Here we are, the week before Christmas, and the stopgap budget plan to keep the government running has been abruptly halted. This plan would have provided the
$100.4 billion needed for communities destroyed by hurricanes Helene and Milton, communities that voted for the very representatives who are now turning back on their promises to help them. What a lovely Christmas present.
That genius of industry and finance Elon Musk threw his weight against that assistance plus help for farmers. But, not to worry. The oil and gas lobby, not to mention all the other business lobbies in D.C. will get what they want: tax breaks and more money.
So, what happened to the promises to help those struggling people who voted for the new Congressional majority? Who cares about them when there’s money to be made by the 1%? Certainly not those beholden to Musk and the wealthy who fund them.
Prayer for the Day
Where are you, Amos, Isaiah, and Micah, when we need you,
You prophets of old who called for justice for the poor?
Where are you, Members of Congress, who turning your backs,
Now betray those suffering from hurricane damage?
Will you, O God, visit your judgment on hypocrites and liars,
Or will the people suffer even more now than in the past?
In the name of the One who calls us to justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Is this going to be the norm? Is this going to be how we operate?
Josh Hawley, U.S. Senator, R-Mo., putting the blame on Johnson.
Why do the billionaires — Musk, Ramaswamy, Trump — want to shut down the government for Christmas? Because they still get paid. [This will mean] difficulties for troops, TSA agents and other federal workers who won’t get paid. It’s their kids who will suffer this Christmas.
Chris Murphy, U.S Senator, D-Conn, on the refusal to pass the negotiated bill
The Lord rises to argue the case; God stands to judge the peoples.
The Lord enters into judgment with the elders and the princes of the people:
It is you who have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
What do you mean by crushing my people by grinding the face of the poor?
Says the Lord God of hosts.
Isaiah 3: 13-15