Political Quotes

“both of these welfare reform bills before us are little more than poll-driven political responses to a real problem. This is not true welfare reform. Instead we are placing a foot on the necks of poor children and families and calling it reform. Every Member of Congress understands the difference between an AFDC entitlement and not having one. We all understand the difference between block grants and Federal involvement in this problem. In desperation, I appeal to each Member's spiritual sense. I challenge those who claim moral values. To the Christian Coalition supporters, I challenge you today, the Bible is replete with examples of how we are obligated to treat the poor. Witness Proverbs 14:31: He who oppresses a poor man insults his maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him. Proverbs 29:7: A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. Ecclesiastes 4:1: Defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes to wait long. Ecclesiastes 4:4: Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn away thy face from a poor man. Proverbs 21:13: Who so stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. And Deuteronomy 15:7-8: Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need.”