thestream--2020-04-22--The Left’s Message to Samaritan’s Purse: You Cannot Be Christian

It would be one thing if Samaritan ’ s Purse refused to treat a gay man .
Or mocked a trans-identified individual .
Or discriminated against a lesbian needing medical care .
But none of that has ever happened .
Instead , this massive , Christian humanitarian organization which serves each person alike is getting blasted by the left for one reason only .
Samaritan ’ s Purse is a Christian organization which employs Christian workers and which believes in the historic teachings of the Bible .
The Crime of Being Christian That alone is their crime .
That alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unthinkable transgression , for that monstrous evil , for the crime of being Christian , they are getting protested by the left .
It was bad enough that Franklin Graham ’ s evangelistic ministry in the U.K. was opposed because of his pro-Bible comments regarding sexuality and marriage .
These days , that is the price for taking a stand for biblical truth and for opposing radical LGBTQ revisionism .
But it ’ s far worse when Graham ’ s humanitarian arm , Samaritan ’ s Purse , which selflessly serves the sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their statement of faith is Christian .
What on earth has happened to our society ?
As John Hirschauer noted in the National Review , “ the volunteers for Samaritan ’ s Purse put themselves in harm ’ s way , acting as backstops for a municipal hospital system at risk of being overrun with coronavirus patients .
The group ’ s Evangelical Christian volunteers expose themselves to infection and disease at no charge to patients , treating the sick without regard to race , religion , sexual orientation , or any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ siege ’ in the United States.
” Protesting for “ Help Not Hate ” Because of a Statement of Faith Yet last Tuesday , April 15 , NBC News reported that , “ a group of LGBTQ activists stood several yards away from the Samaritan ’ s Purse field hospital on the East Meadow lawn and blasted city and state officials and Mount Sinai Hospital for partnering with the evangelical humanitarian relief organization treating overflow patients suffering from the coronavirus.
” As expressed by Jay W. Walker , an activist with the Reclaim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group ever considered to bring their hatred and their vitriol into our city at a time of crisis when our people are fighting a pandemic ?
” Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
It is true , as NBC News noted , that , “ The hospital is staffed with Christian doctors and nurses experienced in treating infectious diseases.
” And these Christians donate their services to help strangers , putting their own lives at risk in a living demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ But , ” the report continues , “ Samaritan Purse ’ s policies require most contractors and some full-time volunteers to sign a statement of faith that includes a declaration that ‘ we believe that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.
’ ” “ We Have Come to Help You in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ ” Oh , the horror !
Oh , the hatred !
How dare this Christian organization , led by the son of Rev .
Billy Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they affirm marriage as it has been affirmed by Church and Synagogue for two millennia .
How dare they refuse to bow the knee at the altar of political correctness .
Oh , the shame !
Writing in the New York Post on April 3 , Bob McManus pointed out that Samaritan ’ s Purse makes it mission and message loud and clear : “ ‘ Why did you come ?
’ ” asks its website .
“ The answer is always the same : ‘ We have come to help you in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” And yet that is where the problem lies : They are Christians coming to serve in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ .
They have crossed a dangerous line — at least , in the eyes of men like Mayor de Blasio .
As McManus wrote ( in classic , New York Post style ) : Gotham ’ s chief executive this week might have accepted with some grace an offer of assistance from a crisis-tested , and devoutly Christian , emergency-relief organization — but he gave it the fisheye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , evangelical Christians armed with tons of the sophisticated medical equipment so sorely lacking in the city right now , plus the expertise to use it , are presumptively suspect .
And are perhaps to be expelled .
Thus it was with Samaritan ’ s Purse , the unapologetically fundamentalist rolling rescue squad perhaps best known for the Ebola clinics it established in West and Central Africa over the past decade .
The Values of New York City Somehow , though , Mayor de Blasio was surprised to hear that Franklin Graham ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
— Christian .
And so he commented , “ I said immediately to my team that we had to find out exactly what was happening .
Was there going to be an approach that was truly consistent with the values [ of ] New York City ?
” Ah yes , the values of New York City , the city that aborts more African American babies than it sees born every year .
By far .
And the city that says : If you hold to Christian beliefs and values , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at your own expense .
Not at the risk of your own lives .
Not if you do it as Christians .
Better to let the COVID-19 victims pass away in their misery .
We will not have true Christianity in our midst .
Wake Up : There Are Those Who Want to Put Christians in the Closet That is how far we have fallen , and we dare not ignore the handwriting on the wall .
After all , if a Christian humanitarian organization can be protested during a pandemic for affirming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches and ministries during times of health and prosperity ?
Fifteen years ago , I was mocked for saying that those who came out of the closet wanted to put us — Bible believing Christians — in the closet .
That now seems like a lifetime ago .
For those who are still slumbering , it is well past time to wake up .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is When the World Stops : Words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Midst of Crisis .
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

It would be one thing if Samaritan’s Purse refused to treat a gay man. Or mocked a trans-identified individual. Or discriminated against a lesbian needing medical care. But none of that has ever happened.
Instead, this massive, Christian humanitarian organization which serves each person alike is getting blasted by the left for one reason only. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization which employs Christian workers and which believes in the historic teachings of the Bible.
The Crime of Being Christian
That alone is their crime. That alone is their fault. And for that unthinkable transgression, for that monstrous evil, for the crime of being Christian, they are getting protested by the left.
It was bad enough that Franklin Graham’s evangelistic ministry in the U.K. was opposed because of his pro-Bible comments regarding sexuality and marriage. These days, that is the price for taking a stand for biblical truth and for opposing radical LGBTQ revisionism.
Samaritan’s Purse, which selflessly serves the sick and hurting worldwide, is opposed because their statement of faith is Christian.
But it’s far worse when Graham’s humanitarian arm, Samaritan’s Purse, which selflessly serves the sick and hurting worldwide, is opposed because their statement of faith is Christian. What on earth has happened to our society?
