The Ryan Plan: A Declaration of War on the Poor

I've been fasting for 17 days in solidarity with the hunger fast for a moral budget because something incredible is happening in our country, and we haven't seen anything like it in 30 years. When introduced on February 11, H.R. 1, the FY2011 spending bill approved by the House, proposed $100 billion in cuts to this year's budget. Two-thirds of H.R.1's cuts will directly affect working and poor people.

Then, on April 5, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduced a 2012 budget that is much, much, much worse than H.R.1. Ryan's budget would put all the burden for balancing the budget on poor people, while at the same time cutting the tax rate for people in the top income bracket from 35 percent to 25 percent.

Some historical context on federal individual income tax rates can help us understand the gravity of this proposed budget plan:

• In 1945, at the end of World War II, the top marginal tax rate was 94 percent.
• In 1954, when Republican Dwight Eisenhower was president, the top marginal tax rate was 91 percent.
• In 1980, the year Reagan won his presidential election, the top marginal tax rate was 70 percent.
• By 1989, the year Ronald Reagan's presidency ended, the top marginal tax rate was 28 percent.
• When Clinton took office in 1992, he raised the top marginal tax rate to 39.6 percent, where it stayed throughout his presidency.
• Clinton balanced the budget and left office with a surplus.
• Bush Jr. chipped away at the top marginal rate until it rested at 35 percent in 2003, where it remains to this day.

Americans (Republicans and Democrats) used to take pride in paying their taxes. Our contributions made this nation great. We lived on less and paid our fair share to make sure all of our most basic needs were met. That changed in the 1980s with the onset of Reagan's "trickle-down" economics. Reagan slashed the budget more than any president before him and drastically lowered the top marginal tax rate. And we found the trickle didn't go far. Most Americans never felt one drop.

Now, in the middle of a time of war; in the middle of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression; in the face of history which teaches us that balanced budgets require extra revenue from top marginal tax payers (not just cuts to services for the poor) -- in this context -- Rep. Paul Ryan has proposed the lowest top marginal tax rate since the onset of the Great Depression and the death of services to the poor, domestically and abroad.

Did you know the top 400 richest Americans have more wealth than the bottom 50 percent combined?

Did you know CEO pay has increased by 20 percent to a median pay of $9.6 million for top executives at 200 major companies since 2009, while worker pay has remained virtually unchanged (decreased by 0.1 percent) in the same period?

The Ryan plan is not fiscal responsibility; it is a declaration of war on the poor. The GOP is currently being led by blind ideology that has potential to literally kill people -- real people made in the image of God.

And so, I fast.

And last week NY Faith & Justice board members Veronica Black (Rainbow Push), Rev. Gary Wiley (Trinity Grace Church), Rev. Peter Heltzel (Micah Institute), Rev. Derrick Boykin (Bread for the World), and Tim Bomgardner (World Vision) joined the hunger fast as well! Together, we are fasting with more than 30,000 Americans who are hungry for a moral budget.

As Palm Sunday approaches and Easter rounds the corner, let us remember Jesus' last sermon before going to the cross: "Just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did to me." (Matthew 25: 40)

 

 

 

Follow Lisa Sharon Harper on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisasharper

Comments

[Brandino43]

03:59 PM on 04/18/2011

The real attack on the poor came as religious communities and private organizations abdicated their moral responsibility to meet the needs of the poor amongst us to state and federal governments. Governments are, by their very nature, bloated and wasteful. They are slow to act and enslave the masses through entitlements. I live and work in a low income area where the average family receives far more in welfare than I do in salary. Many refuse to work or are careful to not work too much so as to maximize their entitlements. Keeping assistance local and private allows for more resources to be managed for the truly needy and the free-loaders are more easily weeded out.
This goes for welfare at all levels. How low the tax rates are for corporate America is irrelevant since our tax code is full of exemptions and both parties have shown a willingness to bail out the industries they are lobbied by. Our irresponsible federal government shouldn't have the resources to bailout companies who run themselves into the ground. Without all the tax breaks, government give-backs, and federal bailouts; companies with some measure of ethics and social conscience will out-perform those who chase the buck above all else because the greedy will run themselves out of business or into obscurity.

