Collegiate Catch-22 or Economics 101

It is a known fact that we can improve our employability and our lot in life by developing greater skills and knowledge through higher education. According to recent studies, the average new 4-year graduate will earn approximately $27,000 more than someone with no degree. It is also a very sad reality that the sky-rocketing costs of higher education are placing college out of reach for many. The other sad reality is that higher education costs are burying many with student loans in spiraling, inescapable debt.

That’s right - student loan debt (federal loans in particular) is inescapable. Even in bankruptcy, the debt from student loans is not and cannot be eliminated. This is totally unlike any other debt. “Virtually any other kind of debt — including medical bills, mortgage, credit cards and car loans, even gambling losses— can be discharged in bankruptcy, allowing the "honest but unlucky" a chance to restore their footing through an arduous restructuring overseen by a court.”[1]

 

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12 NRSV) Debt “forgiveness” is nothing new. It’s biblical. In fact it goes far beyond Jesus’ words in Matthew. It is found in Hebrew tradition. “Every seventh year you shall grant a remission of debt.” (Deuteronomy 15:1 NRSV) Debt “forgiveness” in bankruptcy, while difficult, allows folks suffering the slings and arrows of financial misfortune to begin anew, from the ground up. Why is there such inequity in the laws that student loan debt is “unforgiveable”? That, not the debt, is unforgiveable.

To add insult to injury, those taking out student loans for the upcoming academic year can expect interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans to double, as of July 1^st. That is, unless those on Capitol Hill can set aside partisan politics to hold rates at 3.4% for another year. Another forthcoming change is elimination of deferment until graduation. Thus far, principal and interest on subsidized student loans has been deferred. With the upcoming academic year, only the principal will be deferred. Interest will accumulate for the entire lifetime of student loans – yes, while students are in school. There are many college graduates who cannot find gainful employment, due to the unemployment situation in the country.

We are called to speak out against injustice. The laws regarding student loan debt are unjust. I strongly suggest that we write our U.S. Representatives and Senators to change these laws. First, we need to encourage our Senators to pass the GOP bill that will keep interest rates at 3.4% for another year. Then, we need to encourage our lawmakers to change the laws such that ALL debt is null and void in bankruptcy, even student loan debt.

Benevolent God, you call us to reach out to and to stand with the poor, the oppressed and the weak. Make us courageous ambassadors for poor, voiceless students. Help us foster a safe economic environment for those seeking to better themselves and society through higher education. Amen.

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[1] Even after bankruptcy, trapped by student debt, by Justin Pope, AP Education Writer | Associated Press – Wed, Apr 25, 2012 4:15 PM EDT, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/even-bankruptcy-trapped-student-debt-195547458.html

Vatican Reprimands Nuns for “spending too much time on poverty”

“A prominent U.S. Catholic nuns group [Leadership Conference for Women Religious] said it was "stunned" that the Vatican reprimanded it for spending too much time on poverty and social justice concerns and not enough on abortion and gay marriage.”[1] In today’s economy, with the growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots, with so many living at or below the poverty level, I find it hard to believe that the Vatican would place gay marriage ahead of helping folks put food on the table. If we turn our backs on poverty, the Hunger Games have the potential to become reality rather than fiction.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 24:40 NRSV) The Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR) has been following this Gospel message. They have developed into an influential group for economic and social justice.

In their 2012 Resolution to Action (We Are the 99% - The Occupy Movement) LCWR states: “We have witnessed the ongoing struggles of communities made poor to claim a space in a cultural imagination and political discourse that is not shaped by the misconception that poverty is a choice.” Ask the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs (and for some their homes), due to corporate down-sizing and our failed financial system, if they CHOSE their lot in life. Poverty is not a choice, it is a horrid fact of life. LCWR speaks out against those social, cultural, financial and legislative inequities that impoverish beloved children of God and rob them of their dignity.

“Women Religious strongly support the “preferential option for the poor” and are, therefore, advocating to ensure that the budget preserves the social safety net so essential to those most in need. … We are surrounded by suffering members of God’s family whose needs are complex.”[2] Not only are these blessed women following the Gospel message, they are in keeping with Papal doctrine. “Pope Benedict reminds us that, “to desire the common good and to strive toward it is a requirement of justice and charity.”[3] The work of LCWR toward economic justice far outweighs the nonsensical and nonbiblical call to oppress gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons with marriage inequality.

