it means to use your own "conscience". Please refer to the Catechism of the Catholic church. You are not "Pro-Life" if you think it's okay for others to kill babies. You have a choice to leave the catholic church if you cannot accept it's teachings, but please do not confuse many by calling yourself Catholic. We have enough so called catholic politicians who are taking our country down. I pray that Mr. Cao's example will lead them and you to the TRUTH. God bless.

Published by: catherine KENNEDY
melbourne AUSTRALIA 08/05/2009 06:07 AM EST

Rate: Excellent

Thanks so much Rep Cao
We need so many more politicians like you that have the courage to be pro life ,to vote pro life, to speak up pro life!
You are like a breath of fresh air as so many WORLDWIDE are so sick and tired of all the ploys the anti lifers utilise to get anti life legislation up!
As you so adeptly say the stealth mandate!
Yes we have heard it/ seen it all before so from now on we so want to hear from more genuine pro life people like you that are smart enough to see beyond the deceptive games of the anti life agenda that is so evident as in the heatlh care bill above.
The bottom line is abortion is ALWAYS abortion!
So you have to ALWAYS be totally against abortion if you are a politician that is true to the Catholic faith.
No fence sitting here
or voting for pro choice/ abortion measures simple as that

Published by: kathy
chicago 08/05/2009 03:51 AM EST

God bless him! Wish we had more Catholic reps like him!
Re Paul Bradford (Pro-Life Catholics for Choice.....talk about an oxymoron) The point is they will NOT provide an amendment saying no public funding for abortion. Health care for millions cannot be bought at the expense of innocent life.

Published by: psalm
Detroit/MI 08/04/2009 10:09 PM EST

"Paul Bradford, Pro-Life Catholics for Choice"

Sorry Paul there is no such thing. Choice? What choice? Choices have objects. What choice are you talking about? Are you saying that as a "Pro-life Catholic" you can choose to take the life of an innocent human being?

How is that Catholic? Show me from authentic Catholic moral Theology how you can choose to kill unborn children.

Published by: W James Griffin Jr
Utica, NY 08/04/2009 09:31 PM EST

Rep. Cao's position's to be applauded. Prior to the election last November, some Catholics were using self-centered reasons to support our current president who gathered 54% of the Catholic vote. What would the result have been if conscience ruled rather than personal/practical considerations?

Published by: Angela McCluskey
Cedar Grove N.J. USA 08/04/2009 08:38 PM EST

Congressman Cao's comments brought me to tears. If we had more like him in government we would truly be the greatest nation under God! I will pray for him.

Published by: steve abril
TAMARAC 08/04/2009 03:57 PM EST

Congressman Cao, we Catholics here in south florida love your fortitude and can't wait to tell my kids about you at CCD class this September GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Published by: RMP
Penfield,NY USA 08/04/2009 03:48 PM EST

Kudos to Rep. Cao and hopefully others will follow his lead.

According to Gallup, 51% of Americans are now call themselves pro-life. Given those figures, why in the world is abortion funding still being included in any health care bill? Does the abortion lobby run the United States?

BTW, Paul Bradford (comment #1)- you are wrong- it would be better for the whole bill to fail than to risk the shedding of the blood of more innocent children in the womb. And I say this as someone who does not have employer provided health insurance.

Published by: tim mccarthy
illinois 08/04/2009 03:34 PM EST

Benedicamus Domino.
Deo Gratias.

Published by: José
El Dorado, AR 08/04/2009 03:32 PM EST

God bless you Congressman Cao. He is one of the few and rare politicians that Archbishop Futlon Sheen spoke of years ago. We as Catholics need to be steadfast and strong in our faith. We're not called to compromise on any evil no matter how miniscule it is.

"Some day a politician will arise who will be so devoted to truth that he will follow it, knowing that by doing so, he will go down to defeat. That day will be the restoration of politics as principles; it will also be the rebirth of a nation." --Fulton John Sheen (1895-1979) _Way to Inner Peace_ [1955]

Published by: Patty Bonds
Phoenix, AZ. USA 08/04/2009 03:27 PM EST

God bless you, Rep. Cao! I am so thankful for your courage and pray that it will catch on in the ranks of those who claim to be Catholic but refuse to vote as Catholics.

Published by: Rob Stasi
Douglaston, NY 08/04/2009 03:00 PM EST

God Bless You, Cong. Cao.

To think that Catholic Charities endorsed this health plan without hesitation is the reason why we are in such dire straights today. What a disgrace!

Published by: flip dawson
quebec canada 08/04/2009 02:44 PM EST

what a wonderful example for all catholics -May the good Lord bless Rep. Cao and his family.

