Charlie Rangel asks WWJD about the debt ceiling

[Renew Deal]

I'm sure you all are well aware of the looming debt ceiling crisis and I thought I'd let you all know where I stand. Recently, I asked the question, "What Would Jesus Do?" in regards to raising the debt ceiling. Would he protect tax breaks for huge corporations and billionaires or would he protect Medicare and Social Security? Would he reduce the deficit on the backs of those who need the most help, our seniors, veterans, and working families, or would he ask everyone to pay their fair share? You can watch footage here.

From his perch at Fox News, Mike Huckabee responded, saying "well for starters, he'd pay his taxes." I thanked Mr. Huckabee on the House Floor for acknowledging that it is right to pay taxes and that Jesus understood everyone needs to pay their fair share to help those who are less fortunate. You can read about it here.

This is not just a Democratic issue. It's a moral issue. It's about helping the hopeless. As Jesus said in the Bible, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Regardless of one's belief, everyone agrees that we will be judged by how we treat our neighbors, and the least among us.

America is built on the foundation of "In God we Trust". Therefore all of us, living in the greatest nation in the world, have an obligation to fulfill that commitment. We have a moral obligation as a nation to protect and care for the poor, the aged, and the sick. There is no doubt in my mind that individual, spiritual leaders have felt a far more compassion for the powerless than I am able to express. However, collectively, their voices have not been heard. I am calling our nation's spiritual leaders to get involved.

Finally, I'd like to ask something of all of you: this weekend, when you go to your houses of worship, please keep this debt struggle in mind and ask your religious leaders and fellow congregants to engage in the debate. Where do they stand on Medicare and helping the sick, elderly, and poor? Where do you stand?

Sincerely,

Charlie Rangel

[bluerum]

1. Even though I hate relgious in god we trust bull$hit, I had to rec this one.

[former9thward]

2. I think Jesus would save some money by not being in military adventures

in 4 or 5 different countries. Then he would not have to worry about a debt ceiling.

[Joe the Revelator]

3. This is bullshit...the fact that this was said by an American congressman is bullshit....

...and the fact that he said that America was founded on the idea of "in god we trust" is mega bullshit.

[Liberalynn]

4. I am no longer a Catholic. I am now agnostic

and have plenty of issues with organized religion.

Still the aiding the poor is what I was taught Jesus said. That and not judging other people.

Its too bad so few of these so called "Christians" don't give a fig about what Jesus really said.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[checks-n-balances]

6. Do you have a link, or did you receive this as an email, or what?

Thanks.

[Renew Deal]

7. Email...

I don't know if it's on his site.