As John Hirschauer noted in the National Review, “the volunteers for Samaritan’s Purse put themselves in harm’s way, acting as backstops for a municipal hospital system at risk of being overrun with coronavirus patients. The group’s Evangelical Christian volunteers expose themselves to infection and disease at no charge to patients, treating the sick without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, or any of the other identity groups under putative ‘siege’ in the United States.”
Protesting for “Help Not Hate” Because of a Statement of Faith
Yet last Tuesday, April 15, NBC News reported that, “a group of LGBTQ activists stood several yards away from the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital on the East Meadow lawn and blasted city and state officials and Mount Sinai Hospital for partnering with the evangelical humanitarian relief organization treating overflow patients suffering from the coronavirus.”
As expressed by Jay W. Walker, an activist with the Reclaim Pride Coalition, “How was this group ever considered to bring their hatred and their vitriol into our city at a time of crisis when our people are fighting a pandemic?”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
It is true, as NBC News noted, that, “The hospital is staffed with Christian doctors and nurses experienced in treating infectious diseases.”
And these Christians donate their services to help strangers, putting their own lives at risk in a living demonstration of “love your neighbor as yourself.”
“But,” the report continues, “Samaritan Purse’s policies require most contractors and some full-time volunteers to sign a statement of faith that includes a declaration that ‘we believe that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.’”
“We Have Come to Help You in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ”
Oh, the horror! Oh, the hatred! How dare this Christian organization, led by the son of Rev. Billy Graham, uphold biblical values. How dare they affirm marriage as it has been affirmed by Church and Synagogue for two millennia. How dare they refuse to bow the knee at the altar of political correctness. Oh, the shame!
Writing in the New York Post on April 3, Bob McManus pointed out that Samaritan’s Purse makes it mission and message loud and clear: “‘Why did you come?’” asks its website. “The answer is always the same: ‘We have come to help you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.’”
How dare this Christian organization, led by the son of Rev. Billy Graham, uphold biblical values. How dare they affirm marriage as it has been affirmed by Church and Synagogue for two millennia.
And yet that is where the problem lies: They are Christians coming to serve in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They have crossed a dangerous line — at least, in the eyes of men like Mayor de Blasio.
As McManus wrote (in classic, New York Post style):
Gotham’s chief executive this week might have accepted with some grace an offer of assistance from a crisis-tested, and devoutly Christian, emergency-relief organization — but he gave it the fisheye instead. It seems that in Blasville, evangelical Christians armed with tons of the sophisticated medical equipment so sorely lacking in the city right now, plus the expertise to use it, are presumptively suspect. And are perhaps to be expelled. Thus it was with Samaritan’s Purse, the unapologetically fundamentalist rolling rescue squad perhaps best known for the Ebola clinics it established in West and Central Africa over the past decade.
The Values of New York City
Somehow, though, Mayor de Blasio was surprised to hear that Franklin Graham’s organization was actually — oh no! — Christian. And so he commented, “I said immediately to my team that we had to find out exactly what was happening. Was there going to be an approach that was truly consistent with the values [of] New York City?”
Ah yes, the values of New York City, the city that aborts more African American babies than it sees born every year. By far.
And the city that says: If you hold to Christian beliefs and values, you cannot serve our citizens. Not at your own expense. Not at the risk of your own lives. Not if you do it as Christians.
Better to let the COVID-19 victims pass away in their misery. We will not have true Christianity in our midst.
Wake Up: There Are Those Who Want to Put Christians in the Closet
That is how far we have fallen, and we dare not ignore the handwriting on the wall. After all, if a Christian humanitarian organization can be protested during a pandemic for affirming biblical values, what will happen to churches and ministries during times of health and prosperity?
For those who are still slumbering, it is well past time to wake up.
Fifteen years ago, I was mocked for saying that those who came out of the closet wanted to put us — Bible believing Christians — in the closet.
That now seems like a lifetime ago. For those who are still slumbering, it is well past time to wake up.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is When the World Stops: Words of Faith, Hope, and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-04-22--While NY Gov. Cuomo Rejects God’s Help in This Crisis, Texas Governor Abbott Says ‘Put Your Faith in

While NY Gov. Cuomo Rejects God’s Help in This Crisis, Texas Governor Abbott Says ‘Put Your Faith in God’

“ Our behavior has stopped the spread of the [ corona ] virus , ” New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said in his April 12 CNN interview .
“ God did not stop the spread of the virus.
” The next day Cuomo repeated himself when discussing flattening the curve .
“ The number is down because we brought the number down .
God did not do that .
Fate did not do that .
Destiny did not do that .
A lot of pain and suffering did that.
” At least one governor has a diametrically opposed perspective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greg Abbott Sunday during Prestonwood Baptist Church ’ s service .
Abbott told Graham that we can see the hand of God working in the fight against coronavirus .
He went on to describe his own personal crisis and how that informs what he ’ s doing to get Texas ready to reopen for business .
“ When I was just 26 years old , I suffered , literally , a back-breaking injury , ” Abbott told Graham .
Abbott was permanently paralyzed from the accident .
It was that injury that put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively .
Abbott said that while it tested his faith , he kept reaching out to God .
“ I found in the aftermath of that , as I continued to reach out to God , I found God reaching out right back to me.
” His relationship with God and Jesus Christ was strengthened after the injury .
“ It empowered me to go on and become the governor of the great state of Texas.
” Abbott added that everyone is challenged and tested .
Regardless of the challenge , Jesus will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there for them .
“ [ If you believe ] Jesus Christ and God , you will be able to weather this storm .
God never promised us a life free of storms .
What God promised was a pathway through those storms .
That ’ s what I ’ ve seen in my own life , that ’ s what I ’ m seeing in Texas.
” Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
God is answering the prayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , Abbott told Graham .
The curve is flattening , and “ putting Texas into a position where we are going to be able to begin to open up in safe ways that prevent the transmission of the coronavirus .
God ’ s hand is working through the scientists across this great nation.
