Janice Schakowsky: “I want to quote an article that appeared last Friday in the Chicago Sun-Times by religion writer Kathleen Falsani under…”

“I want to quote an article that appeared last Friday in the Chicago Sun-Times by religion writer Kathleen Falsani under the headline ``Bush Administration's Moral Compass Is Lost.'' She wrote, `` . . . this week, as Republican leaders try to force a monstrous $50 billion budget cut designed allegedly to offset the mounting costs . . . of hurricane-related aid through Congress, it is clear that the Bush administration's moral compass . . . has been lost. The proposed budget cuts, part of the so-called `budget reconciliation,' would have devastating effects on the poorest, most vulnerable Americans, while allowing tax relief for the rich.'' She goes on to say, ``Maybe Republican leaders should consider proposing an open season on the homeless or the resurrection of debtors' prisons while they're at it. Is this the kind of leadership the majority of voters that, according to the pollsters at the time, cast their ballots in 2004 based on `moral values' had in mind? Is this what faith-based `compassionate conservatism' looks like? Is our Nation more moral, more secure, or spiritually healthier than it was a year ago? And to address my fellow Christian voters,'' she said, ``has the Good News been advanced in any way? No, absolutely not.'' America can do better. ____________________”