Weekly Justice Highlights

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  In the US, up to 40% of our corn crop will be used for ethanol production this year despite the drought and rising food prices, diverting food for fuel.  Urge U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to stop fueling the food crisis through the promotion of biofuels like corn ethanol that push up food prices across the globe. 

Water:  Tell the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that everyone should know their drinking water is safe and that you desire all companies to provide everyone with accurate information about the purity of the local water supply not just those with internet access (EPA is considering terminating the mailing of these).    

Immigrants:  Tell Governor Jerrry Brown that it’s unacceptable that immigrants and Latinos in California will continue to live in fear of attacks like Arizona’s SB 1070. It’s appalling that 200,000 domestic workers will continue to work without rest or meal breaks. It’s outrageous when abuse of a farm animal is taken more seriously than abuse of a farm worker.     

Individuals are invited to sign a petition for a ban on depleted uranium weapons.  

Share your commitment to Indigenous People around the world by reading and signing the Declaration of Commitment to Indigenous People.  This declaration was presented in a ceremony to six of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers recently.   (International action is available)

Fracking for natural gas is a big issue in South Africa as in many places around the world, the South African Faith Communities Institute website and September newsletter highlights the issue.  Their website and the September newsletter share this information and much more.    

Greenpeace and Amnesty have collaborated on a disturbing document entitled, The Toxic Truth.  In this rather long report, we learn where from and where to this illegal toxic waste is dumped and the lack of investigation in such practices.       

Want to be a leading change maker or encourage others, view the Storyof Change by Annie Leonard.  Check out the quiz after the video to see what type of activist you feel most comfortable being.      

The Jan Satyagraha 2012 March campaign is a large non-violent walk that will be carried out in India and in many other countries across the globe in October 2012. It begins on UN International Non-Violence Day, October 2nd, and will carry on for one month. In India, where the main event is being held, 100,000 people, representing different rural communities, especially tribal, landless and small farmers, will walk in formation together 350 kilometers from Gwalior (near the Taj Mahal) to New Delhi. The people will raise the issue about land being a key asset in development and poverty reduction, and that high levels of landlessness and deprivation need to be reduced for achieving positive national and global development. In effect, land and livelihood rights are instrumental to all people’s freedom.   Information is located here.  

Pax Christi has a page of election resources located here.

Prayer is vital to our election process and discernment for choosing candidates.  Resources exist here.   

Want to have a bit of fun with others or make the debates a bit more exciting?  Network has available a bingo card for the debates. 

October 2012

International Day of the Girl

The first International Day of the Girl will be celebrated throughout the world on 11th October 2012. In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish this day. According to the UN General Assembly, “this day is about “helping galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”

Do you know some of the major crises facing girls? (Taken from the Day of the Girl website)

1. By 2015, females will make up 64% of the world’s (adult) population who cannot read.
2. Only 30% of girls in the world are enrolled in secondary school.
3. One in seven girls in developing countries is married off before age 15.
4. Worldwide children as young as 11 are forced to work as prostitutes.
5. More than half (57%) of music videos feature a female portrayed exclusively as a decorative, sexual object.

And yet, according to the website Day of the Girl, the rights of girls are clearly established by law in the following:

• United Nations Declaration of Human Rights – Article 26
• Millennium Development Goals – MDG # 2,3,4,5, 6
• Convention on the Rights of the Child – Articles 12, 19, 24, 28, 31
• Beijing Platform for Action – Sections L.4, L.5, L.7, L.8
• Commission on the Status of Women 51st session

In addition to girls being challenged by individual discrimination, they face institutional discrimination. According to dayofthegirls.org, these include missing girls, non-registration at birth, early marriages, domestic labor, trafficking of girls and being pressured to undertake housework and caring duties in the home. Furthermore, parental attitudes, media, peer group pressure, social norms, cultural traditions and lack of awareness promote gender biases and stereotypes.

So, what are we to do? The first step is to be aware and acknowledge what individual and institutional barriers exist for the girl child in my own country. Secondly, be knowledgeable with regard to international and national laws that deprogram gender bias and stereotypes. Lastly, with voice and action, promote greater gender equality in solidarity with girls.