” Abbott closed the interview by encouraging Graham and others to put their faith in God .
“ God will pull you through this and Texas will once again rise up to be the number one economy in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

“Our behavior has stopped the spread of the [corona]virus,” New York governor Andrew Cuomo said in his April 12 CNN interview. “God did not stop the spread of the virus.” The next day Cuomo repeated himself when discussing flattening the curve. “The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Fate did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that.”
At least one governor has a diametrically opposed perspective. Pastor Jack Graham interviewed Texas governor Greg Abbott Sunday during Prestonwood Baptist Church’s service. Abbott told Graham that we can see the hand of God working in the fight against coronavirus. He went on to describe his own personal crisis and how that informs what he’s doing to get Texas ready to reopen for business.
“When I was just 26 years old, I suffered, literally, a back-breaking injury,” Abbott told Graham. Abbott was permanently paralyzed from the accident. It was that injury that put him in a place to lead Texas effectively. Abbott said that while it tested his faith, he kept reaching out to God. “I found in the aftermath of that, as I continued to reach out to God, I found God reaching out right back to me.” His relationship with God and Jesus Christ was strengthened after the injury. “It empowered me to go on and become the governor of the great state of Texas.”
‘God Will Pull You Through’
Abbott added that everyone is challenged and tested. Regardless of the challenge, Jesus will support people, and He will always be there for them. “[If you believe] Jesus Christ and God, you will be able to weather this storm. God never promised us a life free of storms. What God promised was a pathway through those storms. That’s what I’ve seen in my own life, that’s what I’m seeing in Texas.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
God is answering the prayers of His children with regard to the coronavirus, Abbott told Graham. The curve is flattening, and “putting Texas into a position where we are going to be able to begin to open up in safe ways that prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. God’s hand is working through the scientists across this great nation.”
Abbott closed the interview by encouraging Graham and others to put their faith in God. “God will pull you through this and Texas will once again rise up to be the number one economy in the United States of America.”
Watch the interview:
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-04-22--Pray Together: Topical Prayer Guide on COVID-19 From The Stream

With varying opinions on the coronavirus and the effects of the shutdown coming from family , friends and the media , there ’ s a lot to process .
I know I ’ ve felt overwhelmed .
What do I think ?
How do I respond ?
How do I pray ?
But I ’ m not overwhelmed with my own circumstances .
For those who are , the questions of this season are far more pressing , and the prayers more fervent .
Regardless of how we feel or what we ’ re facing , we can together look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our brothers and sisters in Christ to strengthen us as we pray .
Let ’ s join in unity as we ask God for help , seek to partner with God in prayer and giving , and submit ourselves to what He ’ s doing in this time .
Here ’ s a topical prayer guide we ’ ve put together .
It pieces together what God has put on each of our hearts .
We hope it spurs you on in godly concern , faith and prayer .
— Aliya Kuykendall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to COVID-19 both in the U.S. and around the world has put us in uncharted territory economically .
According to the most recent jobs report , 22 million American have lost their jobs — just in the last month !
That is by far the worst four-week decline in jobs in American history .
In fact , it ’ s about five time greater than the second worst four-week period .
And the longer the shutdown continues , the more Americans will either lose their jobs or have hours cut back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to crime and unrest .
Anyone who has lost a job knows how stressful it can be , especially if you have children .
It ’ s not about dollars and cents .
It ’ s about whether you ’ ll have enough to feed , cloth , and house your children , and to care for them if they get sick .
The economy matters because people matter .
Those of us who still have jobs need to look out for friends and neighbors who are suffering .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not replace concrete action .
If you ’ re praying for God to provide food or rental money for your neighbor , don ’ t be surprised if God wants to use you to deliver such provision .
Here ’ s a good prayer to help us remember that when we ask God for help , he often responds by asking us to participate : Merciful God , We ask that you give our leaders the wisdom to guide our nation and the world out of the current economic crisis .
Help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are struggling during this difficult time .
Provide for their needs and give them hope .
Open new opportunities for them and furnish the resources they need to live with dignity .
Encourage those who have enough to share essential resources with those who lack the necessities of life , and to do so with humble , grateful and loving hearts .
We ask this through Christ , Our Lord .
Amen .
In Romans 13:1 we learn “ The authorities that exist have been established by God.
” Later in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ first of all , that petitions , prayers , intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority , that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
” The concept is simple : God has placed people in position of authority and we have to have their back in prayer and intercession .
That has rarely been truer than in this hour .
Yes , we always want our leaders to rule with godly wisdom .
But today , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the fly , in a nearly unprecedented situation , with data changing by the moment , with the lives and livelihood of millions on the line , not just now , but with consequences lasting decades .
This is a burden no pair of human shoulders can be expected to bear … not without God and the fervent prayers of the faithful .
Not without pointed , specific intercession .
We are also to be thankful for those placed in authority and prepared in advance .
( And I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have to make the decisions.
” ) Take President Trump .
Dr. Deborah Birx says “ I think his ability to analyze and integrate data that comes out of his long history of business has really been a real benefit during these discussions about medical issues.
” Take Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
He grew up in state government .
So , Lord , we petition you to grant leaders here and abroad supernatural wisdom .
We pray they will seek your guidance and be kept safe from the virus .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christ , against all weapons of the enemy directed at those you ’ ve chosen to lead through this crisis .
And we stay thankful , that You have your hands on our nation , and have prepared , in advance , those tasked with this enormous and difficult work .
Depression is the number one disability in the world for those aged 15-44 .
During the coronavirus , more people are reaching out for help than ever before .
There ’ s been an 891 % increase to The Disaster Distress Helpline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there is hope through Christ .
I know because I ’ ve struggled with depression for years .
Nothing changes the mood more than worship music .
It ’ s hopeful and reminds me that God is still in control .
He always walks with me through what seems like an impossible situation .
King David knew depression and anxiety intimately .
Two of his Psalms address what some are feeling in this pandemic .
They help me to hang onto my sanity during the coronavirus .
