I should remember how commanding Chartres Cathedral is with its noble façades, Gothic grandeur and hundreds of delicately sculpted figures.
But 44 years later, what I remember most is that while we were visiting the cathedral, some idiot scratched my car!
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If We Were All Conscientious Objectors
Our Naples-based psychiatrist imagines a world where all professionals could deny care on the basis of religious objection.
A woman walks towards church in Naples
In Italy, sacred Catholic values are untouchable.
In fact, they are so untouchable that abortion clinics are falling like flies, forced to close because more and more gynecologists are so-called "conscientious objectors" — allowed to refuse to terminate pregnancies based on religious conviction.
But you know what I say to a country that would allow such a thing? I say okay, let's adapt!
To the next pedophile, mafiosoor drug dealer who shows up in my office I will say: "Even if you are unwell I cannot help you because what you do is against my moral values."
And since we're making this argument, let me indulge in a few more whims.
Let's see... Maybe I'll start refusing to see men who abuse their wives, anyone who bets with scratch cards, not to mention all politicians and lawyers too!
At this rate I could spend my days twiddling my thumbs behind my psychiatrist's desk and still get my monthly check for the national health service.
I mean, I'm only objecting, it's only my conscience...
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Learn more about Worldcrunch's exclusive Dottoré! series here.
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