Who’s talking, who’s listening?

Re “Bishops’ role in health debate,” Nov. 16

A congressional representative meeting with a Catholic bishop to craft an amendment would seem to be a direct violation of the separation of church and state.

Why no outrage from those politicians who always trumpet adherence to the Constitution?

H.R. Pollack

Huntington Beach

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Why does a group of male bishops, representing a religion that I am not a member of, have more input on how I receive healthcare than I do?

Why are Democrats throwing women under the bus for an interest group that sometimes supports them?

I always stand with the Democratic Party, but if the Stupak amendment makes it through the Senate, the Democratic Party will be telling me, and millions of women, that we are less important than religious doctrine, and that to vote for the Democrats is to vote against our interests.

Healthcare reform should expand access to healthcare, not make women’s health worse off. Our leaders in Congress need to stand up for women and kill the Stupak amendment.

Martina Steiner

Los Angeles

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The Catholic Church built a level of trust that other antiabortion groups could not? This has gotten it a “seat” at the lawmaking table? Where in the Constitution does it cover buying a seat at the table?

I am 76 years old. I am a mother and a grandmother. I have voted as a Democrat since I was 21. I have been elected to my county’s Democratic central committee and to the Democratic state central committee. I have served on the board of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. I am a member of the National Organization for Women, NARAL and other women’s organizations.

I am old enough to remember the days before Roe. I’ve seen an illegal abortion in a public restroom.

I am a citizen of this country -- and oh yes, did I mention that I pay taxes? Paying taxes is what buys my “seat at the table.” When did the Catholic Church (or any church) start paying taxes?

I have been a Democrat my whole life. No more! I am now an independent voter who is pro-choice. What this country needs is a Women’s Party. I’ll join.

Miriam Albert

Thousand Oaks