Reflection/Action:

• The Day of the Girl Summit has a lot of information inviting girls to organize events. The Virtual Summit is an accessible digital space where girls can celebrate the first ever Day of the Girl.
• Many videos are included about girls’ issues by girls. (Scroll Down)
• Miss Representation is in the media center after October 16 for checkout. (This is a sexist portrayal of girls and women in the media)
• Read about 10 girls in 10 countries who struggle to get an education here.
• Urge your local leadership to proclaim October 11 as International Day of the Girl (for youth who desire to work on this, they can visit www.dayofthegirl.org/actnow for a 3 minute video)
• Working Group on Girls Fact Sheets are located here. (poverty, education, violence and other issues that affect the lives of girls)
• For educators, you may wish to use the following journal activity: Write an essay or a list of what it would be like to be the other gender. How would life be different? How would it be the same? Would you have different responsibilities?
• View the video, The Girl Effect. (girls need to be part of the solution to global poverty)
• Urge legislators to support gender friendly legislation for women and girls.
• Choose suppliers, distributers and business partners that promote women as leaders and challenge those that do not.
  

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World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

World Food Day is October 16. According to Oxfam one in seven goes to bed hungry every night in our world. While it is often disputed as to whether there is enough food in the world, most experts agree that there is enough and that it is a matter of access for many individuals and families, especially women. If this is true, then might hunger be rooted in inequality and thus be determined by power as Oxfam suggests in their GROW campaign that aims to grow food and justice without wrecking the planet?

The number of individuals who suffer from chronic hunger has increased over the long-term as did the requests for emergency food aid. Climate change is playing an ever increasing role in price volatility. Furthermore, price volatility influences one’s ability to feed her/his family. All appears to be a vicious cycle of need. To better understand those people who are hungry and malnourished, individuals are invited to reflect upon the patterns of ownership and decision-making when it comes to the production, distribution and consumption of food. Who owns? Who controls? Who pays? Who gets?

Jesus reminds us that one of the basic measures of how we live our lives will be how we cared for people in need, “For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matthew 25:35; last judgment). Yet, according to Oxfam, about 80% of the world’s hungry people live in rural areas where most of them work as farmers, herders, fishers, or laborers. How is it that we can begin to address the neds of the millions of people who still do not have food on their plates?

Might this awareness also call us to action on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty that is observed on October 17? This observance can be traced back to 1987, more than 100,000 people gathered in Paris, France, to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. The eradication of poverty calls for redistribution of many of Earth’s resources including an examination of individual resources and the sharing of these to those in greater need.

Reflection/Action:

• Practice the GROW method (Oxfam) of reducing food waste to make the most of the precious resources we have. (prepare meal plans ahead of shopping, save and eat leftovers, etc.)
• Purchase products from small-scale food producers locally and from other countries. (purchase fair trade products and local farmers’ markets, advocate for small farmer and farm workers)
• Cook smart to cut down on wasted energy and water usage. (use just enough water to cover vegetables on stove, use oven for baking more than one item at a time, unplug microwave/other appliances or place on switch to reduce electrical usage)
• Purchase food that is in season to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. (what food is in season now? How am I planning to expand my vegetable garden next Spring?)
• Eat less meat and dairy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce water use.
• Urge governments and companies to make smarter investments in agriculture and climate. preparedness through purchasing power or in conversation.
• Visit the Oxfam World Food Day website for more resources. (videos, faith group materials, discussion guide, etc)
• Sign a petition to end world hunger. (Petition reads, “We who support this petition find it unacceptable that close to one billion people are chronically hungry. Through the United Nations, we call upon governments to make the elimination of hunger their top priority until that goal is reached.”)
• Take time to educate yourself about the realities of those living in poverty or who suffer from hunger in your neighborhood.
• Host a simple World Food Day dinner or fast and donate the proceeds to someone in need of food in your local area.
• Arrange a food drive for a local pantry if your local area has such places.
• Pray, remembering the 1.2 billion people in the world who live in extreme poverty (less than $1.25/day). A prayer service for potential editing is located here.

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U.S. Elections, Faithful Citizenship and Framing – Part II

This is the second part of this series. The first part was located in the September 2012 Action Alert.

As U.S. elections draw closer, citizens contemplate their decisions before going to the voting booth. In the first part of this series, two of the most dominant ways of framing were addressed, that of the strict father and the nurturing parent.

While knowledge of these models is important, there are also some lessons from cognitive science about these frameworks. These are taken from the book, Thinking Points by George Lakoff (cognitive linguist and professor of linguistics at UC Berkeley, where he has taught since 1972) and include:
1. The use of frames is largely unconscious.
2. Frames define common sense.
3. Repetition can embed frames in the brain.
4. Activation links surface frames to deep frames and inhibits opposition frames.
5. Existing deep frames don’t change overnight.
6. Speak to “biconceptuals” as you speak to your base.
7. The facts alone will not set us free.
8. Simply negating the others side’s frames only reinforces them.

