Too many in this country worship wealth without understanding what true wealth consists of and how to produce it. Wealth properly speaking is not the accumulation of money or the power to purchase things—riches. As John Ruskin said:
“There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.”
A child cannot be happy or pursue happiness and the fullness of their own potential if they are hungry. To diminish the wealth or quality of many humans’ experiences in order to increase the quantity of monetary resources of a few is a perverse moral calculation that puts civilization itself at risk. It diminishes social capital that is essential for the cultivation of creativity necessary for our collective future. It is both profoundly unjust and profoundly self-destructive.
Bishop you are so right-on. Poor people of all races and genders need to unite to expose this need. Why is Snap just considered a hand out to poor people when it's also a life line to farmers who have a need to sell their crops? I seem to remember early on this was a talking point for food stamps. Then selfish people warped it into something poor folks should be embarrassed to be using. The embarrassment is a society that can't seem to pay their workers a living wage. And don't label people as lazy until you've lived a day in their shoes. The Snap allowance is not abundant. It's just enough to keep you from starving and with the price of food going up they need to be increasing the allotment...not cutting it!
This is written so beautifully and clearly about the moral crises and rot wrought by an extreme nihilistic party. The cruelty, like a cancer, is extending by the day to cities of all sizes and small rural communities. We must fight back and reclaim our country.
The only way to get the attention, time and money for those things that every citizen deserves is by doing the following, THIS IS THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION:
We all need to agree on what kind of country we need America to be. Maybe it's time for every representative and every citizen to come up with their own top 10 list of needs (not wants but bottom line necessary for life needs). I'll start with my top 3: 1) Transitioning America out of its Republic and into a Democracy. 2) Guaranteeing every citizen's unalienable rights to life regarding clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter. 3) Lowering our country's abuses of power. The reason for number one on my list is: No one will ever care more or know more about you than you. The reason for number two on my list is: Clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter aren't luxuries, they're all necessary for sustaining life. The reason for number three on my list is in order to lower the risk of abuses of power three basic rules need to be followed, all of which are far more achievable in a Democracy than they are in a Republic: 1) those with the most power should be watched the closest, 2) those with the most power should have their power for the least amount of time, 3) power should be spread out among as many individuals as possible. This reasoning is why I believe it's necessary to amend the U.S. Constitution as follows:
Art.1/Sect.1: After the words "vested in" add "and evenly split between the citizens that have chosen to represent themselves and,"
Art.4/Sect.4: Replace "Republican" with "Democratic" and add "The United States government further recognizing its responsibility for protecting the lives of its own citizens shall provide a permanent safety net that will prevent any citizen from becoming homeless for any reason or length of time and to include not going without life sustaining supplies of clean water and healthy food for any reason or length of time (i.e. evictions for non payment of rent shall not be allowed before the renter has fully established themselves in another rental unit).
Amendment XXVIII: Since logic, common sense and scientific facts all make it obvious and undeniable that smoking and vaping has only a negative effect on the physical health of everyone that is either directly or indirectly involved with this recreational activity and, without practical means of protecting or preserving the health and civil rights of all that may be involved; it shall be illegal for anyone of any age to smoke or vape anything anywhere.
Numbers 1 through 9 below further justify the above amendments:
1) Grant every citizen the right to represent themselves, providing a quicker, more peaceful means of resolving our problems while creating a system of government that better reflects the wants and needs of its own citizens.
2) Create a country of less ignorant, less naive, more engaged citizens that are more willing to take responsibility for their own actions.
3) Reduce potential abuses of power by spreading the power out among the entire voting population and allowing the citizens to keep a closer eye on the elected and appointed.
4) Force the government to live up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of its own citizens by providing the necessary safety net as described above in the amended version of Article 4/Section 4 of our U.S. Constitution.
5) Lower the rate of money related crimes and suicides caused by homelessness.
6) Help grow the economy by freeing up money that can be spent on all the other things that people need while encouraging entrepreneurialism by eliminating the fear of homelessness if you fail.
7) Give people the ability to stand up for themselves by eliminating the threat that unless they accept the miserable, dangerous or lousy paying job that no one else wants they'll be homeless.
8) Help create a more empathetic system of government and society by eliminating homelessness which is being used as a cruel form of punishment and control in order to maintain a sufficient supply of cheap, slavishly obedient laborers.
9) Take away an abusers' ability to use homelessness as a threat against someone who isn't capable or prepared to live on their own.
