“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”
- Mahatma Ghandi
“If you don’t want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values. Because you don’t.”
- Comedian John Fugelsang (sometimes mistakenly attributed to President Jimmy Carter)
Guest column by earthmother
AKA Jerel M. Giarrusso
As you deliberate – again – about the state budget and taxes and cutting services and all those issues that will have a serious impact on the quality of life for a majority of Louisiana citizens (the folks who voted you into office, not the oligarchs you are beholden to), many of us have some things to say to you. First of all, STOP WASTING OUR TAX DOLLARS ON SESSIONS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, EXTRA SPECIAL SESSIONS. You are stealing your salary, your per diem, and even the light bill at the Capitol, etc., when you blather forever without passing a realistic, workable budget bill.
Citizens have been begging you to do the right thing. Nothing any of us says has an impact on you. All we have are votes, not bribes or threats. We have condemned the corporatocracy, where corporate welfare costs Louisiana more than public welfare. Three years ago, LouisianaVoice published my first letter to you, with the link below, if you want to refresh your memory.
Many of you claim to be devout Christians. Since a majority of you don’t heed the cries of the mortal voting public, thanks to a little nudge from the Holy Spirit, I’ll try letting God do the talking to you.
I checked to see what the Bible says about taking from the poor and giving to the rich. Here it is:
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty. Proverbs 22:16
Next, His ideas about taking from the poor, those who work, caring for the poor, the oppressed – “the least of My brothers and sisters.” God’s thoughts about that topic fill up most of the Old and New Testaments with hundreds of verses exhorting us to love another and care for the less fortunate. It’s not practical to reprint the entire Bible, so a few key verses are printed below. You can read in God’s own words what He expects of us all. That happens to include you.
Before you tell me that God did not say that government has to provide for the less fortunate, but that charities, churches and individuals are commanded to do so:
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God… whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God…For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them – taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:1-7
The New International Version (NIV) is quoted. That’s a version of the Bible, the tome you tried to make the state book a while back. You might want to actually read it.
Be forewarned, some of this is pretty radical stuff. Following some of these divine directives will cost you some old friends, who will accuse you of being a liberal, a libtard, or a prog, like that’s a bad thing. Better to lose those who would lead you down the road to perdition, and save your immortal soul.
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26
Another reminder, while you’re listening to folks like the Koch brothers, Americans for Prosperity, LABI and Stephen Waguespack, Grover Norquist, Father God has more juice than any of them. You’re better off in the long run being in the good graces of The Lord than with humans serving the wrong overlord. Satan always comes in last and the Lord God prevails.
I’ll shut up now and let the Lord speak to you in His own words. Please be sure to read to the end.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13
Give to the one who begs from you. Proverbs 29:7
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17
No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24
Do not rob the poor…or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them. Proverbs 22:22-23
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God;…woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation; …sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; …it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Luke 6:20, 24
Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them. Psalm 12:5
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:31
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. 1 Timothy 6:18
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9
When you give a feast, invite the poor…and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection. Luke 14:14
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Psalm 140:12
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner. Leviticus 19:9-10
A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. Proverbs 11:4
Those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. There was not a needy person among them, for the owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-35
Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise. Luke 3:11
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? James 2:15-16
I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Proverbs 28:6
Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom; she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. Ezekiel 16:49
I command you, “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what your possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. Matthew 19:21
As for the rich…do not set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see him naked, to cover him? Isaiah 58:6-7
If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18
Open your mouth for the rights of all who are destitute. Defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
May he defend the cause of the poor, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! Psalm 72:4
You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns. Deuteronomy 24:14
If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Leviticus 25:35
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:19
Did not I weep for him whose day was hard? Was not my soul grieved for the needy? Job 30:25
The Final Judgment:
34 Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’
41 ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46
Editor’s note: If you’re a member of the legislature and this made you a little uncomfortable, that was the intent. If it didn’t, then you’re just another political hack, a hypocritical opportunist.
Brava earthmother!! 🙂
How can these folks go to church and pray? They need a talking to from their ministers, pastors and priests. Of course, we will have “In God We Trust” posted in all public school buildings in Louisiana and the problems will take care of themselves. It appears that in America today it is a sin and a shame to be poor.
It seems that in way too many cases, the ministers are under the control of those that contribute the money to the church. These folks’s politics, too many times, drive what and how the minister preaches to them. Sadly, the political religion “trumps” submission to God’s Will. This has been going on a very, very long time…beware what is recognized as a “church.” The New Testament gives very specific guidelines on how to determine a Church from a “church.”
Amen and Amen!