Bridging the gap in these frameworks consists of being grounded in love and reaching out with compassion. Perhaps the bridging is best reflected upon through the following questions:

• What is it that matters to me? (Define my values.)
• What makes me care so passionately about an issue or piece of legislation? (What value is most important?)
• What is most important will be that which touches my heart.
• How do I step back and listen to the individual person who doesn’t think like me and ask, “What experiences led you to this?” (Listen for truth of person I am in conversation with.)
• How is genuine empathy exhibited in the grounding of my curiosity of other persons’ values? (How am I meeting the other as person?)
• Where is the common ground in values as I listen to our dialogue?

While bridging may be the goal, it is imperative to be mindful of self throughout this process. When there is agitation, invite self to step back and soften heart. It can be challenging to practice looking and listening with eyes/ears of compassion. As individuals stir up the “political bases,” there appears to be a greater divide between framework models. As followers of Jesus, individuals are called to exert energy in the balance of these frameworks because we care about one another as persons and have a responsibility for oneself and others.

Reflection/Action:

• Spend some time reflecting in prayer with the above material. What insights have I gained? What is this calling me to in action?
• What is the current reality of bridging that exists within self? The national government? The Catholic Church? Media? The environment where I minister?
• How does my language (voice and body) and my depth of compassion or lack thereof speak to the bridging that is needed within our nation and world?
• What elements for bridging the gap exist in the document Faithful Citizenship? What value does this have for the common good?
• The document from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops entitled Faithful Citizenship and materials for use in a variety of settings is located here.
• Worship materials for the weekend prior to elections is located here.
• Notable quotes on Catholic Social Teaching are located here.
• The Frameworks Institute is located here.
• The book, Thinking Points: Communicating our American Values and Vision by Lakoff (George) and The Rockridge Institute is located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

St. Vincent inspires each of us to be in solidarity of his ministry as he worked with those living in poverty and advocated with them.   U.S. citizens are invited to ask presidential candidates to support affordable rental housing, stop needless foreclosures and revive a sustainable path to homeownership.  

Challenging Unjust Structures:  Urge Walmart and NFI, the warehouse operator, to be transparent in addressing serious concerns about broken equipment and high injury rates in the warehouse where a leaked document was found stating the problem was fixed (according to the workers it has not been fixed).   

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  Urge the moderators of the presidential debates to ask the candidates about poverty.  

Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge PBS’s Jim Lehrer to spend some time during the first presidential debate speaking to campaigns and big money and how the candidates plan to fix the problem.   (Act by September 28)

Elections 2012:  President Obama and Governor Romney share how they will help hungry and poor people.  Individuals are encouraged to view these videos and let them know that eliminating hunger and poverty is an important election issue.  

Election 2012: Catholics Vote for the CommonGood, the Platform for the Common good for each state is available.  Locate the platform, sign it and urge others to support it.  Take a group of signatures to your candidates running for office as well.  

Immigration: Here are the links to the two Need to Know episodes(These are about Violence at the Border and about 20 min. each):
Part 1 is located here.
Part 2 is located here.

Nazareth:  On October 3, Nazareth will host a candidate forum for KY House District 50 that begins at 6 p.m. in Columba room.  The public has been invited.  Questions can be addressed to Joetta Venneman, PBVM at 348.1557.  

Upcoming Debates

October 3: @NewsHour (Moderator Jim Lehrer, PBS News). 9-10:30 p.m. EST. University of Denver. Topic: Domestic Policy

October 11: @MarthaRaddatz (Moderator Martha Raddatz, ABC News). 9-10:30 p.m. EST. Centre College, Danville, KY. Vice Presidential Debates: Domestic and Foreign Policy

October 16: @crowleyCNN (Moderator Candy Crowley, CNN). 9-10:30 p.m. EST. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. Town Hall format: Domestic and Foreign Policy

October 22: @BobSchieffer (Moderator Bob Schieffer, CBS News). 9-10:30 p.m. EST. Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL. Topic: Foreign Policy

 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth:  Urge President Obama to impose tough safeguards on oil and gas drilling (Hydraulic Fracking).     

Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge NBC and ABC to stop blackout coverage of the bank manipulation of a critical interest rate (LIBOR).  LIBOR is used as a benchmark for short-term interest rates globally and was heard about briefly a few months ago. 