Since changing our form of government from a Republic to a Democracy overnight will most likely create kaos and violence, a transitional plan will be needed. This transitional plan should start us off by mandating that the votes of the citizens be taken nationwide, that the results be limited to ratifying, amending and repealing only those issues that most directly affects every citizen's rights to life (i.e. clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter) and, shall apply to every citizen throughout this nation.
Of course none of this will ever happen until enough of us truly believes that America needs to be a Democracy so pass this on to everyone you can including https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
So clear, so powerful. Thank you for all the hard work, the inspiring work that will help turn the polluted tide. I look forward to meeting you on June 2nd.
I am of the belief that the cruelty and death issued by the wealthy and powerful class upon the working poor and poor class is the "Original Sin" of the human story. Seems so many other sins fall out of this Original division of the human family. I wish I could join with this ancient yet modern cry for justice this June. I would consider it an honor to join with and be led by my poor sisters and brothers in their sacred and Godley cause. Bless all who can attend. May God protect and empower their righteous and moral endeavors. 🙏
As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated on March 30, 1968, "We are Sleeping Through a Revolution" - We appreciate you and your staff's consistent engagement with the nation on Poverty and its impact on children/families - Please those who are on this thread, take time and listen to Dr. Kings, "Last Sermon"- 1968-2025
The only way to get the attention, time and money for those things that every citizen deserves is by doing the following, THIS IS THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION:
We all need to agree on what kind of country we need America to be. Maybe it's time for every representative and every citizen to come up with their own top 10 list of needs (not wants but bottom line necessary for life needs). I'll start with my top 3: 1) Transitioning America out of its Republic and into a Democracy. 2) Guaranteeing every citizen's unalienable rights to life regarding clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter. 3) Lowering our country's abuses of power. The reason for number one on my list is: No one will ever care more or know more about you than you. The reason for number two on my list is: Clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter aren't luxuries, they're all necessary for sustaining life. The reason for number three on my list is in order to lower the risk of abuses of power three basic rules need to be followed, all of which are far more achievable in a Democracy than they are in a Republic: 1) those with the most power should be watched the closest, 2) those with the most power should have their power for the least amount of time, 3) power should be spread out among as many individuals as possible. This reasoning is why I believe it's necessary to amend the U.S. Constitution as follows:
Art.1/Sect.1: After the words "vested in" add "and evenly split between the citizens that have chosen to represent themselves and,"
Art.4/Sect.4: Replace "Republican" with "Democratic" and add "The United States government further recognizing its responsibility for protecting the lives of its own citizens shall provide a permanent safety net that will prevent any citizen from becoming homeless for any reason or length of time and to include not going without life sustaining supplies of clean water and healthy food for any reason or length of time (i.e. evictions for non payment of rent shall not be allowed before the renter has fully established themselves in another rental unit).
Amendment XXVIII: Since logic, common sense and scientific facts all make it obvious and undeniable that smoking and vaping has only a negative effect on the physical health of everyone that is either directly or indirectly involved with this recreational activity and, without practical means of protecting or preserving the health and civil rights of all that may be involved; it shall be illegal for anyone of any age to smoke or vape anything anywhere.
Numbers 1 through 9 below further justify the above amendments:
1) Grant every citizen the right to represent themselves, providing a quicker, more peaceful means of resolving our problems while creating a system of government that better reflects the wants and needs of its own citizens.
2) Create a country of less ignorant, less naive, more engaged citizens that are more willing to take responsibility for their own actions.
3) Reduce potential abuses of power by spreading the power out among the entire voting population and allowing the citizens to keep a closer eye on the elected and appointed.
4) Force the government to live up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of its own citizens by providing the necessary safety net as described above in the amended version of Article 4/Section 4 of our U.S. Constitution.
5) Lower the rate of money related crimes and suicides caused by homelessness.
6) Help grow the economy by freeing up money that can be spent on all the other things that people need while encouraging entrepreneurialism by eliminating the fear of homelessness if you fail.
7) Give people the ability to stand up for themselves by eliminating the threat that unless they accept the miserable, dangerous or lousy paying job that no one else wants they'll be homeless.
8) Help create a more empathetic system of government and society by eliminating homelessness which is being used as a cruel form of punishment and control in order to maintain a sufficient supply of cheap, slavishly obedient laborers.
9) Take away an abusers' ability to use homelessness as a threat against someone who isn't capable or prepared to live on their own.
Since changing our form of government from a Republic to a Democracy overnight will most likely create kaos and violence, a transitional plan will be needed. This transitional plan should start us off by mandating that the votes of the citizens be taken nationwide, that the results be limited to ratifying, amending and repealing only those issues that most directly affects every citizen's rights to life (i.e. clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter) and, shall apply to every citizen throughout this nation.
