Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Don’t punish pharmacist
I take serious exception to the La Crosse Tribune editorial saying pharmacist Neil Noesen should be disciplined for not dispensing drugs or referring to another pharmacy because of religious beliefs.
Should he be forced to participate in something he believes is wrong? Wouldn’t he be guilty in his own mind by referring to another pharmacist? Isn’t the guy who drives the getaway car as guilty as the bank robber?
Did she need a referral from Noesen? Noesen wasn’t the only pharmacist. No doubt the customer got what she wanted elsewhere. No harm, no foul. Why punish Noesen?
If his customer is allowed the right of conscience, shouldn’t Noesen be allowed the same? He didn’t check his conscience or religious beliefs at the door just because he became a pharmacist.
Why is the state using the club of licensing to force
people to act contrary to conscience and religious beliefs? Does the state have an agenda or a “religion” that is being forced upon us?
Does Noesen have to move to another state to live his life and practice his profession? Isn’t that why the Puritans originally came to this country in the first place? Have we gotten too smart by half and regressed all the way back to King George?
If Gov. Jim Doyle and the state senators and legislators have any sense of fair play and really believe everything that comes out of their own mouths about freedom, they will rectify this situation as soon as possible.
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