Why do so many Republicans hate Jesus? Or maybe a better question is, why are they consistently able to favor the rich, while doing real, life-threatening harm to the "least of these" and not get publicly, loudly called on it. How is it that
anyone still frames this as the party of Christian values. Consider these news stories, from the past 24 hours:
Taft plan: Cut taxes, slash aid for poor
Bush Seeks Sweeping Cuts to Curb Deficit
State dismantles aid program for people with chronic health conditions
The state is ending a program that paid for medicines and treatment for homeless and extremely poor Ohioans with chronic health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or mental illness.
Disability Medical Assistance is a $73 million state effort designed to bridge the gap while people await approval for Medicaid, Social Security or other benefits. Income guidelines mean a single person would have to earn less than $115 a month to qualify.
Gov. Bob Taft warned agencies he'll be cutting many services in the two-year state budget plan he releases Thursday. State lawmakers have until the end of June to pass a budget that fills an anticipated deficit of up to $5 billion.
Combine that piece of news with this from the article about Bush's "sweeping cuts":
President Bush on Monday proposed a $2.5 trillion budget that slashes domestic programs from farm aid to housing grants for the poor, as he sought to curb budget deficits that have soared on his watch.
There must be more ethical, humane, and yes (since these men claim it as their faith), Christian ways to balance the budget.
Matthew 25 (New International Version)
41"Then he will say to those on his left, `Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, `Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
The "least of these" are getting hit by cuts at the state and the federal level. Who will speak for the poor?