Call your representatives to protest cuts of essential programs

Jim Wallis says House’s tax bill begs for prophetic questioning
of Congress’ attention to the cries of a nation

Washington, D.C. ------ (Friday, December 9, 2005) Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and Convener of Call to Renewal, made the following the statement today on the passage of the House Tax Reconciliation Bill.

“The bible does not condemn prosperity; it just insists that it be shared. Our basic moral principles tell us that caring for the vulnerable should be our first order of business before we provide more to the wealthiest. The House, in approving a budget bill last month that cuts food stamps, health care, child care and more, ignored the needs of the poor. Yesterday, it followed the recent pattern of designing a tax bill that foremost benefits the wealthiest. These decisions do not reflect that best of our nation’s priorities. And arguing that these budget and tax reconciliation bills reduce the deficit, when that is clearly not the case, reflects lack of respect for Americans looking for better political leadership.�

“Budgets are moral documents that reflect what we care about. Budget and tax bills that increase the deficit put our children’s futures in jeopardy – and they hurt the vulnerable right now. The House’s decision to cut social supports and tax cuts represents a disconnect from rising poverty all around us. Are these leaders listening to faith-based service providers, who are saving lives every day, tell them that charity is just not enough? Or are they patting them on the backs for their good work, smiling for the photo, and then heading back to Washington where they forget what they have seen and heard?�

“People of faith across the country will keep doing the work of feeding, clothing and housing our less fortunate neighbors. But they expect our elected leaders to listen to our cries for justice – and to stand up for better moral priorities that help the common good. The House’s budget and tax plans beg for prophetic questioning of those who represent – and are supposed to be listening to – the cries of a nation.
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