My Brother's Keeper? What About Us?

I believe wholeheartedly that the government should have more of a concern for its people. After all as the article states, there would be no government and no democracy if there was no "us" to support it. The government needs to be less about who has the power, and more about how they can use their power to help their citizens. It is amazing that so much wealth exists in the United States and that so few of our citizens have access to it. I understand that the bail out does have to target some of the high end corporations that are responsible for the distribution of goods and services, but after all is said and done and the banks and car companies have their money, is the single mother facing foreclosure going to be any better off? Or what about the college student that cannot return to school because of their finances? I absolutely applaud Obama's principles of being "for the people" but also realize that he is still a politician in our American, 21st century, capitalist society, and that in order to live in a society where there is true equality in the exchange of resources there must be a transformation not only of societal processes, but thoughts and ideals. However, in light of the current situation that we live in, the more people that we can vote in leadership that are actually "for the people" not just "for the rich", the more change we will see.

We are all called to do something! One being love thy neighbor as thy self. It is clear that some of our politicians have long forgotten this. Collectively as a nation, we got into this mess and only collectively will we overcome. Further, we didn’t arrive here overnight nor will our recovery be as prompt. Any person(s) who stands in the way of the attempts to help all of “us” will have their day. Perhaps it will come in 2012 when they or their buddy decides to run for office and “we the people” lovingly vote NO.

When will the "us" realize that we are really an us and therefore our "brother's (and sister's) keeper?" When will the "us" shut down the Rush Limbaugh types by turning them off? I am so sick of political and so-called religious posturing.

When Cain responded, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen 4:9), he had already murdered his brother Abel. I guess I think by the time we ask that question it may already be too late. Maybe the question is this, “Who is your neighbor? “ In that parable there is the teaching that we still have time to choose act wisely and walk humbly, on behalf of others. Everyone has responsibility, the government (big or small) churches, mosques, synagogues, community organizations, social service agencies, families and individuals. No need to bicker over the details, there is enough work to be done by all, for our “neighbors”!

We must be the keepers of one another, if we are ever to attain the lofty goal of forming a more perfect union.

Your vulnerability, saying there are things you don't understand, is so refreshing to read. I really think it's the republicans who are more concerned with the big vs. small government hullabaloo. They're so sure of their principles, but haven't got any ideas. Democrats aren't always right, but at least we know what solutions their principles offer us. We'd be eating principles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if republicans were in office, and nothing else. They have no ideas; they're lost. I'd rather have robust dialogue in our democracy, but I'm experiencing some schadenfreude at seeing the republicans squirm in confusion.

Did you hear about RNC chair Michael Steel saying republicans needed to include everyone including "one armed midgets" or when he said that hip hop people, like DJ Chuck D, are inspirations because they come from the projects and get involved with politics? Chuck D had to call him out on that and say he wasn't from the projects I'm all for including one-armed people, but this man misrepresents our community and so many others. I don't think one-armed midgets want him talking for them. Steel is a shill for the republicans; Ishmael Reed calls it a "talking android." Now he isn't saying the things they like and are asking him to leave.

A country founded on greed, slavery, racism and the profit margin (profit motive) has always put people last on its agenda. It is nothing new that the Government does not care about us, care about Main Street (as opposed to Wall Street) or care about those who are homeless and live under bridges, cardboard "tents" and lean-to's on Whatever Strret where they can find shelter without the "law" carrying them away and/or chasing them out of sight.

The more things change, Pastor Smith, the more they stay the same. President Obama cannot change the evil Government he inherited all by himself. The Republican vote 100% against his stimulus package should have been a "wake up" call for him to see that and understand that very quickly into his first four year term.

Those who have profited off the misery of others do not want "the system" changed. They just want it "fixed" so they can make more profits! What Dr. King said in 1967 is just as true today as it was then. We have a three headed monster we are facing and fighting -- racism, militarism and CAPITALISM!

Whether it's our government or our neighbor, we are all our brother's keeper. What affects one could affect the other, whether directly or indirectly. If my so-called "irresponsible" neighbor gets behind on their mortgage and their home goes into foreclosure, the value of my home will significantly decrease. Is the bailout plan for homeowners fair? How much will this bailout help us? God only knows. However, we have to try something. My prayers are with President Obama as he along with other government officials attempts to jumpstart this economy. My disdain is with those in the Republican Party, who instead of coming up with NEW ideas are simply trying to derail the President's plan. I believe history is going to judge the Republican Party harshly for their juvenile behavior during these tough times. The Republicans are trying to throw a wrench in the plan in hopes that it will give them leverage in 2012. For a party that tries to portray themselves as the moral compass of America, they refuse to extend a hand of grace to the American people. I agree, that there are some who were irresponsible in the ideas of what they could afford. But what's done is done. We have to move forward with bode ideas with the means to get the economy moving again.