| I wonder, every now and then, what do right-wing Christian groups have in common with Christ? And what’s the point of calling themselves Christians if they have nothing in common with Jesus and his teachings? Let me be upfront and say that I’m neither a Christian nor a religious person – I’m a human being who believes in decency. Yet, what little I know of Jesus, tells me that he would be appalled at having almost 50 million people with no health care in one of the richest country in the world.
Is it a bad thing for all American people to have a health care coverage like Medicare - which is offered to our seniors? Of course not! Anyone with a sense of compassion and empathy – qualities that are so synonymous with Jesus – would be compelled to demand it of our government. Access to a medical care should not be a privilege for some; it has to be available to all American families.
While working for a large corporation that provides a health care coverage for my family, I have to pay almost $6,000 a year on top of what the company pays for my benefits - and this for a basic policy with a $1,000 deductible. While living in Australia, we had Medicare - Australian National Health Care system that is paid through taxes and available to all – and we also had a private Health Insurance – one of the more expensive family policies – at a cost of only $2,000 a year. Of course, this is Australia, where not everything is about greed and profits; and Christian people remember their ideals… After all, it is the greed that Christ opposed!
So, what is it that irks these right religious folks about being confronted by someone calling for a change to improve the lives of ordinary Americans? Why do they portray it as “against God?” Is this something that Jesus would also oppose? No. He would be calling for a change, as he always did. But many found it to be frightening and dangerous; and thus he died.
When I look at these people and their ideology of gluttony, they remind me so much of those who stood on the other side filled with anger and fear, screaming “death”, when Christ’s fate was being decided. The only ideal that they genuinely pursue is “what in this for me?”
Do they really wear the crucifix to show their admiration for Jesus? Somehow I don’t think so. Perhaps, it’s more likely that it is meant as a reminder to the rest of us, to spread fear, by showing what their master does to those who are calling for change. Well, look inside… I think it’s working. |