Am I my brother’s keeper?

"The phrase “my brother’s keeper” occurs in the context of the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-9. After the Lord God had expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden for their disobedience, Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy that God had found Abel’s sacrifice acceptable, but He had rejected Cain’s. After the murder, the Lord, knowing full well what had happened, asked Cain where Abel was. Cain’s response was "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"

There is a grain of truth in this brazen lie, despite the surly response Cain offers to the God who created him. While no one is the absolute “keeper” of others in that we are not responsible for everyone’s safety when we are not present, every man is his brother’s keeper in that we are not to commit violent acts against them or allow others to do so if we can prevent it. This sort of “keeping” is something God rightfully demands of everyone, on the grounds of both justice and love. But Cain’s reply indicates a total lack of any kind of feeling for another human being—not to mention the absence of brotherly love—and the overriding presence of the kind of selfishness which kills affection and gives rise to hatred."

Our churches are no longer capable of meeting the needs of today’s overwhelming crisis of poverty and deprivation. If these needs are to be met, they must be met by we the people, in our capacity as a government of, by, and for its people. SC

Taken for the most part from an Internet source. SC

TWO SIMPLE TRUTHS:

In the United States of America, people who live frugal, law abiding lives, reporting day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, and decade after decade, to the very best job they’re able to find and perform, should have decent housing, affordable health care, and healthy food for their families. And they should not lose everything they own when they’re no longer able to work.  And here’s another simple truth: People who don’t believe this are not following Christ.  SC

I’m not an economist, but the problem with our economy today is not rocket science. Our difficulties today are not the result of a broken system.  They are the result of greed, corruption and abuse. Our economy today suffers from the effects of trickledown economics and those who support and sustain it. Its supporters argue that allowing corporations and the very privileged among us to absorb the vast majority of our country’s wealth will result is that currency trickling slowly down to those who perform the labor. Rarely do those who perform these tedious, backbreaking tasks enjoy the fruits of their labors. The vast majority of wealth created by their efforts goes directly to the spoiled aristocrats who sprawl on their ever-widening posteriors, collecting their perks, thumbing their noses, and enjoying what others provide through daily toil. Every budget, whether it is household, state, or federal, relies on cash flow in order to function. Because of the ineffectiveness, greed and abuses of trickledown economics, we have no cash flow today.  The vast majority of this country’s wealth flows directly to the top and stays there. This fall we have a choice.  We can continue enabling the apathy, contempt and indifference of the privileged class, or we can support those who advocate fair and equitable policies intended to reward those who actually support our system.  SC

Personally, I rarely consider voting for candidates who show no capacity for reason, cooperation and civility during their campaign. If they can’t be gracious and positive as a candidate, the likelihood that they will prove productive while in office is slim and none. SC

It is not the election results of 2016 which will determine our country’s future.

While it is not my intention to underestimate in any way the importance of this year’s watershed election, the future peace and prosperity of our great nation may well rely as much on our response to the results, as on the results themselves. Regardless of the partisan balance of power in 2017, the future of the United States of America remains in the hands of we, the people. It is not the election results of 2016 which will determine our country’s future, but the extent of our resolve, devotion and allegiance to our grand, old flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.  SC

Hang in there, folks. We can do this.

An ol' Roger Miller tune suggests:

"Everything changes a little as it should,

Good ain't forever and bad ain't for good."

I'm still convinced there are better days ahead. If we just line up single file, just like kids in school, we'll each have someone leading our way, and someone to back us up.

Hold hands. Be polite. No pushing.  

Anyone who is unable to comprehend these basic concepts should never be elected to office.

OUR GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE PROBLEM

Irreconcilable differences may be reason for divorce in a marriage of two unhappy or seemingly unsuited individuals. In a diverse and multifaceted society, irreconcilable differences are inherent and almost unavoidable.  Irreconcilable differences are not the problem with our government.  Irreconcilable differences are why it’s absolutely necessary that we preserve government. In a democratic, self-governing society, government is the only way to reach equitable, peaceful, mutually acceptable resolutions to what might otherwise represent irreconcilable differences. Because of America’s Constitution and all the other documents which provide and preserve the rules and regulations of our democracy, we have no irreconcilable differences. We achieve consensus and peaceful coexistence through negotiation, compromise and the never-ending efforts of a free, self-governing people.  SC     

Gridlock occurs when we elect individuals who are unable or unwilling to negotiate and compromise. Anyone who is unable to comprehend these basic concepts should never be elected to office.