Shouldn’t we redirect our elected officials?

We know Congress considered how to balance the budget, but failed to adequately curtail the military-industrial corporate complex, approving such items as billions for genocidal nuclear weapons and an unrequested $551 million for B61 [nuclear bomb] Life Extension Program. Why have those self-proclaimed Christian Congress ignored Jesus' teachings, of blessing the peacemakers and caring for the least of these thy brethren?

While Western North Carolinians support the work of food banks, churches and pantries, food donations aren’t enough. Nearly 50 million Americans face hunger. Charity alone cannot meet the need. Congressional curtailment of programs that in the past helped low-income Americans put food on the table is the wrong way to reduce our nation's deficit.

Elected officials could make a real difference. Congress overlooked this in passing a new Farm Bill. They should reconsider strengthening hunger-relief programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With unemployment still high and many Americans struggling to make ends meet, and given associated healthcare, educational and economic costs of hunger, cuts to these programs are not only costly in the long run, but they are immoral.

— Lew Patrie
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Shouldn’t we redirect our elected officials?

  1. “Jesus’ teachings,.. caring for the least of these thy brethren”.

    He didn’t say to use government force to achieve his teachings. Forcibly taking the wealth from one person and giving it to whom it does not belong is commonly called theft. By your logic, Jesus commended us to steal at the point of a gun.

    Real moral, dude.

    …………………………….
    [Tuesday, August 6, 2013, 6:00pm]

  2. UnaffiliatedVoter

    So TRUE, Tim…this is the lesson that these progressive types just cannot learn, and why it is so hard for them to give up the control of ‘directing their own elected officials’ !!!

  3. MrBear

    I guess I missed the part of Jesus’ teachings that justified invading two countries; killing thousands of innocent collaterals and enriching numerous companies involved in the carnage while decrying the cost of providing food, shelter and medical care for our citizens.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.