Christ teaches us to minister to the poor and marginalized. LCWR is focusing much of its energy and resources to fulfill this gospel message. And they are doing so in connection with other justice organizations like Catholic Charities USA (“working to reduce poverty in America”) and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. Perhaps, as Jesus fed the 5000, LCWR in cooperation with other organizations such as these will feed hundreds of thousands. Perhaps they will help equalize the unjust economic system that exists in our society today. Perhaps they will help abolish the profit-driven enterprise of human trafficking, in partnership with the Catholic Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Leadership Conference for Women Religious should be praised not reprimanded. May God bless their continued work.

Benevolent Creator, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the cries of the oppressed and the impoverished. Grant us wisdom and courage to take action, even in the face of opposition, to advocate for “the least of these” in our world. Fill us with your Spirit that we may feed the multitudes and give hope to the hopeless. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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[1] http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/20/11306372-catholic-nuns-group-stunned-by-vatican-scolding-for-radical-feminist-ideas?lite

[2] Resolution to Action - 2011, Economic Justice Advocacy Critically Needed

[3] Resolution to Action - 2011

Mike Tyson’s “Biting” Commentary on Justice for Zimmerman is WRONG

In 1997, in the heavyweight boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear, not once but twice before being disqualified by the referee. Tyson actually bit off a portion of Holyfield’s ear! Following the incident in a BBC interview, Tyson said “That was just striking out in pure hatred. For that one moment I just forgot he was a human being.” Now, fast-forward to this week. George Zimmerman has been charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Speaking out about Zimmerman, Tyson said “It’s a disgrace that man hasn’t been dragged out of his house and tied to a car and taken away. That’s the only kind of retribution that people like that understand. It’s a disgrace that man hasn’t been shot yet. Forget about him being arrested – the fact that he hasn’t been shot yet is a disgrace.” Mr. Tyson seems to have amnesia – having forgotten that George Zimmerman too is a human being. Two wrongs do not make a right. Tyson’s way of thinking only serves to escalate conflict, like throwing gasoline on an open flame. Such thinking leads to bloodshed, destruction and death. Globally, such thinking has led to many a war. It is a very dangerous thought process that people of faith must speak out about and stand up against.

“You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39) Fueling the fires of hatred with violent retribution, as Tyson suggests can only increase the racial divide. We cannot bring Trayvon Martin back. Certainly, taking the life of another human being can neither bring him back nor heal those wounded by this tragedy. Jesus calls us to take a different path, a nonviolent path. It is the only way to avoid further unnecessary carnage. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44) Violence begets violence. If justice is to prevail, cool heads and warm hearts must rule the day. Hatred makes us forget the humanity of others. Hatred kills. That is why Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Love is contrary to hatred and violence. President Reagan demonstrated Jesus’ directive, following the assassination attempt by John Hinkley, Jr. Reagan prayed for Hinkley while recovering in the hospital[1]. Forgiveness is powerful. It is transformative, as this video reveals. In the video, the father of murder victim Linda Rule publically forgives serial killer Gary Ridgway, reducing Ridgway to tears.

That’s the kind of heart-felt connection that must be tapped into, to transform hearts, lives and our society. Only love can counter and conquer hatred. That does not mean acquittal of perpetrators of violent crimes. They must be held accountable for justice to be served. George Zimmerman must be held accountable for the death of Trayvon Martin. But in achieving justice, we must not forget that Mr. Zimmerman is a human being. And if the killing of Trayvon Martin was racially motivated, we must recognize that George Zimmerman is but a small speck in a great sea of racism to be overcome. Justice for Trayvon will be played out in a courtroom. Justice, with regard to racism, must be pursued on a much larger scale. 

