Budget cuts are a moral test

As a person of faith, I believe the moral test of any society is how it treats its poor and most vulnerable. Our federal budget should reflect our values and priorities. Legislators should consider how their actions will impact the most vulnerable people.

Congress should oppose any budget proposal that increases military spending while cutting programs that benefit the poor, especially children.

We need to support programs that support health care, family nutrition, education and international aid that literally save lives.

Our deficit also is a moral issue, but how we reduce it is also a moral issue. If Congress is serious about the deficit, then it should cut military spending and corporate subsides to big business, end corporate tax loopholes and address long-term costs of health care and Social Security.

Russell Buckardt

South Elgin