FPL Daily News Reel: August 3, 2012
The FPL News Reel is a daily round-up of the top faith and politics stories in the news. You can sign up for the email version of the News Reel here, subscribe to the RSS feed here, and follow it on twitter at @FPLNewsreel.
Christian Leaders Blast GOP Tax Bill 
By Chris Lisee — Religion News Service
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has also urged Congress to extend tax credits for the poor.
Republican Budget is an Immoral Document
By Jim Wallis — Sojourners, God’s Politics
In all of our decisions, the poor and vulnerable — the ones Jesus called “the least of these” — should be protected, especially by people of faith, regardless of their party affiliations and political philosophies. It’s time to cut through all the political clutter, ideology, and self-interest.
Health-care lessons from Colorado?
By E.J. Montini — Arizona Republic, Opinion
According to published reports, three of the five hospitals treating those wounded in the Colorado theater shooting have pledged to reduce or eliminate the victims’ medical bills. Not only that, but millions have been donated to defray the costs…It’s a little different for people who have the bad luck simply to get sick.
After Aurora
By America Magazine, Editorial
Until society’s preference for the unlimited exercise of individual rights over those of the common good is tempered, our nation will remain hostage to the gun lobby. And our politicians will be reduced to offering victims condolences rather than solutions to gun violence. Is this the society we want?
‘Different than other cultures’
By Bill Leonard — Associated Baptist Press, Opinion
Do congregations across the theological and denominational spectrum need to train “911 response teams” to care for families and communities crushed by continuing, often unexpected, firearm violence?…This essential, not incidental, ministry is demanded here and now because firearm-related dangers, whether in mass murders or “domestic disturbances,” will not go away. Indeed, given the realities of our violence-plagued society, every one of us needs a course called Candlelight Vigil 101.
Los Angeles gets innovative on jobs
By Harold Meyerson — Washington Post, Opinion
In a nation wracked by joblessness and poverty, this kind of set-aside — much like the vast construction project in which it is situated — is exactly what America needs.
I Have Photo ID, Therefore I Am
By Brentin Mock — The Nation, Voting Rights Watch
Stones’ inability to get an ID comes through no fault of her own. She just doesn’t exist, according to Virginia. All we know of her reality, is what’s shared in court. At this point, that’s the ID cards in her possession: a check-cashing ID, a food stamp card, her Medicare card and a library card.