We must first acknowledge that racism still exists in our society today. Only then can we pursue its eradication. The marches and hoodie protests that have taken place in recent weeks have served to arouse our awareness of racial injustice. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought racial injustice to the forefront in a similar manner. King’s platform was based on Christian ideals and his approach was like that of Jesus and Mahatma Ghandi – it was peaceful. Through nonviolent civil disobedience and events like the Great March on Washington (1963), King led the civil rights movement in the U.S. and paved the way to social transformation. Fifty years later there is still work to be done. Only we, as people of faith, can further human rights in the U.S. and around the world.

We must remember that this is about human rights – not retribution. We cannot suffer amnesia like Mike Tyson. We must see that “the other guy”, “they”, “them” (those who we would label as our enemies) as human beings. Humanity was created in the image of God – a God of love, benevolence and grace. Within each person is a divine spark that can be manifest if we only look for it, seek it and allow it to shine forth. It is up to each and every one of us to nurture that tiny flicker before hatred and despair snuff it out. Social transformation may begin with awareness, but that awareness must be followed by changing hearts. And hearts can only be changed through forgiveness and by fostering love of neighbor and enemy alike. Each of us must model the behavior and ideals that are desired of all people. We cannot remove the spec from our neighbor’s eye, until we have removed the log from our own. Laying blame and pointing fingers serves no purpose. Remember, each time we point an accusatory finger, there are 3 pointing back at us. We must take care to speak the truth in love, not in anger, for anger has violent repercussions. Our words should build others up, not tear them down. Truly, our words and our actions should attest to the truth that all persons are of value, are equal and are loved in the sight of God. Let that be our vision and let us pursue it for the sake of humanity.

Merciful God, help us to end the vicious cycle of violence. Remind us that we are all part of the same human family, created in your image. Let us see your face in the faces of our neighbors and our enemies. Help us to love our neighbors and our enemies as ourselves and as you love each of us. Help us to share your vision that all persons, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity or other differences are of value, equal and loved by you. Grant us the courage to stand up against oppression, bigotry, injustice and aggression and promote human rights for all persons. Empower us to transform hatred into hope and love. Make us instruments of peace – your peace so that one day we will make Dr. King’s Dream for human equality a reality. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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[1] Ronald Reagan – An American Life, Pocket Books, 1990; autobiography

Hijabs & Hoodies – Get a Grip, America!

Yesterday, Shaima Alawadi was laid to rest in the Holy City of Najab, Iraq. Shaima was a 32 year old mother of 5, who was bludgeoned to death in her El Cajon, California home. She moved to the U.S. with her family in 1993, fleeing the terror of Saddam Hussein’s regime following a failed Shiite uprising. Her uncle was hanged by Iraqi troops. This Iraqi-American fled the horrors of Iraq only to be beaten to death in her California home. Next to her beaten body was a note: “Go back to your country, you terrorist”. Who is terrorizing whom?

Since when do hijabs and hoodies make persons “suspicious”, “criminals”, or “terrorists”? Get a grip, America! The hatred and intolerance in this country has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks with the killing of Trayvon Martin and now Shaima Alawadi. The racism and religious intolerance in this country is appalling. The anti-Muslim sentiments of today are reminiscent of the anti-Semitism of Nazi Germany. It needs to end – NOW. How can anyone claim that the United States of America is a Christian Nation?  This is NOT the Christianity that I know and believe. We need to step up to the plate and live up to the Christian message.

This week is Holy Week. Christians all across America will be remembering Jesus’ last week before his brutal crucifixion, death and resurrection. We must pause to remember why Christ shared our common humanity and the foundation of his ministry … love of neighbor. He promoted love and peace. Though he was both God and human, he did not Lord himself over others. He was a humble servant. He stood up for and ministered to the poor, the sick, the disabled, and the outcasts. He condemned injustice and would not condone violence. His was a ministry of love. And he demonstrated such profound, unconditional love that he laid down his life for the salvation of ALL of humanity. Next Sunday, Easter Sunday, we will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection – his victory over death and the grave. In our celebration, let us remember that this gift of grace is grounded in love.

As Christians, we must take up our cross and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by standing up against the bigotry and violence that is permeating our society today. We must speak out against racism, religious intolerance and violence. We must stand in solidarity with Muslims, Jews, Hindus and other faith traditions to promote peace and love. This is America – Land of the free and home of the brave. We need to bravely use our freedom of speech to cry out against this senseless violence and to promote and uphold freedom of religion. We need to foster an America that where everyone, from sea to shining sea, can experience freedom from fear of racial and religious hatred and violence.