Of course none of this will ever happen until enough of us truly believes that America needs to be a Democracy so pass this on to everyone you can including https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
I heard not long ago that the way the dictators act is to make the people under them poor. Cut off food supplies, heat, clean water, and jobs. This is what I believe this illegal Administration is doing, and cutting out health care to the poor and cutting off Food to the poor.
Jesus once asked me, "Do you think I know what I am doing?" I immediately said, Yes. Forgive me for thinking anything differently.
Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus know what they are doing. We must ask all people to pray and ask our Heavenly Father for Mercy.
Tell all to plant a garden. If they don't have land, use pots.
Ask and it shall be given. Seek and we will find. Knock, and all the doors will open for us.
Time to stand and be counted. No child should be hungry, no person with a disability should be forgotten, no one should be detained and deported without due process.
Marian Wright Elderman wrote a lovely book with prayers and passages of sacred texts. Guide My Feet I think. It was lovely. One of the prayers was written about the children who do not go hungry and how that in the mothers life contrasts with what she knows in her heart, soul, and mind. Someone should look the book abd find that prayers and others to use .
Unite Americans!! And listen to Bishop Barber! This immoral situation should not stand!!!! Anyone who has any empathy should fight against this!!! Thank you Bishop.
Bishop Barber is one of the most powerful voices in the country. He is the only political activist I donate too. He's has a brilliant mind that speaks the truth. He's been there for each of the last elections but has not caught on. Let's hope that this time, he will become our leader.
I hear what you are saying and agree. On the other hand, how many of us are willing to do away with our phones which are built by thousands of low wage working poor in China? Just saying there are, unfortunately, hundreds of items we use daily that we Americans buy that are owned by evil billionaires from chemical laced foods at the grocery, to gasoline for cars and lawnmowers to micro plastics that are poisoning about everything and everyone. The list is very long. Nonetheless, you be true to you and carry on.
Too many in this country worship wealth without understanding what true wealth consists of and how to produce it. Wealth properly speaking is not the accumulation of money or the power to purchase things—riches. As John Ruskin said:
“There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.”
A child cannot be happy or pursue happiness and the fullness of their own potential if they are hungry. To diminish the wealth or quality of many humans’ experiences in order to increase the quantity of monetary resources of a few is a perverse moral calculation that puts civilization itself at risk. It diminishes social capital that is essential for the cultivation of creativity necessary for our collective future. It is both profoundly unjust and profoundly self-destructive.
Bishop you are so right-on. Poor people of all races and genders need to unite to expose this need. Why is Snap just considered a hand out to poor people when it's also a life line to farmers who have a need to sell their crops? I seem to remember early on this was a talking point for food stamps. Then selfish people warped it into something poor folks should be embarrassed to be using. The embarrassment is a society that can't seem to pay their workers a living wage. And don't label people as lazy until you've lived a day in their shoes. The Snap allowance is not abundant. It's just enough to keep you from starving and with the price of food going up they need to be increasing the allotment...not cutting it!
This is written so beautifully and clearly about the moral crises and rot wrought by an extreme nihilistic party. The cruelty, like a cancer, is extending by the day to cities of all sizes and small rural communities. We must fight back and reclaim our country.
The only way to get the attention, time and money for those things that every citizen deserves is by doing the following, THIS IS THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION:
We all need to agree on what kind of country we need America to be. Maybe it's time for every representative and every citizen to come up with their own top 10 list of needs (not wants but bottom line necessary for life needs). I'll start with my top 3: 1) Transitioning America out of its Republic and into a Democracy. 2) Guaranteeing every citizen's unalienable rights to life regarding clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter. 3) Lowering our country's abuses of power. The reason for number one on my list is: No one will ever care more or know more about you than you. The reason for number two on my list is: Clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter aren't luxuries, they're all necessary for sustaining life. The reason for number three on my list is in order to lower the risk of abuses of power three basic rules need to be followed, all of which are far more achievable in a Democracy than they are in a Republic: 1) those with the most power should be watched the closest, 2) those with the most power should have their power for the least amount of time, 3) power should be spread out among as many individuals as possible. This reasoning is why I believe it's necessary to amend the U.S. Constitution as follows:
Art.1/Sect.1: After the words "vested in" add "and evenly split between the citizens that have chosen to represent themselves and,"
Art.4/Sect.4: Replace "Republican" with "Democratic" and add "The United States government further recognizing its responsibility for protecting the lives of its own citizens shall provide a permanent safety net that will prevent any citizen from becoming homeless for any reason or length of time and to include not going without life sustaining supplies of clean water and healthy food for any reason or length of time (i.e. evictions for non payment of rent shall not be allowed before the renter has fully established themselves in another rental unit).