Child Labor: Support union workers in Seattle and cocoa kids in West Africa by demanding that Whole Foods and UNFI (Whole Foods Distributor) respect workers’ rights and join other natural food stores in pointing out to Hershey that ethically sourcing a small amount of the company’s overall chocolate, does not erase the fact that most of Hershey’s profits are earned at the expense of children.    

Care of Earth:  Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to set stronger standards and limit toxic pollutants for all PVC plants. 

Challenging Unjust Systems:  Urge CA Governor JerryBrown to sign the Farm Worker Safety Act of 2012 (AB2346) and the Humane Treatment of Farm Workers Act (AB2676) that are now on his desk and have been approved by the Senate and the Assembly. 

Urge U.S.Representatives to oppose the Stop the War on Coal Act (H.R. 3409) that would repeal major controls on pollution and protections for public health and property across several landmark federal laws including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.  Additionally, this bill would prevent the EPA administrator from protecting public health, private property, clean air and clean water. 

Individuals are invited to take and spread the Iran Pledge of Resistance that demands no attack on Iran and includes taking actions toward this effort.  

Urge U.S.corporations to place human rights before profits in Myanmar.  

Elections 2012:  President Obama and Governor Romney share how they will help hungry and poor people.     Individuals are encouraged to view these videos and let them know that eliminating hunger and poverty is an important election issue.   

Louisville: An Intensive Workshop on Nonviolent Communication will be held on September 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Plymouth Community Renewal Center (1626 W. Chestnut street in Louisville).  The fee is $30 an includes lunch.  Please send check and name to Interfaith Paths to Peace (425 S. 2^nd Street, Louisville, KY 40202). 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Human Trafficking:  The September issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the SCN’s if available here. 

Care of Earth:   Urge President Obama and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to end the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rubberstamping of new genetically modified organisms in crops.   

Holding Corporations Accountable:  Hurricane Isaac showed that much of the BP oil remains in the soils and just below the waters of the Gulf.  The oil remnants are not the responsibility of the Coast Guard.  Urge the Coast Guard to make all responsible parties clean up resurgent oil.  

Death Penalty:  The execution of Terrance Williams is scheduled in Pennsylvania next month.  Individuals are invited to take action to help stop this execution (look to right for petition).

Death Row Inmate Support:  Support Reggie Clemons as is case is reviewed on September 17 by a judge for the last time.   

Urge the U.S. International Trade Commission and the EU Trade Commissioner to drop coal and oil subsidies and to oppose solar tariffs.   

Urge President Obama to support reforms by updating the Specially Designated Nationals List that ensures business investments in Burma are not used to reward or enable those committing abuses.

2012 Election: Debate Curriculum Daily Lesson Guide developed for the debates is located here.    

Sojourners is proud to present a new short film called The Line.  Written and directed by Emmy award-winning producer Linda Midgett, it chronicles the very real stories of four real people struggling with real poverty in America today.  The Line premieres at 8 p.m. (EST) Oct. 2 — the night before the first presidential debate and the trailer can be found here.    

Many participated in Election 2012: Catholics Vote for the Common Good project.  The Platform for the Common good for each state are available here.  Locate the platform, sign it and urge others to support it. 

Kentucky:  Urge the KY Blue Ribbon Tax Commission to provide KY families with a sustainable and healthy clean energy economy by urging them to get serious about diversifying our economy.

Louisville:  On October 13, 2012, the 13^th annual Healthy Foods, Local Farms Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the KY Country Day School.  Registration before September 15 is $30/day.  After September 15, the registration is $40/day.  More information can be found here. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth:  Urge 17 of KY’s rural electric co-ops to energy efficiency and renewable energy by September 7. 

Challenging Unjust Systems:  Urge members of Congress to support the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 (S. 3453/H.R. 6211) that would restore much of the lost value of the minimum wage and boost the paychecks of low-wage workers in the U.S.

Care of Earth:  You are invited to join in thanking and encouraging the Obama administration to continue strong climate action.  On August 28, new vehicle fuel-efficiency standards were announced.  

Challenging unjust corporate systems:  Walmart workers in Southern California are working in metal containers that reach over 100 degrees and have inadequate access to clean drinking water and ventilation.  Sign a letter to Walmart asking their executives to meet with warehouse workers and live up to their own Standards for Suppliers.  

Urge President Obama to designate the Arctic Refuge as a national monument and permanently protect this priceless national treasure for future generations.   