Published by: Jo Hathorne
Shawnee, Ks 08/04/2009 02:33 PM EST

What an inspiration! Thank you, Rep.Cao for being a shining example to the other so called "catholics" in Congress. Please keep on fighting the "good fight."

Published by: John McGinn
Decatur, IL 08/04/2009 01:21 PM EST

Rep. Cao's attitude isn't much different from mine (and I'm a liberal Democrat from Massachusetts). Where we differ is in how we respond to our own consciences. Hope that works for you on Judgement day!

Published by: Marie Carpenter
Leesburg, VA 08/04/2009 01:10 PM EST

Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, Christine Sebelius, Joe Biden, and all the others who claim to be Catholic but act contrary to Church teaching, hang your heads in shame! God willing, you will all be replaced by the likes of Rep. Cao in the next election

Published by: Christine
San Gabriel, CA 08/04/2009 12:37 PM EST

Thank you, Congressman Cao, for your integrity. You are an inspiration and a model of how a true Catholic should act under pressure and persecution. The time is upon us when we may be called to suffer for our faith. What merit is there in holding to our beliefs when they benefit us?

Published by: Nancy Nelson
Rockville MD USA 08/04/2009 12:33 PM EST

God bless him. He's the one light in another wise dark time where many of our bishops are silent.

Published by: Richard Prudlo
Louisa, VA, USA 08/04/2009 12:17 PM EST

It is so very refreshing that an elected official is willing to place his career on the line for his Faith. All men of goodwill must support him in this act of reason and right.

Published by: Richard
Colonial Heights, VA 08/04/2009 12:05 PM EST

"How does it profit a man's life to gain the world but to lose his soul.”

What more could be said.

Published by: Gloria Thiele
Grass Valley, CA 08/04/2009 11:32 AM EST

God bless and protect this good man, a Catholic who knows and observes his Faith, whatever the consequences.

Published by: K
Michigan 08/04/2009 11:23 AM EST

Thank you Rep Cao. It would seem that you are the only "Catholic" as the others who purport to be so will sell out the unborn and the handicap, old and socially 'useless.' Deo Gratias.. we have a Catholic!!!!

Published by: Dan Guenzel
Milwaukee, Wis, USA 08/04/2009 11:14 AM EST

How did a wonderful man like that ever get elected to that body of fools,poofs and swine (aka Congress)? A miracle, no doubt.

May the Holy Family bless him.

Published by: eric
lancaster/pa/usa 08/04/2009 10:57 AM EST

Dear Mr. Cao,
May God Bless you for your courageous stance.
If all in congress had your moral formation this would again be the greatest nation in the eyes of God. I will pray for you to remain strong and, I pray, remain in your post to the glory of God.

Published by: Donald Derozier
Oshkosh 08/04/2009 09:47 AM EST

Esto Vir! Thank you for being a man in our whiney and wimpy congress! Persevere. Great to have real role model with a nobel cause.

Published by: Susan
Dallas 08/04/2009 09:44 AM EST

Way to go Cao! Just because its legal doesn't make it right! I applaud your courage to stand up for what is right and defend the defenseless.

Published by: Barbara
Idaho 08/04/2009 09:39 AM EST

This man has the strength of his convictions. Hopefully his example will lead others to do the will of GOD.

Published by: Randy
Shelbyville,IN USA 08/04/2009 09:29 AM EST

This man is 100% correct. Abortion hits at the very core of gods plan and creation of the human race. How could anyone with any belief in god think that is ok. Every person created is innocent if created in love or not. The creation is all the same for every person. That person is created at the monent of infiltration and givern a soul as all of us. Abortion kills that person who will live forever just as the rest of us. Who is in favor of abortion, god or satan. Satan wants to destory the human race and take as many souls to hell with him that he can. He rejected god and wants us to also.

Published by: James Maddox
Baton Rouge, LA 08/04/2009 09:23 AM EST

Cao is right.

Published by: Gina Foster
Indianapolis, IN USA 08/04/2009 08:11 AM EST

Hopefully this brave congressman can remind his constituents of the overwhelming number of black babies targeted by Planned Parenthood and their associates. God Bless Congressman Cao!

Published by: charles bolser
Chicago, Illinois USA 08/04/2009 08:00 AM EST

Why not just pass a health care bill that just mirrors the health benefits received by all federal workers, including those members of congress?

Published by: c fallace
lake grove, ny, USA 08/04/2009 07:21 AM EST

Way to go Cao. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Published by: Joanne Zabielski
Hamburg, NY USA 08/04/2009 07:20 AM EST

He obviously has more guts than most high ranking Catholics, including our US Bishops who are backing this bill...He has my vote...it might be the rise of his political career...

Published by: sabby
elmont 08/04/2009 07:06 AM EST

Great stuff. Congressman Cao is certainly an inspiration.If we had more like him the country would be on its way to regaining its moral compass.Hang in there congressman. The Lord will always come through for those who are not ashamed of him and abide by His word.

