The Old Testament describes a pattern called Jubilee, which returned land - that had been sold to pay debts - to the family after several generations. This would ensure that no family would be trapped in poverty and destitution without any hope of basic resources for the future.
As I listen to the news of January 21, 2010, especially the decision of the Supreme Court regarding campaign contributions and corporations, I grieve that the drive to create profit has increased its control on our social, cultural, political, economic, and justice process.
This will put even more responsibility on us, the people, to be vigilant and active in educating ourselves, thinking for ourselves, choosing what is truly valuable to us, making decisions carefully, and acting courageously to influence our world. Compassion, a universal religious goal, is not usually present in the drive for profit. Compassion must be at the heart of our influence.
What do you think?
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Seems to me the action of the Court cememted the status of Corporations as people. Perhaps that will make it easier to bring Corporations to Court for their compassionless acts against other people.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it puts more of a burden on "we the people" to determine which individuals are representing us and which are representing the corporations and to vote accordingly.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, one response to the ruling was for corpoage executives from about 40 companies to wend letters indicating that they were tired of being asked for contributions.
I wonder if it will be better for progressive Christians to have the republican party beholden to big business rather than the religious right
I hope revmom is right, but at the moment I'm feeling very pessimistic about the whole business. The legacy of the previous administration will be with us for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Betty Sue!
ReplyDeleteWhat I think? We are “done”!
Corporations and special interest groups are now able the buy our politicians and judges at Will and thereby dictating the political process. This, not only nationally, but also locally. There is not a thing you can do about it!
Remember the vote in Santa Barbara about reducing building heights? The opposition successfully fought this law with the moneys from a Texas Millionaire. Gay rights vote? The opposition successfully fought this law with money of the Mormon Church in Utah.
Nationally, Healthcare reform? The Republicans are successfully fighting reform with money from the Healthcare industry. Environment? Republicans are successful in stopping reform with moneys from the electrical-and gas industries. Banking reform? The Republicans are successful in delaying efforts with the help of the Banking industry. etc.
All this is happening after we, the people, selected a super majority of Democrats to
Washington, to bring about change.
It was clearly the money of the special interests groups that dictated the political decision making process and not the Will of the people.
This was all happening before the Supreme Court decision! This decision is like throwing gasoline into fire. And do you think there is hope for change?
What I think? Compared to the American political process, Sodom and Gomorrah will soon look like a petting zoo!
Gody