By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
Michigan Chronicle
https://michiganchronicle.com/
The Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, led by Republican Matt Hall, appears to have the spirit of the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas.
It is important to remember just as President George W. Bush said, “It is compassionate to actively help our fellow citizens in need.” The Michigan Legislature, Republicans and Democrats, have an opportunity to help organizations, institutions, and individuals continue to do the work to enhance the quality of life in our communities.
Unfortunately, the non-approval of $644 million in allocated money already committed to various organizations, announced by the Republican led legislature, are some of the most tragic, non-compassionate, and cruel indications of those who have no heart.
These cuts in funds such as local food infrastructure – $3 million, drinking water declaration of emergency to support Flint; $5 million, Rx Kids; $18.5 million, voting equipment refresh; $7.2 million, firearm safety and violence prevention; $1.8 million, along with cuts for firefighters, veterans, mothers and infants, the Museum of African American History, and the Detroit Zoo – make the Grinch look like a rank amateur.
In case you have not noticed, this is not Whoville and we are not living in a fantasy. This is the state of Michigan with cities such as Detroit and many others who will suffer from neglect, disrespect, and a lack of empathy for those who are doing the work for those in need.
These heartless cutbacks under the guise of fraud and waste is a mirror reflecting the worn-out excuses often given by those who prefer profit over people and political interests over the needs of our citizenry. These cuts are shameless and every Michigander who believes that people deserve better should write, call, text, and stand up against such callousness.
We as a people deserve better.
It would appear that some of our Michigan legislators are supporting the whims of the President of the United States. President Donald Trump demonstrates daily that he possesses no empathy for the fundamental needs of the people in our cities.
It is important to remember it’s not about the President; it’s about the residents.
Remember, these are the people who elected you to public office. Their lives will suffer from the neglect of those who are charged with protecting and enhancing the quality of their living. Don’t let the spirit of the Grinch steal Christmas.
It was President Lyndon Baines Johnson, 53 years ago who said, “I believe the essence of government lies with unceasing concern for the welfare, dignity, decency, and innate integrity of life for every individual.”
This attack upon the funding of programs throughout Michigan does not and cannot respect the integrity and the quality of life for all people. Even the Grinch, when looking at his negative impact on the life of little children, changed course and grew a heart where none existed. We call upon the Michigan Legislature, led by those community minded Republicans to grow a bigger heart.
Tis The Season of Giving, Not Taking!
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