Published by: Marie Vasta
North Bergen NJ USA 08/04/2009 07:05 AM EST

Praise God !!!

Finally, a Catholic Politician who is not only talking the talk..but "Walking the Walk"..
May God use his witness to plant a seed in the hard hearts of so many politicians who call themselves Catholic but choose the world instead of the salvation of their immortal soul...
May God continue to bless Mr. Cao with courage to speak always His truth..

In Christ..
Marie Vasta †

Published by: Kathy Jordan
Garland, TX USA 08/04/2009 06:20 AM EST

I hope his constituents realize how lucky they are to have a representative with a conscience.

Published by: bert castellvi
canada 08/04/2009 01:01 AM EST

God bless Rep. Cao for his firm catholic belief that abortion is evil...we need more people in the government like him...with moral and spiritual conviction and ready to swim against the tide of evilness. We need more like him in the political arena with moral and spititual values.

Published by: Luis
Sahuarita/Arizona/USA 08/04/2009 12:33 AM EST

JMJ

Praise the Lord for giving Cao his courage!!!!

Published by: Ruby Nicdao
Virginia 08/04/2009 12:25 AM EST

Praise be to God! A Catholic Congressman who truly upholds the Faith, a rare breed indeed. We need more Congressman like him.

Published by: Lucille Schwarzenberger
Roberts, ID, USA 08/04/2009 12:21 AM EST

What a refreshingly honest and upright rep. I'll send him some support money.

Published by: roscopico
Osh/WI/USA 08/03/2009 11:22 PM EST

Herein lies the distinction between the politician and the statesman. Congratulations to Rep. Cao.

Move to my district and I'll vote for you in less than a heartbeat. May G-d Bless you and your family, Joseph. You make our nation proud.

Published by: Linda Robinson
Tyler, Texas 08/03/2009 09:36 PM EST

As a former Louisiana resident, I am overcome with joy and pride in the courage of Congressman Cao. He may be the "poorest" member of Louisiana's delegation but in the things that really matter, he is undoubtedly one of the most rich. He puts to shame those Catholics who have clawed their way to the top of the world's sand castle by turning a deaf ear to the cry of the helpless.

Published by: Richard Nugent
Buffalo, NY 14209 08/03/2009 09:28 PM EST

When Senator runs for president of the USA, he has my vote. Richard Nugent

Published by: Robert Cetl
Los Angeles/California/USA 08/03/2009 08:55 PM EST

It is rare to say - what a wonderful and pious politician; however, this is truly one. If only we had more men to serve in our government like this. May God bless all his efforts.

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 08/03/2009 08:29 PM EST

God Bless representative Cao for hearing the Voice of Christ and Our Holy Mother and standing up against any "healt care reform" bill that does not specifically exclude funding for any and all abortions!Where are the rest of the "so called" Catholic representatives at? Why are so few of them and few of the Catholic senators taking any public position on opposing abortion funding?

Published by: Milton Catalina
Richardson, Texas, USA 08/03/2009 07:39 PM EST

Amen!

Finally a Catholic Congressman with some backbone.

Published by: A Henneberry
oakton, va usa 08/03/2009 07:22 PM EST

God bless you, Rep. Cao, for opposing the murder of tiny helpless babies. You truly understand the meaning of life in which we are all made in the image and likeness of God. I will pray for you and your headless colleagues.

Published by: Kiet Tran
Oak Hill VA 08/03/2009 04:20 PM EST

I'm so proud of this man. Can anyone make it more clear than him on abortion and the stealth abortion agenda of the so-called health-reform?

We all should pray for him and others with such courage.

Published by: James Anderson
Council Grove, KS USA 08/03/2009 04:03 PM EST

Rep. Cao-

GOD BLESS YOU ! !!!

It is wonderful to see a TRUE Catholic stand up for what is right!

Published by: Paul Bradford
Belmont MA, USA 08/03/2009 02:51 PM EST

Rate: Regular

"I do fully understand the need of providing everyone with access to health care, but to me personally, I cannot be privy to a law that will allow the potential of destroying thousands of innocent lives”

Rep. Cao's attitude isn't much different from mine (and I'm a liberal Democrat from Massachusetts). Where we differ is in how we respond to our own consciences.

Pro-Life legislators can either do what Cao does and use his opposition to abortion as an excuse to leave millions of Americans without health insurance or he can become part of a group who promise to support Health Care Reform as long as long as leadership accepts an amendment stipulating that there should be no public money for abortion.

Abortion money is miniscule when compared to the cost of health care generally. Obama would rather sign a bill with no funds for abortion than go without any bill at all.

Paul Bradford, Pro-Life Catholics for Choice

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