PEOPLE OF FAITH

A vital concept in both the Hebraic and Christian tradition is that it is most important to take care of the poor and the less fortunate among us. The administration in power in Washington now prides itself as being strongly concerned with biblical values. But, in truth, it has shown utter disregard for the needs of our middle class, our elderly, and our poor. It has passed a budget that rewards the rich with huge tax cuts and has slashed appropriations for Medicare, Medicaid, student aid, and other vital services. It is looking for even deeper cuts in next year’s budget. It has absolutely refused to negotiate with the drug companies to lower drug prices for Medicare recipients. It is making it difficult or impossible for Americans to purchase their medications from other countries where the prices are significantly lower. It has fostered trade policies and encouraged outsourcing, with the effect of the closing of our American factories and the loss of good paying jobs. Middle Class Americans are losing their health insurance and going deeper into debt. The poor cannot go to a doctor at all. Recently the North Carolina Republican Party sent a request to the churches in our state for a list of the contact information of the parishioners. The Party wants to prove to “people of faith” that their Party is the most true to the biblical tradition. This is basically wrong for three reasons.1- Churches are places to worship and should not be involved with political propaganda.2- ours is a secular nation and there is a division between church and state, 3- the policies of the Republican Party are not consistent with biblical teachings. The Republican Party will again emphasize that it is against gay marriage and abortion. It wants “people of faith” to feel that this is more important than health care, jobs, medical insurance, the ridiculously low minimum wage, and a variety of services to the poor that have been cut. I can only hope that “people of faith” can realize what is really most important. Perhaps, at this point, only God can save America. But, hopefully, the “people of faith” who attend our churches and other places of worship will help save America.