Christian Scientists believe their prayer therapy works as an alternative to modern medicine. Being a Wiccan who performs rituals to invoke the power of the universe to help heal and protect myself and those I love, I'm not one to mock another religion's belief. In fact, Christian Science prayer therapy isn't that far a stretch from what I do.

The difference is that I would never think to ask my health insurance company or my government to pay for the cost of my candles, incense, and ritual items like brooms, wands, sea salt, crystals, or silver-cast pentacles. But thanks to the vague language of this provision, what's to stop Wiccans from demanding reimbursement for our rituals used to heal? What's to stop Scientologists from demanding that the very expensive materials they have to buy from their "church" are covered the government? I mean heck, at least I can get candles for fifty cents. Scientologists pay hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for their materials, and into the thousands for "auditing" (their replacement for psychiatry). Sarah Palin's witch doctor, covered by Aetna? How much do you think Blue Cross Blue Shield will have to bust out for exorcising demons from your kid?

But critics say the measure could have a broader effect, conferring new status and medical legitimacy on practices that lie outside the realm of science.

Before the cries of "slippery slope!" can be heard, allow me to get to my main point, which is not that spiritual-based alternative medicine is laughable (it's not). This is about the separation of church and state. And in case you hadn't noticed from the title, I'm also a bit bitter about the fact that the religious and right wing are demanding that government health care not cover abortions, and yet they are trying to sneak this trash in. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Religious folks have tampered with this country's government from the start, and it's time to put a stop to it. This isn't a Christian nation. It's a democratic state with freedom of religion. Practicing prayer therapy, having some loud guy in a suit put his hands on your head and scream at Jesus to heal you so you can walk again, burning candles around a piece of lapislazuli for health... whatever you might believe in terms of religion and medicine, don't ask taxpayers or insurance companies to pay for it.

Speaker Pelosi has removed this provision from the House version of the health care bill. Majority Leader Reid, however, has not yet decided if he will remove it from the Senate consolidated bill.

The full page article from the LA Times can be seen here.

Edit: First ever rec list, thanks guys! It's been awesome chatting with you guys on here during the day.