Residents of Tipton are losing resources

Larry Hodgden

The winter of our discontent, words first written by Shakespeare in Richard III and later by John Steinbeck in a novel by that name which describes a wealthy man who fell upon hard times before forsaking his principles and selling his soul to regain wealth and privilege. As I write this on Christmas Day following last evening's moving church service celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Saviour and guiding light for Christians around the world, I am aware of much darkness in our world.

In our hometown fifteen residents will lose an opportunity to earn a living, gain self-respect and make a meaningful contribution to society because the local sheltered workshop will be closing because of a lack of funds. While our elected leaders, and those who support them, call for more tax cuts.

How does this conform with the teachings of Jesus in Mathew 25:31-46? How does separating children from parents and locking them in cages conform with your beliefs? How do you justify billions of dollars in aid to millionaire farmers while cutting food stamps for hungry children? How does turning away refugees fleeing death conform with your Christianity?

In 2020 we will all be able to make a choice. We can sell our souls for wealth and continue to support the current path of darkness further harming millions of our fellow citizens or we can choose to follow the teachings of Jesus and walk in the path of the light.

Larry Hodgden

Tipton