[cayuse]

10:03 PM on 04/17/2011

You forget Ronald Regan gave the top % the 28% tax rate you mentioned. It took 4 years before the nation realized he rase the top Middle Class to 32% in the same periiod. A bubble they called

He was such a Great Man, like when he filled the prison of California by stopping free Comunity College education.

If you are prone to Horse pucky that is.

[JOHNSPEAKS]

06:40 PM on 04/17/2011

-Everybody- and I mean everybody has forgotten what made this country great? Lets agree on the following -Discipline- and -Hard Work- and -Honor- and -Family- and -Integrity- and -Honesty- and -Loyalty- and -Praying- and -Thrifty- and -Volunteering- and -Doing the Right Thing No Matter What- etc. etc. etc.? So until we stop the B S we that means everybody is going to fall apart because the glue that held us together and made us great has now been replaced with B S...???

[lumberman]

03:08 PM on 04/17/2011

It is a war on the poor and the elderly and nothing more.As far as retirees,they have done their time and contributed to not only the economic growth of the country but the stability of.Some have fought wars,some have given children to war for the countries stability.As far as the top percent of rich in this country they are not even investing their money here anyway they are investing more and more over seas.Money is an asset much like goods.They got the extension of the Bush Tax cuts and jobs are still losing ground.So they are not investing here.Second when the goods comming in this country are put on a level playing field ,maybe you will see more job growth.But attacking the elderly and the poor to do it is wrong.

[iflew]

10:00 PM on 04/16/2011

Economic theory would remind us that there are costs and there are benefits. Political practice would blind us to which ever is more opportunistic for the candidate asking for our vote. There are direct costs and benefits as well as indirect costs and benefits, hidden cost and benefits and long term costs and benefits. A really good politician will have us all lining up and applauding a charming, charismatic, and passionate candidate like Ronald Reagan who invites the lower 98% of income groups to support on our backs the top 2% with our labor, our underpaid compensation for work delivered, and carrying the tax liability of our most wealthy citizens.

I don't know what they got, but they can sure make black look white, and heroes into non heroes.

[PAULTHINKS]

05:49 PM on 04/16/2011

Quite right - it is a war on the poor. That's beyond immoral - it's evil.

[notwaff]

04:50 PM on 04/15/2011

.
Is this piece trying to teach us to covet thy neighbors wealth?
.
Also, the teachings of Jesus are for his Church. Is the church doing these things or has the church handed over it's calling to the government.
.

[farmilyman]

05:53 AM on 04/15/2011

I am so tired of the alignment of the GOP with religion. It's such a farce.

[kyosaku]

01:40 PM on 04/14/2011

Assume there are 100 people who have $100 to split up. No one expects it to be divided perfectly evenly at $1 apiece, but everyone involved expects that some basic fairness will be used in the process that will split up the money.

Now let's say the $100 winds up being divided as follows:

1 person gets - $38.10
4 people get - $5.32 each
5 people get - $2.30 each
10 people get - $1.25 each
20 people get - .60 each
20 people get - .23 each
40 people get - 1/2 cent each
Source:http://www.therationalradical.com/dsep/wealth-distribution.htm

When I read this, an instant metaphor came to mind. Imagine that 100 people are going to cross a desert. It's a 15 day trip and100 gallons of water is provided for the trip, on the same distribution schedule; and everyone has to carry his or her own water.

Does anyone else think that the top 5% would be looking for changes in the rules? Hey, You! Joe 40 Percent guy; I'll give you half a gallon for every gallon of my water that you'll carry for me. Of course it wouldn't work that way. The top five would give 1 gallon of water to a porter, hired from the destination, to come back (supplying his own water) and take 10 gallons on ahead.

Or on day 5 all the bottom 40% are dead, or will have revolted, claiming their FAIR SHARE.

[notwaff]

04:46 PM on 04/15/2011

.
one problem with your analogy - the $100 did not belong to everyone in the first place.
.
if you had 100 people in a small business would you expect the person emptying the trash to be paid the same as the president? Of course not.
.
you can't apply wealth redistribution when it didn't belong to everyone in the first place. Unless your Robin Hood.

