Aneurin Bevan

“No society can legitimately call itself civilized if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.”

Aneurin Bevan, 1952
Former UK Secretary of State for Health

Churches Send Mixed Message About Love and Peace

Last weekend, like so many other people in so many cities and towns across the country, I attended a vigil to remember the murdered victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and to add my voice to the other voices raised against hate and bigotry. The program was filled with more than twenty speakers: leaders from different faiths from all over our region stood to offer support and share their thoughts on the tragic event: leaders of the Muslim faith, Jewish faith, and Catholics, and Christians of many different denominations. They shared stories. They read from scripture. They asked us to pray for the victims and their families. And they asked us to pray for healing and for peace.

And as I sat and listened to them speak, I honestly found no solace in their words. I heard no hope. Reverend Steve from the Episcopal Church told us that he (of course) prays every day. In the last few years, he said, he has added “Please let there be no mass shooting today” to his daily litany of prayer. “Most days, God answers my prayers” he said. “But not every day.”

Remember, remember

Remember, remember!
The 6th of November:
Gun safety, health care,
and bots!

Eleanor Roosevelt: Democratic governments

“In the final analysis, a democratic government represents the sum total of the courage and the integrity of its individuals. It cannot be better than they are.”

Eleanor Roosevelt
Circa 1963