Editorial

In the United States we have always endeavored to help the least among us, the poorest members of our society. We call it a "safety net" approach to allow the needy to receive the basics of food, clothing, and shelter.

One of the readers of the Catholic Herald contacted me recently to discuss his concerns that proposed federal budget cuts threaten to pull away that safety net. He said the New York Times reported that the federal budget would reduce by $24 billion (over five years) programs for the poor and elderly in housing, fuel allowances, child care, nutritional programs, and education.

This is in addition to the recent $39 billion in cuts that Congress passed and the president signed in January of this year. These cuts also hurt the poor by reducing housing, food stamps, loans to needy college students, and nutrition programs.

At the same time, of course, our country is spending more and more money on the war in Iraq. And Congress is attempting to make permanent billions in tax cuts for those in upper tax brackets.

Fairness and caring. Our reader asked: Do the president and Congress remember the New Testament? Jesus says to care for the poor and talks about how difficult it is for the rich to get into heaven. What happened to fairness and caring in our society, he wonders?

I have to agree. And so would the U.S. Catholic bishops and Pope Benedict XVI.

Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., president of the U.S. bishops' conference, wrote to senators about his concerns with the budget. "I wish to express deep concerns and disappointment on the impact of certain proposed cuts on our most vulnerable brothers and sisters," he said.

He said the House budget falls well short of the standard proposed by the bishops to guarantee adequate funding to assist people trying to move off welfare, to educate their children, to gain access to health care, and to overcome hunger and homelessness.

Lobby Congress. The National Catholic Rural Life Conference (NCRLC) has also encouraged people of faith to lobby members of Congress to reject budget provisions that cut funding for food stamps, Medicaid, state child support, foster care, and other programs.

"When Congress says 'Slash the budget,' what are they really talking about? The poor. The hungry, the homeless," said the NCRLC in an ad it ran about the budget cuts. "It is the vulnerable who struggle the most - to eat, to grow, to survive." The ad urged lawmakers to "remember the 'least of these' in our nation."

Pope urges care for others. In his first encyclical, God Is Love, Pope Benedict XVI also urged people to share God's love with others, especially with the poor. He emphasizes that Christians must have "concern and care for the other." Besides what governments can do, the pope says the state should support faith-based initiatives.

But our support of church and community programs should not diminish the importance of government services funded by tax dollars. We hear some lawmakers insisting that citizens want their taxes cut. But recent polls have shown people are willing to pay higher taxes to help those in need.

If we eliminate the safety net, not only the poor will suffer. All of us will end up paying higher costs in the long run. For example, if people have enough food to eat, they will stay healthier and will be able to work and attend school. If they starve, they will get sick and won't be able to work or study. Then they will become a greater burden on society.

Contact your senators and congressional representatives urging them to remember the poor and keep the safety net in place in our federal budget.

Mary C. Uhler

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Appreciates bishop's insights

To the editor:

Thanks to Bishop Morlino for his teaching at the Diocesan Men's Lenten Retreat. The 150 present gained many insights.

The talks centered on marriage and the natural law. The bishop told us that we are engaged in spiritual combat and that the mission of the church is to purify society. As enemies of the traditional family attempt to redefine the meaning of marriage, he urged us to be tireless in our defense of marriage.

I urge each of you to write pro-life letters to the secular newspapers keeping in mind that some faithful legislators are attempting to have a "one man - one woman" amendment to the state and U.S. Constitutions.

Thanks to Bishop Morlino for his faithful witness to our Catholic faith as he teaches, governs, and sanctifies his people.

Jim Holden, Watertown