The Lord has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Let us hold onto the truth that we are not alone .
Dear Heavenly Father , I pray for each person struggling with depression during this time that seems so isolating .
We know You are with us .
Let us hold onto you with all we have and praise You , even during a dark season .
Lift our soul with your healing power .
Give us joy that only a relationship with You provides .
Protect us , Oh Lord , and heal us , mind , body and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pray .
Amen .
We ’ re all dealing with powerful feelings during this national crisis .
Locked up in our homes .
With the very same people .
All the time .
Our friends and fellow citizens are suffering .
Bad actors in governor ’ s mansions are exploiting the situation and abusing their power .
Media sneer , distort , and hector worse than ever .
Tempting , isn ’ t it , to bubble over with Wrath ?
Not merely human anger , but Wrath like God ’ s .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our wills .
It made every emotion in our repertoire vulnerable to abuse .
Hard to control .
A likely source of sin .
It ’ s a great temptation , to think we have the right to Wrath , which is proper only to God .
We see people doing and saying things which really are evil .
And we hate such evils , which is good .
But the author of evil , ever at our elbow , tempts us to go further .
He urges us to see the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should destroy .
As demons the world must be rid of .
In a flash , the Enemy has turned our zeal for the House of God into a simmering , serious sin that ’ s all our own .
I wrote a whole book , The Bad Catholic ’ s Guide to the Seven Deadly Sins , on how to pursue the Golden Mean between opposing deadly sins .
Central to that is prayer .
A simple prayer that we can repeat to ourselves , over and over , to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wrath is this one : Jesus , meek and humble of heart , make my heart more like yours .
It ’ s short , simple , and easy to wheeze in and out with every angry breath as you pound your fist on the table .
Pretty soon , He ’ ll calm you down , and help you know what to do .
Crises can either sharpen or dull our spiritual senses .
We can either pray to be even more in tune with Him as He does whatever unusual work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period , or we can start to lose sight of His constant goodness .
Even grief can draw us closer to God , but loss and worry can also take us into a dark place of bitterness and resentment .
This really represents confusion about who God is , His purpose in each of our lives , as He works to build us up in love , faith , patience , kindness , and joy .
As we learn from passages like James 1:2-4 , Romans 5:1-5 , and especially Hebrews 12:1-11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , even when hard times come .
He ’ s still a good God , no matter what happens .
God , please grant us the grace to see You clearly in this time of crisis .
Let us know and trust in your goodness , even when it ’ s so much less obvious to human view .
May this be a time when we grow in love , faith , joy , and patience .
May we never forget the depth of Your love , as you showed it through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jesus Christ .
As we face threats to our civil liberties during this pandemic , it ’ s a good time to ponder what the Bible says about this matter .
The Declaration of Independence declares , “ We hold these truths to be self-evident : That all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights ; that among these are life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness.
” The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written based on Judeo-Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bible leads to greater expressions of civil and religious liberty .
The Bible is very clear that God ’ s law proscribes freedom .
If it is followed , people will be blessed and judged accordingly .
James 1:25 states , “ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom , and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard , but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do.
” Similarly , James 2:12 provides , “ Speak and act as those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law that gives freedom.
” During this traumatic pandemic , we must be very careful about restricting civil liberties .
Now is not the time to ignore wisdom from the Bible .
Dear Lord , I pray that our leaders will have the wisdom to respect our inherent freedoms , balancing them appropriately against emergency measures that need to be taken .
There is a path some religious leaders have taken in one of these areas , holding church services in cars in church parking lots in order to comply with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this .
Worldometer reports there are 679,970 active cases in the U.S. as of Tuesday .
Psalm 91 declares that the Lord is our refuge from deadly pestilence and plague .
Isaiah 53 says of the then-coming Messiah that by his bloody stripes , we are healed .
In this season following Passover , the festival on which Jesus was slain , we continue to trust in the blood of Jesus , our Passover lamb , to shield us .
We also know from Haggai 2 and Hebrews 12 that at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all nations , ” for the sake of “ removing of what can be shaken — that is , created things — so that what can not be shaken may remain.
” Even when our sense of normal , our finances or our health are being shaken , we know that “ we are receiving a kingdom that can not be shaken.
” Let us pray that many hearts , including our own , will turn from the comforts this world offers and become dependent on God , the true source of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if God sends pestilence , and we humble ourselves , pray , seek God and repent , then He will hear us , forgive us and heal our land .
Jesus , we plead your blood over our sins and the sins of our nation .
We thank you for the healing power of your blood and suffering for us .
In faith we receive your work on the cross for us .
We ask that you would have mercy on our nation and heal those who are suffering .
For those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those with less severe cases , may their bodies be strengthened and fight off the virus .
We thank you for giving wisdom and protection to medical staff , and specifically for wisdom for an effective treatment .
We ask that You would comfort those who are suffering from this virus or its impact on the economy .
May many turn to You as their source of provision for all they need , certainty in these uncertain times , hope and life .
Amen .
How are you praying during this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for wisdom and guidance ?
What challenges are you facing ?
How can we be praying for you ?
Let us know in the comment section below .

With varying opinions on the coronavirus and the effects of the shutdown coming from family, friends and the media, there’s a lot to process. I know I’ve felt overwhelmed. What do I think? How do I respond? How do I pray? But I’m not overwhelmed with my own circumstances. For those who are, the questions of this season are far more pressing, and the prayers more fervent.
Regardless of how we feel or what we’re facing, we can together look to the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and our brothers and sisters in Christ to strengthen us as we pray. Let’s join in unity as we ask God for help, seek to partner with God in prayer and giving, and submit ourselves to what He’s doing in this time.
Here’s a topical prayer guide we’ve put together. It pieces together what God has put on each of our hearts. We hope it spurs you on in godly concern, faith and prayer.
