Something to Think About
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud
It’s interesting to me when I look at the Americans fighting over universal health care and other things that affect the middle and lower income families.
Many of their politicians predominantly it seems republicans are under the false impression that you give tax breaks to the rich and create less government regulations things will trickle down to the poor and build them up. Sadly history has proven this not to be so.
Companies have had to be forced by legislation to make cars safer by putting seat belts and other safety devices in them. They’ve had to be forced to pay their workers at least a minimum wage that is still woefully inadequate.
Universal health care is still a hot topic at least in the United States. With many politicians not realizing it is the right and moral thing to do to see that everyone has access to good health care without fear of going bankrupt.
In Canada we have a federal government that is also reluctant it seems to help the poor. With an election looming they are rolling out programs to help war vets which is needed and long past due. They are also rolling out programs that help the wealthy.
Yet they have not commented on a universal drug plan that all the research seems to point to saving Canadians billions and ensuring people can afford the medications they need.
Canada is the only country in the world with universal health care that does not have a universal drug plan.
Many government leaders remind me of the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day. Jesus said of them,
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
“Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’”
Matthew 23:2-7.
I heard one U. S. politician say “health care is too costly the government can’t afford it.” think of the logic of that statement. If the government can’t afford it how can the individual?
The government has at least more money than the individual and the power to regulate and make health care affordable.
Those who serve in government both here in Canada and in the United States have far better drug, healthcare benefits and pension plans than the average citizen. Why can’t the average citizen have the same benefits as their politicians, are not all men equal?
Tony Campolo an American evangelist said,
“The reason why I buy into the Democratic Party more than the Republican Party is because there are over 2,000 verses of Scripture that deal with responding to the needs of the poor.”
Tony Campolo
He also said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
When Jesus walked this earth he healed the sick took care of the poor. We as Christians should be doing all we can to help our fellow man whoever they are.
The Talmud states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
What will you answer? What do you think our politicians will answer?
Please think about it.
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