Well said
Edith beat me to the punch with the Amens, but I will say many of the non-political churchgoers I know ignore these scriptures, as well, and consider people who don’t believe breaking the cycle of poverty is a simple matter of getting off one’s ass and going to work, socialists. Though socialism is based on the same principles these scriptures promote, it is considered evil by most conservatives and even a few liberals. Once that leap is made, dismissing “the least of these” becomes quite easy. And, greed is good. Just ask our President.
Stephen, it is been my experience that often, when dealing with folks that attend these “political churches”, the driving force in their beliefs and actions is a “me first” attitude. The poor are just taking their hard earned money, the children should have picked better parents, the old should have families that take care of them as I take care of mine. I am not sure how this can be changed because “self preservation” is strong in all of us and made stronger when others agree with you….all I can think of is that Jesus looks at America as it is spiritually currently and all to often….weeps!
Just one more thing….this is a very serious time for America…everything is in play and not in good ways. The courage of spiritual conviction, the courage of real patriotism, the courage to defend the truth, the courage to defend our allies at home and abroad….the list is long and depressing. Perhaps it is true:
“If My people will pray and turn from their wicked ways….” may be our best action. Pray and then do! This may be our challenge. Sorry for rambling on…
Stephen, I hear it on a daily basis,and I do mean daily. The poor are that way because they choose to be, get a job, quit mooching off me, the tax payer. Blah, blah, blah, but they fill up the pews every time the doors open.
^ This.
These “representatives” have sold their souls to Grover Norquist and believe that their obligation is to him rather than to God. Their own daily bread is what corporations take care of through funding their campaigns. The will and strength to do “the right thing” is a foreign concept for our “representatives.”
Preach on, Sister!
I couldn’t help noticing a conspicuous absence of the usual name calling (you know, libtards, commies, bleeding hearts, etc.) by our conservative brethren. Guess they dont want to be seen as being at cross purposes with the Scriptures.
Or maybe they’re just too busy polishing their halos.
The lord said to feed , clothe and help the poor. He DID NOT say give them these things so that they can spend the money they have on gambling ,tattoos expensive vehicles and accessories. Even Jesus rebuked and cast out the frauds . When our Govt has enough guts to go after and eliminate the millions of dollars of fraud and waste . Then and only then will i even think about supporting taxes. and before you start trying to act holier than me. Don’t bother . i know i’m good with God and his teachings.
You are correct. Gambling, tattoos and expensive vehicles and accessories would be the wrong use of charity. But you can’t purchase those things with proper health care, adequate shelter for the homeless or food for a hungry child’s belly. I’ve yet to see anyone purchase an expensive vehicle with food stamps. Yes, there is waste and people spend money foolishly. But maybe, just maybe, when “the government has enough guts to go after and eliminate the millions of dollars of fraud and waste,” it will also have the guts to slash the billions (that’s billions with a ‘B’) of dollars of fraud and waste doled out in the form of tax breaks for corporations like General Electric which has not paid a dime in taxes in years but still manages to send jobs overseas. Maybe politicians will stop hiding behind the flag and the Bible while homeless veterans roam the streets hungry and in need of mental health treatment. Maybe our gutless elected officials will wake up to the crying need to do something of substance about campaign finance reform. The same corporate CEOs who scream the loudest about high taxes (like the Koch brothers) don’t blink an eye when it comes comes to contributing millions upon millions to political campaigns in order to protect their precious tax breaks. That money could do some real good if it were just redirected toward better purposes than buying politicians. Just do a little research into how much is contributed in all the races for president and 535 members of congress and all the state governors and legislators. It’s positively mind-blowing! And yet, those contributors are the ones who pay little or no taxes while you and get the bill.
Oh, and I’m just a bit put off by people telling me how “good” they are with God and his teachings. If you’re that good, you don’t have to remind anyone.
Amazingly great response!!!! Perfect.
No one can gamble or otherwise misuse healthcare and education. Medicaid fraud almost always involves providers, it’s almost impossible for recipients to accept fraudulent health care services. The whole “welfare queen” myth was debunked long ago – few people receiving public assistance are driving expensive vehicles or wearing designer clothes. They are just trying to feed their families and survive. Jesus did rebuke the frauds, I believe they were money changers in the temple, not the poor.
As far as being “holier than thou,” maybe that fits, and if so I apologize. You won’t be hearing much from me again for a week- our flight leaves shortly for our annual mission in Honduras.
Bendiciones, and see y’all later.
Safe travels, Jerel, and thanks for all you do.