— Aliya Kuykendall and the editors at The Stream
Economic Turmoil
The response to COVID-19 both in the U.S. and around the world has put us in uncharted territory economically. According to the most recent jobs report, 22 million American have lost their jobs — just in the last month! That is by far the worst four-week decline in jobs in American history. In fact, it’s about five time greater than the second worst four-week period.
And the longer the shutdown continues, the more Americans will either lose their jobs or have hours cut back. And massive joblessness at some point will lead to crime and unrest.
Anyone who has lost a job knows how stressful it can be, especially if you have children. It’s not about dollars and cents. It’s about whether you’ll have enough to feed, cloth, and house your children, and to care for them if they get sick. The economy matters because people matter.
Those of us who still have jobs need to look out for friends and neighbors who are suffering. We need to pray for them, but our prayers should not replace concrete action. If you’re praying for God to provide food or rental money for your neighbor, don’t be surprised if God wants to use you to deliver such provision.
Here’s a good prayer to help us remember that when we ask God for help, he often responds by asking us to participate:
Merciful God, We ask that you give our leaders the wisdom to guide our nation and the world out of the current economic crisis. Help us to protect the poor and all those who are struggling during this difficult time. Provide for their needs and give them hope. Open new opportunities for them and furnish the resources they need to live with dignity. Encourage those who have enough to share essential resources with those who lack the necessities of life, and to do so with humble, grateful and loving hearts. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
— Jay Richard, Executive Editor
Wisdom for Our Leaders
In Romans 13:1 we learn “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Later in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges, “first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
The concept is simple: God has placed people in position of authority and we have to have their back in prayer and intercession. That has rarely been truer than in this hour. Yes, we always want our leaders to rule with godly wisdom. But today, they need to rule with godly wisdom, on the fly, in a nearly unprecedented situation, with data changing by the moment, with the lives and livelihood of millions on the line, not just now, but with consequences lasting decades.
This is a burden no pair of human shoulders can be expected to bear … not without God and the fervent prayers of the faithful. Not without pointed, specific intercession. We are also to be thankful for those placed in authority and prepared in advance. (And I don’t mean “Thank God I don’t have to make the decisions.”)
Take President Trump. Dr. Deborah Birx says “I think his ability to analyze and integrate data that comes out of his long history of business has really been a real benefit during these discussions about medical issues.” Take Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He grew up in state government.
So, Lord, we petition you to grant leaders here and abroad supernatural wisdom. We pray they will seek your guidance and be kept safe from the virus. We intercede, in the name of Jesus Christ, against all weapons of the enemy directed at those you’ve chosen to lead through this crisis. And we stay thankful, that You have your hands on our nation, and have prepared, in advance, those tasked with this enormous and difficult work.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
— Al Perrotta, Managing Editor
Mental Health
Depression is the number one disability in the world for those aged 15-44. During the coronavirus, more people are reaching out for help than ever before. There’s been an 891% increase to The Disaster Distress Helpline over March 2019. People are hurting. But there is hope through Christ.
I know because I’ve struggled with depression for years. Nothing changes the mood more than worship music. It’s hopeful and reminds me that God is still in control. He always walks with me through what seems like an impossible situation.
King David knew depression and anxiety intimately. Two of his Psalms address what some are feeling in this pandemic. They help me to hang onto my sanity during the coronavirus.
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 30:10-12
Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me;
Lord, be my help.”
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
The Lord has said that He will never leave or forsake us. Let us hold onto the truth that we are not alone.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for each person struggling with depression during this time that seems so isolating. We know You are with us. Let us hold onto you with all we have and praise You, even during a dark season. Lift our soul with your healing power. Give us joy that only a relationship with You provides. Protect us, Oh Lord, and heal us, mind, body and soul. In Your Holy name I pray. Amen.
— Nancy Flory, Associate Editor
Facing Down Wrath
We’re all dealing with powerful feelings during this national crisis. Locked up in our homes. With the very same people. All the time.
Our friends and fellow citizens are suffering. Bad actors in governor’s mansions are exploiting the situation and abusing their power. Media sneer, distort, and hector worse than ever.
Tempting, isn’t it, to bubble over with Wrath? Not merely human anger, but Wrath like God’s.
The Fall darkened our reason and shriveled our wills. It made every emotion in our repertoire vulnerable to abuse. Hard to control. A likely source of sin.
It’s a great temptation, to think we have the right to Wrath, which is proper only to God. We see people doing and saying things which really are evil. And we hate such evils, which is good. But the author of evil, ever at our elbow, tempts us to go further. He urges us to see the people themselves as evil incarnate. As things we should destroy. As demons the world must be rid of.
In a flash, the Enemy has turned our zeal for the House of God into a simmering, serious sin that’s all our own.
I wrote a whole book, The Bad Catholic’s Guide to the Seven Deadly Sins, on how to pursue the Golden Mean between opposing deadly sins. Central to that is prayer. A simple prayer that we can repeat to ourselves, over and over, to get over the hump of a spell of Wrath is this one:
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart more like yours.
It’s short, simple, and easy to wheeze in and out with every angry breath as you pound your fist on the table. Pretty soon, He’ll calm you down, and help you know what to do.
— John Zmirak, Senior Editor
Spiritual Confusion
Crises can either sharpen or dull our spiritual senses. We can either pray to be even more in tune with Him as He does whatever unusual work He has in mind for this hard period, or we can start to lose sight of His constant goodness.
Even grief can draw us closer to God, but loss and worry can also take us into a dark place of bitterness and resentment. This really represents confusion about who God is, His purpose in each of our lives, as He works to build us up in love, faith, patience, kindness, and joy. As we learn from passages like James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5, and especially Hebrews 12:1-11, God has good things in mind for us, even when hard times come. He’s still a good God, no matter what happens.