[kyosaku]

07:17 PM on 04/15/2011

This country would have failed miserably without the indigenous population, slaves, and indentured servants, whose labor was owned by a very small, very wealthy group. It is those who empty the trash, load the trucks, lay the track, or move commerce on their backs, that have died of thirst, starvation, or been murdered by those that reap the profits of their labor. Our history is ugly with exploitation by the wealthy of those they needed as resources to increase their own wealth.

You are correct the $100 did not belong to everyone in the first place. It belonged to no one. If you are the Sheriff of Notingham, it belongs to those with power supported by arms. If you are Techumse, Pontiac or Chief Joseph, it belongs to itself. As its steward, you would understand, that you are bound in a sacred trust, to see to it, that is used to support all who are part of the earth you live on.

[cayuse]

10:42 AM on 04/14/2011

I even posted you title before seeing your post

I am starting to understand the Buddhist who sacrifice themselve and all their devotion by setting themselves on fire before the Viet Nam conflict took of on Steroids.

Most American did not understand thier direction at all but were directed years later. Me I started my enlighted journey in 1969 and 1970. I got out of the service in 1969

Yet, here I am about to through away my NON-VIOLENCE and sneek to Washington just to get my hands on all the politician and Stock Traders

I must constantly remind myself of the Cosmic Delusion, the Maya

[credfernjr]

09:18 AM on 04/14/2011

We need to begin our budget debate with the poor lifted high on the priority list. My thoughts, written before the recent compromise but still relevant, can be found here: http://charlesredfern.com/2011/04/08/a-culture-craves-genuine-cue-tips/

[cayuse]

10:50 AM on 04/14/2011

Amazing we can steal CASH in DEBT paid by the worker and give it to BANK who won't give the worker a loan, but will take the Trillions and get 80 Trillions from themselve to speculate in commodities at 80 to 1 margin.

How budget (Revenue - Spending) only has one side to adjust? While the richest make 70% of income and pay no more than 50%? 800 Billion in Tax extension for more DEBT of taxation to the worker.

And the worker is asked to wait 5 years while he losses his house and more to the Bailout Stock Traders.

BEGS FOR AMERICANS to act to provide for future generations. Wonder how many RICH will fit into the new Space Ships to excape the Earth. Unfortunately, this is all there is for man to survive, thank GOD.

[Danek Greori]

02:43 AM on 04/14/2011

I'm an atheist, but I found a lot I can agree with in your article here. Though I largely deplore the Bible, it does have a some worthwhile messages, even if they are few and far between. One of the greatest messages coming from Jesus about his love of the poor and the disenfranchised. I've always been baffled by the conflicting nature of our country where over half of the population claim to be Christians, but yet many of those same people are either unenthusiastic or blatantly against charity and welfare for those who are less fortunate or just plain destitute; an attitude which defies a view point that was so maniacally important to their own Savior.

What Republicans are doing now is only possible because of us. They'll wage a war on us all, and it will only start with the poor, but it will end with the upper middle class; and not until it goes that far will enough people care to do anything to stop it. So many people live in some kind of suffering or wage slavery in our country and it has left most of them bitter and spiteful. Instead of wanting to help other people in similar ruts get up on their own two feet, lots of people just want to see everyone else in the same rut as they are.Hopefully people will make better decisions come the next election cycle.

[cayuse]

10:54 AM on 04/14/2011

Even us Theisis would agree.

It is like republican and demorats. Until we each with our FREE WILL choose to stop the night mare, it will continue.

"Establish Justice" is in the first sentence of our Constitutional LAW

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish JUSTICE

JUSTICE is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics.[2]

Put the evil doers in Jail, NOW for denying JUSTICE

[angelz]

01:36 AM on 04/14/2011

How soon we forget that this country was fleeced out of an enormous amount of money. If the sheriff and his deputies were doing there jobs this conversation about budget would be resolved. The audacity of our so called leaders to look you straight in the eye through the media and in essence say; We know you know how you were stolen from, but, forget about it! They have a piss eye attitude. They stare at you out of one eye while at the same time urinating on your leg.