Evidently, many reading and writing in this blog believe they are free of sin, because they feel they can cast the first stone. What I would like to know is, what exactly are the readers and writers in this blog doing with their own money to help the poor and feed the hungry.
I believe Earthmother just answered that in spades. As for me, one thing I don’t do is contribute to politicians. St. Jude’s, yes. Children’s Hospital, yes. My church, yes (though admittedly less than what I give to St. Jude’s and Children’s).
And just for the record, Alex, NO ONE has claimed he or she is free of sin (please show where anyone ever made that assertion) and for you to imply that is a little disingenuous. And, to be sure, our comments were not the “first stone.” I believe Jindal, Trump, Grover Norquist, Rush Limbaugh, a few jet-setting televangelists like Falwell and Pat Robertson and the Tea Partiers were hurling rocks at the marginalized among us long before we ever entered the fray.
I do not think Earthmother answered anything. As for your contributions, good for you, but… are they enough? Why don’t you contribute more?
Alex, let me clear that up, I am not a wealthy woman, but I mange to contribute to several charities, monthly..I don’t recall any of the regulars on this blog, claiming to be sinless, but I do believe that they are sincere in their empathy, and compassion for others less fortunate.
Thank you.
Matthew 6:1 (BBE) Take care not to do your good works before men, to be seen by them; or you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Proverbs 16:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
I’m sure you do go works, as well.
This piece in the blog was about telling other what to do. My question was only what exactly is Earthmother and the readers and writers doing to feed the hungry, help the poor and console the sick.
Wow. Alex, you can put your cloth down now. The reflection from your halo is blinding me all the way up here in Shreveport.
You really don’t think Earth Mother answered your question in saying she was leaving for her annual church mission? What do you want from her?
Your attempt at smearing everyone else with bland accusations is a little clumsy and self-serving.
If every one of the readers responded by itemizing things they had done to help the poor, you’d find something else to criticize–like maybe accusing them of bragging or your suggestion that they do even more. But that’s okay. If that’s what makes you feel good, to criticize others’ attempts to try to make things a little better, that’s your right. Just stay out of our way.
In fact, you’re probably of better use doing just what you do–trolling. You kind of galvanized the rest of us.
Evidently, Angelo, you do not take people with other ideas very well. Just because I stated a different position, I am smearing? Wow. That I have to stay out of the way? Wow. I don’t troll. I state my position.
I am paying my taxes and feel good when I see my taxes help my fellow Louisianian.
The issue at hand is a very small sales tax to fund programs such as TOPS, health care for the poor, and education. We as citizens of Louisiana must decide, is health care important? Is higher education important in Louisiana? If these programs are important, then we need to provide the funds so that they will continue. It is a question of what are our priorities. The large corporations have lobbyists and campaign contributions to insure they get what they need,
And I was suggesting that plenty of people do plenty of things for humanity, animals, and the planet, at their own cost, but do not brag about them, reflecting the principles in the scriptures I quoted.
Are you familiar with the term “do-gooders”? It’s translation is not literal.
Yes, Stephen, I am familiar. Thanks for asking. And yes, plenty of people do very good stuff. And plenty of people do *not* tell other people that they are not Christians if they do not help the poor and the sick with other people’s money.
P, S, Are you familiar with term “troll” and are you one? Otherwise, your attempts to goad people without a purpose make no sense.
It seems I struck a nerve. I do not troll. I do not goad people. I state my position, which happens to be different from the one stated in this blog piece and from several readers and commenters of this piece. Before you criticize other people’s Christianity, you should look into your own mirror, and see if you are doing enough, with your own money and your own time.
Me thinks Alex just loves to argue…
First the Governor told us LSU football was going away if he didn’t get more money from the folks in way of higher taxes, then grand ma was going to be thrown out of her nursing home, now food stamps are being eliminated. Do the democrats ever feel no shame in scaring people and lying ? Isn’t it a sin to waste hard earned money that is taken through taxation? 28 billion dollar budget but that is still not enough money for the government. Don’t preach to me about being a Christian when you are a thief .
And who would know more about thievery, Mr. Roges, than Republicans like Scott Pruitt and idiot Trump? Maybe the Clintons? You don’t like Democrats, I’m not wild about Republicans so, here’s the deal: name me one honest politician from either party, just one who consistently tells the truth without spin or outright lying.
…..Didn’t think you could. Neither can I. Let’s call it a draw.
As he confronts his own mortality, I believe John McCain fits the bill, but he is the only one I can think of.
And Bernie. Don’t know why I didn’t immediately think of him. I guess because he’s been so quiet lately.
Well, there’s that Keating Five thing….