Letters to the Editor

Say what you mean

This is in regard to the Oct. 8 letter to the editor by Mary Therese Egizio "Ban birth control pills."

She claims that "real Catholic health care is one of the few places where women are truly respected and valued for all their talents and abilities."

As a former Catholic, I couldn't disagree more. From what I've witnessed, the primary role of women in Catholicism is that of a brood mare. It isn't really difficult to understand why. The more Catholics, the more money for the Vatican.

I had to laugh at Egizio's ludicrous claim that birth control "sterilizes" the act of love between partners.

Is that to say the act of love is only valid if conception is likely?

If the Catholic Church valued and respected women, females would be allowed in the priesthood. Instead, otherwise intelligent women are chastised if they choose not to bear a dozen children.

If Egizio is so concerned about women's health, why did she not bring up the very real risks of childbirth, including the fact that the maternal/infant death rate in this country has been rising?

A woman who is in a perpetual state of pregnancy risks osteoporosis, prolapsed bladder, uterus and bowel and other complications, but Egizio did not say anything about that.

People see through transparent attempts to force religious dogma on others. I'd have more respect for Egizio if she'd just come right out and say what she means -- that all birth control should be outlawed.

Mary Beth O'Connor

Joliet

The Joliet Tea Party and Homer/Lockport Tea Party have answered your call to gather the gubernatorial candidates together to answer to you! We are hosting a forum/town hall meeting for our community to come out and question the Illinois candidates for governor. The primary election is 90 days away, and the only way we can make an effective change is to be an informed electorate. The forum is intended to find a candidate that will represent our values, understand our concerns and stand for the will of the people. The facility holds 1,800 people. We want it filled! We need to hear from them. More importantly, they need to hear from us. Confirmed are Republican candidates Andrzejewski, Shillerstrom, Proft, Dillard and Brady. Declined are Democrats Hynes, Quinn. Not responded: Republican McKenna.

The forum will be at 6:50 p.m. Nov. 4 at DiNolfo's Banquet Hall, 14447 W. 159th St., Homer Glen. This forum will include your submitted questions, which will be asked by our Tea Party moderators. The meeting will end with a town hall, open microphone for the audience to question the candidates. Questions can be submitted that evening or ahead of time via e-mail to homerteaparty@gmail.com or at www.joliettaxdayteaparty.com.

Steve Balich

Homer Township