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So I have been compelled by the popular memes in the political campaigns this year to unpack for myself what exactly does it mean to be pro-life? I know some define it as being against abortion. But I defer to the teachings of liberation theologists in the good catholic tradition to think about pro-life as covering "womb to tomb". With that said, I decided I needed to get some of the facts, and so on this post I thought I would start with, how are children valued in the national agenda? Here is an interesting way to look at it: How are the current senators rated by the non partisan Children’s Defense Fund on their efforts to support quality of life for children?
In 2007, the Children’s Defense Fund rated every congress person on whether their voting record positively or negatively impacted children. John McCain scored last in the Senate: a dismal 10% out of a possible 100%. Barack Obama received a 60%. Now arguably, both Obama’s and McCain’s scores are a bit lower than they might be otherwise because they both have missed votes while out on the campaign trail (in the CDF’s formulation, you miss a vote, you lose the same points as if you voted against). So a more accurate figure might be 2005’s rating from the Children’s Defense Fund, when neither were on the campaign trail (Sen. Obama: 100 % Sen. McCain: 22 %) and 2006 (Obama: 100 % McCain: 10%). I think a clear pattern emerges here. On a side note, I was proud of our Michigan delegation (Levin and Stabenow) both of whom scored 100% all three years.
Ratings were based on ten categories:
1. Increase minimum wage (H.R. 2)
2. Increase funding for children with disabilities (S. Con. Res. 21)
3. Protect children from unsafe medications (S. 1082)
4. 2008 Budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 21)
5. SCHIP Reauthorization (H.R. 976)
6. College Cost Reduction and Access Act (H.R. 2669)
7. SCHIP (H.R. 976 – motion to concur)
8. DREAM Act (S. 2205)
9. Funding child health and education (H.R. 3043)
I was told once by a superintendent in NYC when we were talking about some work we would be doing in her school, that "the children don’t have the time". What she meant was she wanted to see immediate outcomes on our research intervention. Her point was well taken then, and it applies now. The children do not have the time. 4, 8, 12 years is a long time in the life of a child.
>Hi Angie! I’ve noticed your blog posts have dwindled, just as mine have. I’m guessing that back to school is taking up all your free time too!
I loved your post on Community Organizers. I think the snowball of Republican criticism of the role of these people in our society is getting way out of hand. The community organizer is an excellent source for motivating people to be active in the social work of their neighborhoods. We need to celebrate what these people do precisely because they are responsible for getting the private sector involved in making changes and helping those who need help. We need more Community Organizers and more community activism. And yes, this job is an ideal point of experience for public office.
I do have a couple of comments, though on this post.
The first is really a matter of semantics, I think. I don’t think one could really say that Liberation Theology is in “good catholic tradition.” Neither is it a universal viewpoint, nor is it condoned by the Catholic Church.
While this philosophy did originate in the Catholic Church, it has been harshly criticized by both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict (mostly while he was still a Cardinal). The problem seems to be that, while the call for social justice and the dignity of all persons regardless of their social conditions is truly in the Christian tradition, the philosophy that poverty leads to sin is not the message Jesus left with His church. Furthermore, the movement leaves the methods of liberation and even the Christian meanings of poverty, justice and dignity open to multiple interpretations. Too many of them lead toward Marxist ideologies and uncharitable relationships within society.
My second comment relates to the report card you reference. Would you really assert that a scoring process that only looks at Democrat-sponsored initiatives and gives only Democrats the highest scores and only Republicans the lowest scores is non-partisan? Do you really believe that only Democrats are interested in protecting our children? Or could there be another underlying reason for the totally lopsided results of this “unbiased” report.
I know as a college professor, you are well trained in analyzing data for bias. Personally, I have been very frustrated with this election season because of all the bias in the mediaand the trouble finding balanced information about the candidates. If you happen to find a better, non biased source for information on how the candidates want to improve the quality of life from womb to tomb, I’m all ears! (Or in this case, all eyes. )
BTW, I have loved the coverage of the Obama and McCain interviews at Columbia on Thursday. I especially loved what each had to say about citizenship and service. I support both candidates in their desire to encourage service, especially among youth and young adults. I believe that this is a pivotal way to drive lasting change in our country.
>hi Colleen: Im glad you liked the post on community organizers. I do find it troubling how they could be so belittled during the republican convention.
Just a quick point on liberation theology. Liberation theologists dont believe that poverty leads to sin! That is sort of the antithesis of liberation theology. I took a class on this , and yes, liberation theology is grounded in a struggle against poverty. But the point is that if you want to use the word sin, then “sin” engenders poverty. In other words, the failings of human kind lead us to allow groups of people to live in poverty; to be oppressed socially and economically. Not the other way around! Yes, this may border to some extent on marxism, in terms of its analysis on why we have class struggles – but that doesnt make it inherently wrong or bad! We could learn a thing or two from marxists! I hold the stance that the billions of dollars we are pumping into iraq could be much better spent on helping families in economic crisis here and elsewhere.
Liberation theology grew out of the catholic tradition, and while you are absolutely correct it is not condoned by the more conservative folks in power, i still consider it good catholic thought. perhaps tradition is the wrong word.
The children’s defense fund is a non-partisan group. If you look more closely at the legislation you will note that several key initiatives were co-sponsored by republicans. Take the H.R. 976: Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, or the minimum wage bill. But you are right, these are issues championed by the democratic caucus. I think we have to agree that the two major political parties have different priorities.
I hope to take up some different issues that I see as valuing life in the next few weeks, and will try again for non partisan sources of info. I suspect you may have things to say then, too and I look forward to your comments.