Merciful God, as we enter this Holy Week, help us remember the ministry and supreme sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth. Give us the courage and strength to live up to the Christian message. Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to love our enemies and pray for those who unjustly persecute others. Help us end the bigotry and violence and foster a world filled with peace. As we remember that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins, help us to forgive but let us never forget the crimes against humanity. Amen.

Jesus Calls Us to Make Love, Not War

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NRSV) These words of Jesus are very clear. He speaks of love, not hate, retaliation or retribution. We are to love one another. Yet for centuries Christians have killed in the name of Jesus Christ in the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials, the conflicts in Northern Ireland between Catholics and Protestants, and even the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Holocaust of the Nazi regime was due to racism and religious intolerance. Conservative Christians of today engage in bullying and hate crimes against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons because the ‘bible tells them so’.

The news today seems to provide and highlight an endless stream of senseless violence: bullying, brutality, hate crimes, murder and the horrors of war. Innocent children are gunned down in schools, defenseless teens like Trayvon Martin are gunned down on the streets, defenseless Afghan families murdered in their homes allegedly by U.S. Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, car bombings kill and maim innocent bystanders, and world leaders wage war in the name of God. There are a plethora of violent, life-like video games allowing us to vicariously shoot and kill to our heart’s content.  Hollywood continues to create blockbuster films strewn with violence, blood, gore and death. We cannot seem to escape it. But we can and must stop it. Violence begets violence. Its constant bombardment in our daily lives can only serve to fan the flames of anger and hatred into a raging inferno. We must snuff out the flames before they consume us all.

I have to believe that we can change attitudes, behaviors and the course of history if we simply highlight more positive than negative. To listen to and seek out negativity merely enables the vicious cycle of violence. There is a profound imbalance between positive and negative in world news. Heartwarming stories of goodness, benevolence and kindness seem to be pushed aside, buried or ignored. Let’s accentuate the positive and focus on real life heroes, rather than criminals.  

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NRSV) And we have heroes, like Spc. Dennis Weichel who have done just that. In fact, Dennis Weichel laid down his life for a complete stranger recently. Dennis was serving in Afghanistan with the Rhode Island National Guard. Weichel and his comrades were getting children out of the road and out of the way of their convoy. One little girl went back into the road to pick up more brass shell casings, placing herself in grave danger of an approaching armored vehicle. Weichel pulled the little girl to safety and was struck and killed by the vehicle himself. And let’s not forget about all of the gifts of life provided by blood donors and organ donors. Let us remember all of those who voluntarily give of their time, talents, blood-sweat-and-tears to help unfortunate victims of violence and natural disasters. Let us remember volunteer fire fighters and ordinary people who risk their lives to pull people and pets from burning buildings. Let us lift up the benevolence of strangers in the checkout line who offer to pay for the groceries of someone who cannot afford them. These are news-worthy heroes one and all.

If we could filter out and eliminate much of the negative, displacing it with positive, perhaps the clouds of despair would dissipate. Perhaps the fires of anger and hatred could be extinguished. Perhaps we could foster a world filled with peace and harmony. If it is to be, it’s up to me. “I am only one, still I am one. I cannot do everything, still I can do something. Let me not refuse to do the thing that I can do.” (Helen Keller)  Each of us must do our part to make a positive impact in the world around us. No excuses.  “I can do no great things, only many things with great love.” (Mother Theresa)  If we do not do our part, however great or small, nothing can or ever will change. As individuals, we may not have the power to generate sweeping global change. But collectively we CAN change the world.  Love CAN conquer all. But it can only happen if each of us makes a conscious, concerted effort to facilitate and foster love. “Love one another” … not an easy task. But one that is far less traumatic and deadly than the winds of war. Each day, as we go about our daily lives, let us seek out just one thing that we can do today (each and every day) to make a positive difference in someone else’s life. Let us turn off the negativity and love one another … yes, even our enemies. Only we can break the cycle of hatred and violence and foster Peace.