God, please grant us the grace to see You clearly in this time of crisis. Let us know and trust in your goodness, even when it’s so much less obvious to human view. May this be a time when we grow in love, faith, joy, and patience. May we never forget the depth of Your love, as you showed it through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
— Tom Gilson, Senior Editor
Civil Liberties
As we face threats to our civil liberties during this pandemic, it’s a good time to ponder what the Bible says about this matter. The Declaration of Independence declares, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written based on Judeo-Christian principles. The spiritual liberty proscribed by the Bible leads to greater expressions of civil and religious liberty. The Bible is very clear that God’s law proscribes freedom. If it is followed, people will be blessed and judged accordingly.
James 1:25 states, “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do.”
Similarly, James 2:12 provides, “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.”
During this traumatic pandemic, we must be very careful about restricting civil liberties. Now is not the time to ignore wisdom from the Bible.
Dear Lord, I pray that our leaders will have the wisdom to respect our inherent freedoms, balancing them appropriately against emergency measures that need to be taken. There is a path some religious leaders have taken in one of these areas, holding church services in cars in church parking lots in order to comply with social distancing requirements. I pray for more solutions like this.
— Rachel Alexander, Senior Editor
Healing, Physically and Spiritually
Worldometer reports there are 679,970 active cases in the U.S. as of Tuesday.
Psalm 91 declares that the Lord is our refuge from deadly pestilence and plague. Isaiah 53 says of the then-coming Messiah that by his bloody stripes, we are healed. In this season following Passover, the festival on which Jesus was slain, we continue to trust in the blood of Jesus, our Passover lamb, to shield us.
We also know from Haggai 2 and Hebrews 12 that at times God shakes the earth, even “all nations,” for the sake of “removing of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that what cannot be shaken may remain.” Even when our sense of normal, our finances or our health are being shaken, we know that “we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” Let us pray that many hearts, including our own, will turn from the comforts this world offers and become dependent on God, the true source of life. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 tells us that if God sends pestilence, and we humble ourselves, pray, seek God and repent, then He will hear us, forgive us and heal our land.
Jesus, we plead your blood over our sins and the sins of our nation. We thank you for the healing power of your blood and suffering for us. In faith we receive your work on the cross for us.
We ask that you would have mercy on our nation and heal those who are suffering. For those who are fighting for their lives, and for those with less severe cases, may their bodies be strengthened and fight off the virus.
We thank you for giving wisdom and protection to medical staff, and specifically for wisdom for an effective treatment.
We ask that You would comfort those who are suffering from this virus or its impact on the economy. May many turn to You as their source of provision for all they need, certainty in these uncertain times, hope and life. Amen.
— Aliya Kuykendall, Staff Writer
How are you praying during this time? What verses are you leaning on for wisdom and guidance? What challenges are you facing? How can we be praying for you? Let us know in the comment section below.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-04-23--How to Hold China Accountable for COVID-19

Americans are understandably upset .
Businesses are closed , and people ’ s lives and livelihoods are at stake .
It makes sense that people would demand the government take action against those responsible for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic once we ’ ve made it through .
Here ’ s how — and how not — to hold China accountable for the new coronavirus .
As of right now , for very good reason , the Chinese Communist Party is culprit No .
1 .
However , it won ’ t be so easy getting it to fork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality that nations are generally not able to be sued , under the concept of “ sovereign immunity.
” While there are some exceptions , it would require the construction of a very tight case , in this case against the Chinese Communist Party .
To build such a case , policymakers would need to answer three important questions : 1. Who exactly is responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak ?
Meaning , who in the Chinese Communist Party is responsible for suppressing the information that heroes such as Dr. Li Wenliang tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rampant ?
2 .
What exactly are they guilty of ?
Meaning , is the Chinese Communist Party simply guilty of the suppression of information ?
Are they also guilty of not acting soon enough ?
What else , exactly ?
3 .
How do we even begin to calculate the restitution owed to the U.S. ?
Some estimates suggest that the coronavirus has generated losses of as much as $ 4 trillion .
That ’ s roughly one-third of China ’ s economy .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And No Fear .
Perhaps because of the complications with a legal case , folks are talking about ways to make China “ pay ” in other ways .
Many of the ideas are lacking a dose of reality .
Here ’ s how we should not hold China accountable : 1 .
Refuse to pay Chinese holders of U.S. debt .
As of January , Chinese investors held $ 1.1 trillion worth of U.S. Treasury securities ( debt ) .
Chinese holders of U.S. debt ( both private and government entities ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total foreign holders of U.S. debt , but only a fraction of total public debt .
If there is one thing that would destroy the credibility of the American dollar and the American financial system , it would be to raise any doubts about the American commitment to meeting its financial obligations .
Such a threat would shatter the faith of every holder of American debt , not just the Chinese .
After all , if the U.S. could suddenly decide not to pay Chinese holders of American debt , what would keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudis ?
Or the Japanese ?
And that , in turn , would effectively end the role of the American dollar as the global reserve currency .
This is truly one case where the cure would be worse than the disease .
2 .
Get U.S. companies to leave China and come home .
Some suggest COVID-19 is a great opportunity to bring U.S. companies back from China .
The problem is that while some companies might leave China ( and there could be incentives to encourage them to do so ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Companies went to China in pursuit of cheaper costs , and COVID-19 doesn ’ t change that .
Most of the companies that are leaving China won ’ t be coming to the U.S.
They ’ ll more likely be going to Vietnam or Mexico , or many other places .
3 .
Kick out all Chinese news reporters .
This has little to do with China ’ s suppression of information about the COVID-19 virus , and more to do with China ’ s overall suppression of a free press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese reporters in the U.S. that failed to report on COVID-19 developments in China .
Kicking China ’ s reporters out of the U.S. would simply justify China ’ s ejection of American journalists , to little effect on the pandemic ( other than limiting what unrestricted information is available ) .
4 .
Decouple entirely from the Chinese economy .
Some suggest the U.S. should have no business with China whatsoever .
But China was our fourth-largest trading partner in 2019 , with $ 560 billion worth of traded goods .
Historically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invested more than $ 150 billion in each other ( about twice as much U.S. direct investment in China than vice versa ) .
