A Parable for Today

Alligators, Brevard Zoo c. J. P. Mahon, 2013

Alligators, Brevard Zoo
c. J. P. Mahon, 2013

[As we face yet another showdown over budget priorities, we realize that budgets are moral documents. Here is a parable on the eve of sequestration. Let those who have ears to hear hear!]

Jesus said to the politicians in Washington:
“There were rich and powerful people who dressed in silk suits and fine linen
and they dined sumptuously each day in the Capitol cafeteria and at the finest restaurants in the Washington area.And begging on the steps of the Capitol was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich politicians’ tables. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died, he was warmly welcomed by St. Peter at heaven’s gate. Continue reading

No to Budget Cuts for Human Needs

Yesterday, I participated in a Webinar on “The Deficit Deal Explained.” It was sponsored by the Coalition on Human Needs and Community Action Partnership, both advocates for the vulnerable among us. Ample resources plus an audio of the webinar can be found at http://www.chn.org/save4all/index.html.

I had several impressions. First, the so-called budget deal merely kicked the can down the road. Secondly, I am even more fearful that the budget cuts will severely affect the most vulnerable among us. Congress seems to be hell-bent to give even more tax protection the rich and wealthy, especially those who contribute to their campaign coffers. The military-industrial-congressional complex is on a roll and multinationals are in the driver’s seat. [Historical note: Eisenhower decided to cut the “congressional” tab out of the speech. He should have left it in.] Continue reading