Amendment XXVIII: Since logic, common sense and scientific facts all make it obvious and undeniable that smoking and vaping has only a negative effect on the physical health of everyone that is either directly or indirectly involved with this recreational activity and, without practical means of protecting or preserving the health and civil rights of all that may be involved; it shall be illegal for anyone of any age to smoke or vape anything anywhere.
Numbers 1 through 9 below further justify the above amendments:
1) Grant every citizen the right to represent themselves, providing a quicker, more peaceful means of resolving our problems while creating a system of government that better reflects the wants and needs of its own citizens.
2) Create a country of less ignorant, less naive, more engaged citizens that are more willing to take responsibility for their own actions.
3) Reduce potential abuses of power by spreading the power out among the entire voting population and allowing the citizens to keep a closer eye on the elected and appointed.
4) Force the government to live up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of its own citizens by providing the necessary safety net as described above in the amended version of Article 4/Section 4 of our U.S. Constitution.
5) Lower the rate of money related crimes and suicides caused by homelessness.
6) Help grow the economy by freeing up money that can be spent on all the other things that people need while encouraging entrepreneurialism by eliminating the fear of homelessness if you fail.
7) Give people the ability to stand up for themselves by eliminating the threat that unless they accept the miserable, dangerous or lousy paying job that no one else wants they'll be homeless.
8) Help create a more empathetic system of government and society by eliminating homelessness which is being used as a cruel form of punishment and control in order to maintain a sufficient supply of cheap, slavishly obedient laborers.
9) Take away an abusers' ability to use homelessness as a threat against someone who isn't capable or prepared to live on their own.
Since changing our form of government from a Republic to a Democracy overnight will most likely create kaos and violence, a transitional plan will be needed. This transitional plan should start us off by mandating that the votes of the citizens be taken nationwide, that the results be limited to ratifying, amending and repealing only those issues that most directly affects every citizen's rights to life (i.e. clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter) and, shall apply to every citizen throughout this nation.
Of course none of this will ever happen until enough of us truly believes that America needs to be a Democracy so pass this on to everyone you can including https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
So clear, so powerful. Thank you for all the hard work, the inspiring work that will help turn the polluted tide. I look forward to meeting you on June 2nd.
Thank you, Bishop! May God continue to elevate your message, sustain your strength, and open the ear of the closed minded! Bless you my dear!!
I am of the belief that the cruelty and death issued by the wealthy and powerful class upon the working poor and poor class is the "Original Sin" of the human story. Seems so many other sins fall out of this Original division of the human family. I wish I could join with this ancient yet modern cry for justice this June. I would consider it an honor to join with and be led by my poor sisters and brothers in their sacred and Godley cause. Bless all who can attend. May God protect and empower their righteous and moral endeavors. 🙏
As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated on March 30, 1968, "We are Sleeping Through a Revolution" - We appreciate you and your staff's consistent engagement with the nation on Poverty and its impact on children/families - Please those who are on this thread, take time and listen to Dr. Kings, "Last Sermon"- 1968-2025
The only way to get the attention, time and money for those things that every citizen deserves is by doing the following, THIS IS THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION:
We all need to agree on what kind of country we need America to be. Maybe it's time for every representative and every citizen to come up with their own top 10 list of needs (not wants but bottom line necessary for life needs). I'll start with my top 3: 1) Transitioning America out of its Republic and into a Democracy. 2) Guaranteeing every citizen's unalienable rights to life regarding clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter. 3) Lowering our country's abuses of power. The reason for number one on my list is: No one will ever care more or know more about you than you. The reason for number two on my list is: Clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter aren't luxuries, they're all necessary for sustaining life. The reason for number three on my list is in order to lower the risk of abuses of power three basic rules need to be followed, all of which are far more achievable in a Democracy than they are in a Republic: 1) those with the most power should be watched the closest, 2) those with the most power should have their power for the least amount of time, 3) power should be spread out among as many individuals as possible. This reasoning is why I believe it's necessary to amend the U.S. Constitution as follows:
Art.1/Sect.1: After the words "vested in" add "and evenly split between the citizens that have chosen to represent themselves and,"
Art.4/Sect.4: Replace "Republican" with "Democratic" and add "The United States government further recognizing its responsibility for protecting the lives of its own citizens shall provide a permanent safety net that will prevent any citizen from becoming homeless for any reason or length of time and to include not going without life sustaining supplies of clean water and healthy food for any reason or length of time (i.e. evictions for non payment of rent shall not be allowed before the renter has fully established themselves in another rental unit).
