Rapid Response: Trading Wages for War? Tell Congress NO!

As a tireless supporter of the minimum wage and "Let Justice Roll", you need to know that Congress has somehow managed to lash the minimum wage bill to an Iraq War supplemental spending package. That means the only way to get a higher minimum wage is to vote for more spending for the Iraq war at the same time.NOW you know why Congress needs you!  In the clamour of special interests and power brokering, the most important voice of all - the still, small voice - is not being heard.  That is why your rational, moral, compassionate, courageous, and faithful voice seems sorely needed right now!  NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar sums it up best:"It is reprehensible for Congress to attach the federal minimum wage to a funding request for what most religious leaders in America have called an immoral war.  It is also immoral to ask the working poor and other taxpayers to pay for the wage increase by offering tax breaks to business.  Offering tax breaks for business and wealthy citizens at the expense of working people across the country has been a hallmark of the current administration.  Religious leaders have consistently called the federal budget a moral document and decried its continued preferential option for the rich while the Bible clearly has—as Pope Paul VI stated—'a preferential option for the poor.'" (read complete statement here.)If you agree, please take action today (below) before Congress does something we will all soon regret. Then be sure to forward this note to as many friends and colleagues as possible.  The minimum wage is too important to too many to be used as currency - especially for war!With grateful hearts for YOUR voice of faith,Vince IsnerFaithfulAmerica.orgPS:  Did you know that your gifts keep FaithfulAmerica strong?  Please consider a donation today.  Thanks!  Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Your Congressperson Your Senators Below is the sample letter:Subject: Stop Waging War on the Minimum WageDear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],I was astonished to learn that the federal minimum wage bill has been folded into the Iraq war spending legislation now before Congress. Whatever the political maneuvers that led to this situation, it is clear Congressional leadership has lost sight of the value of working men and women in our nation who have gone too long without a raise. As a person of faith I urge you to restore a clean bill, a just bill, a moral bill on increasing the federal minimum wage, without amendments or add-ons or tax incentives for anyone. We need a measure that is fair, just, and moral. Most importantly, our nation's poorest must never be used as bargaining chips for military spending. Sincerely,