In the aftermath of the 2004 presidential election, the Democrats were roundly accused of losing the "moral values voters" in America, and of being the party of "secularists" who were hostile to faith and religion. The very first Democrat to call me and ask to talk about that accusation and how to change the moral debate in America was Ted Kennedy. He invited me to his home, where he and his wife, Vicki, engaged me in a long and very thoughtful conversation into the night about the relationship between faith, morality, and politics. Their own deep Catholic faith was evident and their articulation of it very impressive. Our discussion was not partisan at all -- it was not about how to win religion back for the Democrats. Rather, we focused on the great moral issues facing the nation, and how we as people of faith needed to respond to them.
On the occasion of his death, I pray that God may now move us as a nation to address the greatest commitment of Sen. Kennedy's life -- the need for a comprehensive reform of the health-care system in America -- as a deeply moral issue and one that calls forth the very best that is within us. May we honor the life and death of Sen. Edward Kennedy by laying aside the rancor, lies, fear, and even hate that has come to dominate the health-care debate in America this summer, and regain our moral compass by recovering the moral core of this debate: that too many Americans are hurting and suffering in a broken and highly inequitable health-care system, and that it is our moral obligation to repair and reform it -- now.
Jim Wallis is the author of The Great Awakening
To learn more about health-care reform, click here to visit Sojourners' Health-Care Resources Web page.
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https://www.madashelldoctorstour.com/Mad_as_Hell_Video.html
These Oregon physicians are in the process of organizing a caravan designed to inform the public about the benefits of the single-payer option. At last count they will be stopping in approximately 23 states, on their way to demonstrate in Washington. They need volunteers and our support. Please spread the word.
Jesus loved "all people" - if we call ourselves Christians, we should too!
We won't win, but we'll do what we know is right and we'll bring everyone with us that we can reach.
We did indeed lose a great man in Kennedy yesterday - and one of our greatest champions of health care reform. It has become even more important than ever that we get this done! And rightfully call it the TeddyPlan in honor of the man who made this his life's work! He carried the torch for a long time...and now it is up to us to continue to carry it for him!
We cannot let the scare tactics dissuade us from reaching our goal!
While many of us are struggling to afford medical insurance/medical bills.
While Congress people try to stop healthcare reform.
While Congress people accept large contributions from lobbyists to prevent health care reform.
Our elected officials in Congress receive health care mostly paid for by us tax payers, yet many are trying to make it impossible for us to purchase an affordable plan of our own.
Please sign both petitions! Thank you!
http://www.petitiononline.com/PubOp676/petition.html
http://www.democrats.com/honor-ted-kennedy?cid=ZGVtczQ0MTA5OGRlbXM=
"The work goes on. The cause endures. The hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
All Americans want to see a better America. It's about time Jim Wallis and others on the left gave as much respect to Republicans and Libertarians as they do to their fellow travelers. Just because people like me don't want to see the government take more control of health insurance doesn't mean we are blind to the needs of low income people. The best solution involves the most freedom and choice for all Americans. More options for insurance companies, the possibility of national-level competition for health care policies, tort reform to free up physicians to charge less for their services. There are lots of things to discuss but not when Democrats try to stifle the discussion.
Your second paragraph shows complete ignorance for the work of Rev. Wallis, who is focused on social justice as a Christian virtue - not as a Democratic politician as you would paint him to be. Get your facts straight before you go for typical right wing ad hominum attack, if you're capable.
Tort reform? Be serious - that canard of the right.....
Democrats have done NOTHING to stifle the conversation - the wingnut right has used a vast propoganda Wurlitzer to drown out any meaningful discussion.
Also- a "good" Catholic or Protestant doesn't have to be pro-life. As I recall there is absolutely nothing in the Bible, OT or NT, regarding abortion. I would think a "good" Christian doesn't presume to know the will of God, as there's quite a bit of stuff in there about that. I also presume a "good" Christian is thoughtful enough to tell the difference between following Faith and the Word and mindlessly following a Church.
I would also like to have listened in to the conversation betweem Jim and Senator Kennedy in 2004 to see if Jim ever mentioned abortion. A good Catholic and a good evangelical should have both been solidly in the pro-life camp. Not!!