Subsidiaries of U.S. companies sell hundreds of billions of dollars of goods in China every year on top of what they export there from the U.S .
These benefits would be hard to give up .
Are there costs of doing business in China ?
Yes .
But businesses are there because there are also benefits .
There are more realistic ways to put the Chinese Communist Party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it accountable .
1 .
A human rights approach .
Sanctioning specific individuals for specific rights violations can be more successful than trying to punish a nation of 1.4 billion people .
2 .
An international approach with allies .
This includes taking international legal action as another possibility .
Legal scholar James Kraska has laid out one such approach .
But litigation could take years and still lack the desired effect Americans might want to see this year .
3 .
Public diplomacy .
It will take some patience and not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to say , legal action would feel good up front , but would take years to maybe reach results , and then only if accompanied by painstaking diplomatic work .
Diplomacy includes keeping the spotlight on the Chinese Communist Party and the nefarious impact it has on the world .
Results may vary , but doing this and letting people and governments around the world take matters into their own hands will have a lasting effect .
The truth is that this virus has given the Chinese Communist Party a big black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing all they can to shift the blame or obfuscate the truth .
The Trump administration is likely to continue pushing back against China ’ s efforts to reshape the international narrative , much like we ’ ve seen the U.S.-China competition across the international arena .
But the outbreak of COVID-19 doesn ’ t change that the People ’ s Republic of China will be our most persistent and consequential U.S. foreign-policy challenge for the next several decades .
There might be right ways to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there are also wrong ideas that undermine U.S. long-term interests .
Let ’ s not mix those up .
Riley Walters is a policy analyst in the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation .
Dean Cheng brings detailed knowledge of China ’ s military and space capabilities to bear as The Heritage Foundation ’ s research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs .
Read his research .

Americans are understandably upset. Businesses are closed, and people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake.
It makes sense that people would demand the government take action against those responsible for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic once we’ve made it through.
Here’s how — and how not — to hold China accountable for the new coronavirus.
As of right now, for very good reason, the Chinese Communist Party is culprit No. 1. However, it won’t be so easy getting it to fork over restitution.
There’s the reality that nations are generally not able to be sued, under the concept of “sovereign immunity.” While there are some exceptions, it would require the construction of a very tight case, in this case against the Chinese Communist Party.
To build such a case, policymakers would need to answer three important questions:
1. Who exactly is responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak? Meaning, who in the Chinese Communist Party is responsible for suppressing the information that heroes such as Dr. Li Wenliang tried to share with the world before COVID-19 grew rampant?
2. What exactly are they guilty of? Meaning, is the Chinese Communist Party simply guilty of the suppression of information? Are they also guilty of not acting soon enough? What else, exactly?
3. How do we even begin to calculate the restitution owed to the U.S.? Some estimates suggest that the coronavirus has generated losses of as much as $4 trillion. That’s roughly one-third of China’s economy.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Perhaps because of the complications with a legal case, folks are talking about ways to make China “pay” in other ways. Many of the ideas are lacking a dose of reality.
Here’s how we should not hold China accountable:
1. Refuse to pay Chinese holders of U.S. debt. As of January, Chinese investors held $1.1 trillion worth of U.S. Treasury securities (debt). Chinese holders of U.S. debt (both private and government entities) account for more than 15% of total foreign holders of U.S. debt, but only a fraction of total public debt.
If there is one thing that would destroy the credibility of the American dollar and the American financial system, it would be to raise any doubts about the American commitment to meeting its financial obligations.
Such a threat would shatter the faith of every holder of American debt, not just the Chinese.
After all, if the U.S. could suddenly decide not to pay Chinese holders of American debt, what would keep us from doing the same to the Saudis? Or the Japanese? And that, in turn, would effectively end the role of the American dollar as the global reserve currency. This is truly one case where the cure would be worse than the disease.
2. Get U.S. companies to leave China and come home. Some suggest COVID-19 is a great opportunity to bring U.S. companies back from China. The problem is that while some companies might leave China (and there could be incentives to encourage them to do so), few would then relocate back to the U.S.
Companies went to China in pursuit of cheaper costs, and COVID-19 doesn’t change that. Most of the companies that are leaving China won’t be coming to the U.S. They’ll more likely be going to Vietnam or Mexico, or many other places.
3. Kick out all Chinese news reporters. This has little to do with China’s suppression of information about the COVID-19 virus, and more to do with China’s overall suppression of a free press.
After all, it wasn’t Chinese reporters in the U.S. that failed to report on COVID-19 developments in China.
Kicking China’s reporters out of the U.S. would simply justify China’s ejection of American journalists, to little effect on the pandemic (other than limiting what unrestricted information is available).
4. Decouple entirely from the Chinese economy. Some suggest the U.S. should have no business with China whatsoever. But China was our fourth-largest trading partner in 2019, with $560 billion worth of traded goods.
Historically, U.S. and Chinese investors have directly invested more than $150 billion in each other (about twice as much U.S. direct investment in China than vice versa). Subsidiaries of U.S. companies sell hundreds of billions of dollars of goods in China every year on top of what they export there from the U.S.
These benefits would be hard to give up. Are there costs of doing business in China? Yes. But businesses are there because there are also benefits.
The truth is that this virus has given the Chinese Communist Party a big black eye and right now the Chinese are doing all they can to shift the blame or obfuscate the truth.
There are more realistic ways to put the Chinese Communist Party’s feet to the fire and hold it accountable.
1. A human rights approach. Sanctioning specific individuals for specific rights violations can be more successful than trying to punish a nation of 1.4 billion people.
2. An international approach with allies. This includes taking international legal action as another possibility. Legal scholar James Kraska has laid out one such approach. But litigation could take years and still lack the desired effect Americans might want to see this year.
3. Public diplomacy. It will take some patience and not have the visibility of legal action. That is to say, legal action would feel good up front, but would take years to maybe reach results, and then only if accompanied by painstaking diplomatic work.