Jesus has an agenda and money isn't on the top of his list. #1 on the list is spirit.
Spirit can be given, not taken, away. Some give there spirit over to the devil, while others give it no thought at all. God was, is and always will be Spirit. Humans are BLESSED with a connection to that mighty and glorious spirit that is God.
The devil would like nothing better then to have you give your gift from God over to him. Those who steal without repentance have given there spirit to the devil. They may have changed human laws to make it legal but they are still thieves. They need to unravel all that they have done.

[Billy Fritts]

04:09 PM on 04/15/2011

The Rich get Richer----The Poor get Poorer--But at Gods Judgement --I would reather be in the poor corner---

[fjg]

07:06 PM on 04/13/2011

Unfortunately, for conservative Christians there are only 2 issues that matter:
1) Abortion
2) Gay marriage
It's interesting to note that Jesus spoke not a word about either.

When I've spoken to Republican-leaning Christians, they've told me that caring for the poor should be the reponsibility of individuals and not the government. Many have asserted that the poor of this country have it quite good--in fact they live better than the monarchs of centuries past (indoor plumbing, electricity, refrigeration, etc). When taveling through the South, I've listened to this bit of sophistry on religious radio stations...what a perversion of Jesus' message.

[FoxReincarnated]

08:49 AM on 04/14/2011

Paul did,though and many christians tell others to take the bible in its entirety, or not at all.

[cayuse]

11:09 AM on 04/14/2011

Paul said this:


Romans 8:
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you..
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

And Paul Said

Ephesians 4
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Each are saying Heaven is symbolic of becoming the Spirit of GOD

Each speak for themselves of the Truth.

By whole of course you are insinuatiing the Old Testament which is not Christ teaching at all. Yes, he could say the GOSPEL of Christ or the "red letter" of the NEW Testament which is what he spoke

Read Romans, Paul makes you Laugh saying why the 10 Commandments did not work for the Jews or the Christians. Need I have to read it for you?

[cayuse]

11:01 AM on 04/14/2011

What you have is the perversion of Christ message and teaching of righteousness and becoming the Spirit.

Living for the material world does include Abortion and Gay Marrage. Only in the sense that it cannot be denied abortion is taking a life. It should not be used as a CONTRACEPTIVE. And yes, the only person to have a FREE WILL decisions is the mother. Yet, education and contraception is the only way for this change.

The gays can have any sexual relationships they want, but sexual relationships are just sex. Man should become more than SEX, Christ would say. And surely Marriage is not a substitute for those who cannot accept their own FREE WILL to feel better about their Choice. That is a personal decision and not the States or masses.

Just like choosing with FREE WILL Christ ask each person to do between GOOD over EVIL and Spiritual or Material Worlds. "Be in the World, but not of the World"

[fjg]

12:52 PM on 04/14/2011

Yes, abortion certainly is the destructiion of life and is, sadly, chosen too cavalierly in my opinion. Human life certainly begins at conception...it's most disingenuous for anyone to deny this. The Republican Party has paid lip service to this issue while fighting mightily to preserve(and increase) the wealth and power of the privileged. If Roe were overturned, the issue would be turned back to the states to decide...and the states where abortion is most prevalent are the most liberal and abortion would continue as is (Douglas Kmiec's 2008 article explains this.) It is a classic wedge issue and the Republicans are exploiting it for their true agenda of bringing comfort to the comfortable.

Some sexual relationships are indeed about sex and pleasure...no meaning attached to this powerful act. Gay marriage (or civil unions, if you prefer) is a commitment by two people to be faithful and support one another...it should be encouraged. Biblical condemnation of homosexuality comes from some passages of the OT and some of Paul's writings. Well, the NT is replete with examples of Jesus upending the rules of the OT...and Paul is not Jesus.

Peace.

[Steve Tucci]

06:23 PM on 04/13/2011

When will the Class warfare end? The focus needs to be on the extravagance of spending at the Federal level not on who should cover the check and how much their share is! We all ate the meal and now we have to wash the dishes because we can't afford to pay. Our credit card is maxed out so we're stuck. We already asked all our neighbors to chip in but we still come up short. Let's not repeat the mistakes of the past and keep ordering the caviar.

[cayuse]

11:18 AM on 04/14/2011

Oops, forgive me. I meant CLAY SHAW of the David Ferry, Perry Russo and Operation 40 version