Recently, the Securities Exchange Commission released rules to implement the Cardin-Lugar Amendment – putting into place a set of new transparency standards that requires oil and mineral companies to open their books and stop hiding secret payments to local governments.  Thank Senators Cardin and Lugar and otherCongressional leaders for leading the way on transparency and accountability. 

September is Hunger Action Month when the Feeding America network encourages action on behalf of the nearly 49 million people facing hunger nationwide.  Donate food you would eat at one of the many food banks around the country.

Many participated in Election 2012: Catholics Vote for the Common Good project.  The Platform for the Common good for each state are available here.  Locate the platform, sign it and urge others to support it. 

Advent 2012, Paths to Peace by Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ with a focus on air is available here.   This free and ecumenical guide integrates the New Universe Story with matters of concern to our planet.  They follow the week’s Scripture readings.  

September 2012

September 2012
International Peace Day

First celebrated in 1982, International Peace Day (September 21) is a day that provides an opportunity for all individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace. The theme for this year’s International Peace Day is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” In Rio+20 this past summer, world leaders made a commitment to sustainable development. Building on sustainable development is that of sustainable peace. According to a United Nation's website, “The root causes of many conflicts are directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, oil, timber or water. Addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries. Good natural resource management can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.” The outcome document,  The Future We Want allows individuals, organizations and groups to reflect upon how concrete actions and plans can lead us to a sustainable future. Additionally, Millennium Development goal (#7) speaks of working to ensure environmental sustainability.
First celebrated in 1982, International Peace Day is a day that provides an opportunity for all individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” In Rio+20 this past summer, world leaders made a commitment to sustainable development. Building on sustainable development is that of sustainable peace. According to a United Nation’s website (http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/), “The root causes of many conflicts are directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, oil, timber or water. Addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries. Good natural resource management can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.” The outcome document, The Future We Want (http://www.un.org/en/sustainablefuture/) allows individuals, organizations and groups to reflect upon how concrete actions and plans can lead us to a sustainable future. Additionally, Millennium Development Goal number seven speaks of working to ensure environmental sustainability (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG_FS_7_EN.pdf).
First celebrated in 1982, International Peace Day is a day that provides an opportunity for all individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” In Rio+20 this past summer, world leaders made a commitment to sustainable development. Building on sustainable development is that of sustainable peace. According to a United Nation’s website (http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/), “The root causes of many conflicts are directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, oil, timber or water. Addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries. Good natural resource management can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.” The outcome document, The Future We Want (http://www.un.org/en/sustainablefuture/) allows individuals, organizations and groups to reflect upon how concrete actions and plans can lead us to a sustainable future. Additionally, Millennium Development Goal number seven speaks of working to ensure environmental sustainability (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG_FS_7_EN.pdf).
First celebrated in 1982, International Peace Day is a day that provides an opportunity for all individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” In Rio+20 this past summer, world leaders made a commitment to sustainable development. Building on sustainable development is that of sustainable peace. According to a United Nation’s website (http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/), “The root causes of many conflicts are directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, oil, timber or water. Addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries. Good natural resource management can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.” The outcome document, The Future We Want (http://www.un.org/en/sustainablefuture/) allows individuals, organizations and groups to reflect upon how concrete actions and plans can lead us to a sustainable future. Additionally, Millennium Development Goal number seven speaks of working to ensure environmental sustainability (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG_FS_7_EN.pdf).

Reflection/Action:

• Express “Peace” in artistic media or poetry.
• Read and reflect on Pope John XXIII’s encyclical, Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth).
• Write a prayer for peace and/or plan a prayer service for peace.
• Contact a local government official and ask what s/he plans to do in the civic community to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
• Write a letter to the editor expressing your hopes for peace in your local community; in the world.
• Plant or re-dedicate a peace pole in your community, parish, school, etc.     
• Plant a rock for peace.  
• Write peace statements on paper and turn them into objects of art.
• Educators can obtain a booklet on  "Peace Lessons from around the World."   Contact Sr. Caroljean at the NGO office at cjwilliengo@gmail.com for an entire page of suggestions for educators.
• Reflect on a peace quote.
• Join with people throughout the world for a one minute “Pause for Peace” in your geographic location.

