Responsibility for Poor, Poverty

Re “Religious Groups Attack GOP Welfare, Medicaid Plans,” Nov. 9:

I believe the issue is summed up beautifully in the quote from Father Joseph R. Hacala, “What we’re seeing in society right now is a pass-the-buck attitude concerning whose responsibility it is to help the poor.” As we have seen, the GOP wants to shift the responsibility from the federal level to the state in the form of block grants, placing the responsibility closer to the people. On the other hand, we have seen churches choosing to ignore their local responsibilities in favor of “programs,” primarily overseas.

The issue becomes not one of morality or holiness, rather one of priorities. These churches want to continue significant federal funding in order to avoid their local responsibility to the people that have contributed weekly through donations and tithes. These offerings were made in good faith, and it is now time for these churches to give back to the communities they have taken so much from for so long.

To identify your church’s priorities ask for an accounting of the money collected. Where does it go and why? You will find most of the money is sent out of the community to support programs that are not related to that community.

It is time for all of us to re-evaluate our priorities, not just the party in power, and demand that our federal and state governments as well as our churches do the right thing and accept the responsibility.

RICK HORVATH

Twentynine Palms

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* Due to congressional cuts in government assistance programs, concerns have arisen that children, the elderly and the poor will consequently be unduly hurt. Regardless of whether one agrees with the policies or the prediction of their effects, if the supporters of both political parties remain true to their tenets, then none will suffer.

Republican-minded citizens have the chance to use the money and time saved (from lower taxes, decreased government inefficiency and reduced regulations) for what they consider more worthy aims--contributions to charities successful at improving lives and personal involvement in the local community and schools.

Democrat-minded citizens can now demonstrate how firmly they believe in the current government definition of compassion. To wit, because the federal government will no longer be “doing the job,” individual citizens may assist those in need by giving food, clothing, or shelter (with possibly no requirements or time limits in return). In addition, they may personally support any programs which face financial or staffing needs.

How each person subsequently acts will prove the strength of their convictions, and the depth of their character.

ROBERT SHAVELLE

Long Beach

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* If the deepening crisis in Mexico teaches us anything, it is that a sustained economic recovery is impossible without a strong middle class (Nov. 26). Middle-class consumers are needed for the ripple effect of a recovery to become a tidal wave of economic strength. Without such consumers, poverty will thrive and prosperity will be exported to nations that have protected middle-class purchasing power.

Every time Wall Street celebrates more corporate downsizing, and the subsequent loss of thousands of middle-class jobs and consumers, we take another giant step in the direction of the economic foolishness that has undermined Mexico’s future.

In reality, Wall Street and corporate America are applauding our nation’s inevitable economic demise.

DENNIS M. CLAUSEN

Escondido