In next few months we face an important set of public dis-
cussions and votes in Congress. The good news: the subject
is both straightforward and familiar, federal budget priorities.
The bad news: crucial safety net programs are again under
threat, while more reasonable solutions are again being
ignored, like long overdue cuts in military spending.
And much of the media isn’t very helpful in clarifying
even the most basic issues. One could easily believe the
only question is deciding how much to cut Social Security. . .
or Medicare. . . or food stamps. . . Pres. Obama is portrayed
as a big spender; yet he has increased the deficit less than
any president in 50 years. So what is missing here?
Here’s how one commentator responded: “No mention of the
bloated ‘Defense’ budget… or the obscene tax breaks for wealthy
people and corporations… or the Wall St. criminals who stole our
future… Nope, it's Grandma and her Social Security checks that
are to blame.” (William Rivers Pitt, Truthout) It isn’t likely we’ll
have the serious discussion we need concerning the real issues.
The ELCA, LPF, and hundreds of other faith based groups are
calling for a “Circle of Protection” around key safety net programs
like food stamps and WIC. We at LPF have a crucial contribution
to make: despite big changes in the world, US defense spending
hasn’t been reduced in ages – compared to major rivals, it is 4
times what China and over 7 times what Russia allocate! Cuts
there could solve our budget problems, create more jobs, fund
clean energy, support efforts to prevent wars… all of which
would make us stronger and safer. Members of Congress
who share that view need our support; those locked in
the status quo need our solid, sustained advocacy.
Download a copy of this advocacy update. Please contact us for more information and links on these issues: For example, you might want to check out our newly updated computer-based activity on budget priorities which has received rave reviews from adult forum leaders across the country. It has worked equally well as a community event. The computer activity is on our website or available from us on a CD – both have a leaders guide offering discussion options, handouts, tips. . .
December 1. 2013
This year's theme is:
"WORKING FOR YOUR RIGHTS."
"Where we come from does not determine who we can become. What we look like places no limits on what we can achieve. We should all have the right to express ourselves, all have the right to be heard, all have the right to be what we can be: To reach for the sky and touch the stars. No matter who we are, no matter whether we are man or woman, or rich or poor:
My voice, my right. My voice counts."
—Desmond Tutu, a key figure in the defeat of apartheid in South Africa, Nobel Prize Laureate, first black Archbishop of South Africa.