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U.S. Elections, Faithful Citizenship and Framing - Part I

Election time has circled around again and no doubt many of us remember the document Faithful Citizenship from the U.S. Catholic Bishops. The document states that, "Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." In addition to the Faithful Citizenship document that exists from the U.S. Catholic Bishops, attentiveness to the signs of the times and critical thinking are imperative to conscious formation and decision-making. The media and candidates tend to frame issues in such a way that the public is attracted toward these messages. It is important to consider how issues are framed and what language we hear in that framing. Recent reading indicates that America's two-party system is more divided than ever and that consequences exist no matter who ends up in the White House in January. The two most dominant framing models in today’s political conversations are those of the “Strict Father” and the “Nurturing Parent.” Below are the power beliefs of each:

The Strict Father:

• We live in a dangerous world with constant competition.
• Morally there are absolute rights and wrongs.
• The strict father is THE moral authority in the family and knows what to do.
• The father's authority and decisions are not to be challenged.
• Obedience to the father is moral and disobedience is immoral.
• Children are born undisciplined and are taught through rules.
• Rewards and punishments are the key to learning.

The Nurturing Parent:

• We live in a complex world.
• Apart from some basic rules (i.e. don't kill), right and wrong are complex issues that each person needs to develop a conscience to assess.
• Moral authority is nurtured in each person and shared in the group.
• Challenging authority is nurtured in each person and shared in the group.
• Not engaging in dialogue and hearing your conscience is immoral.
• Children are basically good and need to be nurtured to empathy.
• Empathy and solidarity are the keys to learning.

With continued reflection on the issues and the candidates as election time nears, critical analysis in the form of questions based on Catholic Social Teaching.  Thus, each of us are invited, amidst our contemplative time, to be with these potential questions:

• What combination of the above frameworks did I experience while growing up? Do I still operate from these frames? How difficult or easy is it to change these frames?
• Where is Jesus’ historical life amidst these two models? As he relates to Abba Father? As he relates to his followers?
• The document from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops entitled Faithful Citizenship and a vast array of materials for use in a variety of settings.
• How is the document Faithful Citizenship framed? What value does this have for the common good?
• What is the current reality in institutions such as my national government? The Catholic Church? Media? The environment where I minister?
• How does my language and the way I frame what I say add to the extremes of these frameworks?
• Where is the potential bridge that connects these two frameworks?

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U.S. Legislative Updates with Global Impacts

In this election year, little time remains for legislative action amidst an abundance of issues. Among the issues in need of resolution are the FY 2013 budget, the 2012 Farm Bill, the Violence Against Women Act, and Human Trafficking legislation. The U.S. House plans to be in session for 8 days during September. Amidst legislative priorities, campaigning and partisan divide, there exist some approaching legislative deadlines.

• With regard to the Federal Budget, plans are to pass a 6-month continuing resolution in September that will keep the government running into FY 2013. Several coalition groups including NETWORK and Coalition on Human Needs are circulating a letter calling upon Congress to promote the common good, protect vulnerable persons, and rebuild the economy. In addition, U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact their legislators before September 10, with regard to budgeting.
• The Farm Bill expires September 30. The Senate has already passed a farm bill; the House Agriculture Committee has written one. This legislation includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/food stamp. Other programs that support farms and rural communities and work to fight hunger in our country and around the world are also included in this legislation. U.S. citizens are invited to contact their federal legislators urging them to support a Farm Bill that prioritizes money to alleviate domestic and international hunger, supports conservation of the land, promotes rural development and reduces farm subsidies.
• The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) expires on September 30.
• Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits expire on December 31.
• Personal income tax rates as per the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are set to expire in December 2012. These are the income tax cuts that have benefited the top 1-2% of the population.
• Individuals may remember that late in 2011 (The Budget Control Act), a super committee (Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction) was put together to decrease the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion. The committee failed to do this leaving what we call sequestration (automatic spending cuts) to take place on January 1, 2013. These automatic cuts DO NOT reach Social Security, Medicaid, or many other programs for low-income Americans. Any Medicare cuts would affect payments to providers, not beneficiaries. The automatic cuts that are scheduled would affect defense and non-defense programs equally and unfortunately, would include discretionary programs that specifically serve low-income people.
• It has been nearly a year since the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) expired and there have been over 1.29 million domestic acts of violence committed since the expiration. There have been 253 members of Congress who have voted to protect perpetrators. Urge federal legislators (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to support and pass the Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) as soon as possible.
• There are four pieces of legislation related to human trafficking in need of action. These are highlighted by Polaris Project with action. They include the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2011(S. 1301); the Business Transparency on Trafficking and Slavery Act (H.R. 2759); the Strengthening the Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act (H.R. 2730) and the End Trafficking in Government Contracting Act of 2012 (H.R. 4259/S.2234). September 4 is a national call in day for S. 1301.