Amendment XXVIII: Since logic, common sense and scientific facts all make it obvious and undeniable that smoking and vaping has only a negative effect on the physical health of everyone that is either directly or indirectly involved with this recreational activity and, without practical means of protecting or preserving the health and civil rights of all that may be involved; it shall be illegal for anyone of any age to smoke or vape anything anywhere.
Numbers 1 through 9 below further justify the above amendments:
1) Grant every citizen the right to represent themselves, providing a quicker, more peaceful means of resolving our problems while creating a system of government that better reflects the wants and needs of its own citizens.
2) Create a country of less ignorant, less naive, more engaged citizens that are more willing to take responsibility for their own actions.
3) Reduce potential abuses of power by spreading the power out among the entire voting population and allowing the citizens to keep a closer eye on the elected and appointed.
4) Force the government to live up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of its own citizens by providing the necessary safety net as described above in the amended version of Article 4/Section 4 of our U.S. Constitution.
5) Lower the rate of money related crimes and suicides caused by homelessness.
6) Help grow the economy by freeing up money that can be spent on all the other things that people need while encouraging entrepreneurialism by eliminating the fear of homelessness if you fail.
7) Give people the ability to stand up for themselves by eliminating the threat that unless they accept the miserable, dangerous or lousy paying job that no one else wants they'll be homeless.
8) Help create a more empathetic system of government and society by eliminating homelessness which is being used as a cruel form of punishment and control in order to maintain a sufficient supply of cheap, slavishly obedient laborers.
9) Take away an abusers' ability to use homelessness as a threat against someone who isn't capable or prepared to live on their own.
Since changing our form of government from a Republic to a Democracy overnight will most likely create kaos and violence, a transitional plan will be needed. This transitional plan should start us off by mandating that the votes of the citizens be taken nationwide, that the results be limited to ratifying, amending and repealing only those issues that most directly affects every citizen's rights to life (i.e. clean air, clean water, healthy food and safe shelter) and, shall apply to every citizen throughout this nation.
Of course none of this will ever happen until enough of us truly believes that America needs to be a Democracy so pass this on to everyone you can including https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Happy Mother's Day to all!
I heard not long ago that the way the dictators act is to make the people under them poor. Cut off food supplies, heat, clean water, and jobs. This is what I believe this illegal Administration is doing, and cutting out health care to the poor and cutting off Food to the poor.
Jesus once asked me, "Do you think I know what I am doing?" I immediately said, Yes. Forgive me for thinking anything differently.
Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus know what they are doing. We must ask all people to pray and ask our Heavenly Father for Mercy.
Tell all to plant a garden. If they don't have land, use pots.
Ask and it shall be given. Seek and we will find. Knock, and all the doors will open for us.
Pray and ask for directions, and listen.
Bless you all.
Time to stand and be counted. No child should be hungry, no person with a disability should be forgotten, no one should be detained and deported without due process.
-
With you Dr. Barber
Marian Wright Elderman wrote a lovely book with prayers and passages of sacred texts. Guide My Feet I think. It was lovely. One of the prayers was written about the children who do not go hungry and how that in the mothers life contrasts with what she knows in her heart, soul, and mind. Someone should look the book abd find that prayers and others to use .
Unite Americans!! And listen to Bishop Barber! This immoral situation should not stand!!!! Anyone who has any empathy should fight against this!!! Thank you Bishop.
Bishop Barber is one of the most powerful voices in the country. He is the only political activist I donate too. He's has a brilliant mind that speaks the truth. He's been there for each of the last elections but has not caught on. Let's hope that this time, he will become our leader.
Amen and amen
People like me have quit Facebook in droves. It is a cesspool, and puts billions in Zuckerberg’s corrupt pockets.
I hear what you are saying and agree. On the other hand, how many of us are willing to do away with our phones which are built by thousands of low wage working poor in China? Just saying there are, unfortunately, hundreds of items we use daily that we Americans buy that are owned by evil billionaires from chemical laced foods at the grocery, to gasoline for cars and lawnmowers to micro plastics that are poisoning about everything and everyone. The list is very long. Nonetheless, you be true to you and carry on.
I need to put gas in my tiny hybrid.
I don’t need Facebook.
Nobody does