Diplomacy includes keeping the spotlight on the Chinese Communist Party and the nefarious impact it has on the world. Results may vary, but doing this and letting people and governments around the world take matters into their own hands will have a lasting effect.
The truth is that this virus has given the Chinese Communist Party a big black eye and right now the Chinese are doing all they can to shift the blame or obfuscate the truth.
The Trump administration is likely to continue pushing back against China’s efforts to reshape the international narrative, much like we’ve seen the U.S.-China competition across the international arena.
But the outbreak of COVID-19 doesn’t change that the People’s Republic of China will be our most persistent and consequential U.S. foreign-policy challenge for the next several decades.
There might be right ways to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for the COVID-19 outbreak and its other misdeeds. But there are also wrong ideas that undermine U.S. long-term interests.
Let’s not mix those up.
Riley Walters is a policy analyst in the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation.
Dean Cheng brings detailed knowledge of China’s military and space capabilities to bear as The Heritage Foundation’s research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs. Read his research.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-04-23--Never Trumpers, the Elites, and the Ordinary Americans They Disdain

In early 2016 I was just shy of being a NeverTrumper .
Except that I couldn ’ t stand the NeverTrumpers .
I identified with Trump ’ s voters and , as a pro-lifer and traditional marriage advocate , I was well-acquainted with the condescension of the elites .
Cut to 2020 .
The President and the governors are faced with a horrible choice .
Mass casualties or a second Great Depression ?
When to risk more the former and when to risk more the latter ?
I don ’ t envy them , and I don ’ t shake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them every day .
But neither do I shake my fist at the ordinary Americans who are protesting the coronavirus lockdowns .
The elites despise them .
But the protesters have got a point .
A point the elites don ’ t want anyone to hear .
It Looks Different William McGurn writes about them in the Wall Street Journal .
Many people claim they care more for money than public health , but that isn ’ t true , he explains .
About one-third of Americans can work at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Already 22 million have lost their jobs .
And one out of every four small business owners can ’ t survive two months .
The elites aren ’ t moved by their plight .
“ The protests remain relatively small , ” McGurn explains .
“ But they do expose the elite disconnect with ordinary America .
A recent New York magazine article captured the condescension and lack of empathy when it declared the protests are probably ‘ going to spread nearly as rapidly as the coronavirus itself in the rich soil of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted that ‘ tyrants ’ are exploiting the emergency to impose their godless socialist views on freedom-loving but fearful Americans ’ .
” When I read McGurn ’ s piece , I thought of the front page photo in yesterday ’ s Hartford Courant .
More than a thousand cars lined up at Rentschler Field in East Hartford to receive food .
Seriously .
Food lines .
In the United States of America .
And these are people in their cars .
They were not destitute .
They were working people who lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own .
Who might become destitute .
And then I think of the Libertarian protest that was held in Hartford on Monday .
It was a rolling car event .
That is , the Connecticut protest did practice social distancing .
Yet , the Connecticut Democratic Party was all over them .
“ Pro-COVID protesters ” is what they are being called , by some of our state ’ s highest elected officials .
It brings me full circle to what I thought of NeverTrumpers in 2016 .
I may not be entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get it .
The liberals can disagree .
Fine .
But the disdain , the vitriol , the condescension ?
Toward people who just want to feed their families ?
People who maybe don ’ t want to wait in a line of a thousand cars in East Hartford to ( literally ! )
get a handout from Gov .
Lamont but want instead to assert their God-given desire to work for a living ?
It is just .
so .
outrageous .
But it gets worse .
When the market crashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bailout , TARP .
And then a few months later , it did that giant stimulus .
Remember the stimulus ?
Remember “ Never let a good crisis go to waste ” ?
And “ jobs saved , ” which in reality meant a payoff to various Obama constituencies using your tax dollars ?
However much you may disagree with the first thing , the bailout , that was not the thing that created the Tea Party uprising .
It was the second thing , the stimulus .
Support The Stream : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Cut to 2020 .
The first thing we were told was that we had to take these precautions in order to flatten the curve .
We needed to make sure hospitals were not overwhelmed .
We were never promised that doing this would mean that we would not get coronavirus .
But at some point , there was a second thing .
They started telling us that we should keep doing this until there is a vaccine .
They moved the goal posts .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s never the first thing .
It ’ s always the second thing .
And that , as with the elite condescension , makes me more sympathetic to the protesters .
I ’ m not quite with them .
I think we need to give our leaders more time .
And more prayer .
But some of our leadership smell opportunity in this crisis .
Lots of opportunities .
They will go for that second thing , whatever that second thing may be .
It will be bad .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But something the elites do want .
More government , more centralization , more control over your life .
The protestors , who just wanted to earn a living , will turn out to be the canary in the coal mine .
I might not have even heard the canary chirp , if it weren ’ t for all the condescension .
Peter Wolfgang is president of Family Institute of Connecticut Action .
He lives in Waterbury , Connecticut , with his wife and their seven children .
The views expressed on The @ @ @ @ @ @

In early 2016 I was just shy of being a NeverTrumper. Except that I couldn’t stand the NeverTrumpers. I identified with Trump’s voters and, as a pro-lifer and traditional marriage advocate, I was well-acquainted with the condescension of the elites.
Cut to 2020. The President and the governors are faced with a horrible choice. Mass casualties or a second Great Depression? When to risk more the former and when to risk more the latter? I don’t envy them, and I don’t shake my fist at them. I pray for them every day.
But neither do I shake my fist at the ordinary Americans who are protesting the coronavirus lockdowns. The elites despise them. But the protesters have got a point. A point the elites don’t want anyone to hear.
It Looks Different
William McGurn writes about them in the Wall Street Journal. Many people claim they care more for money than public health, but that isn’t true, he explains. About one-third of Americans can work at home. But the rest can’t. Already 22 million have lost their jobs. And one out of every four small business owners can’t survive two months.
The elites aren’t moved by their plight. “The protests remain relatively small,” McGurn explains. “But they do expose the elite disconnect with ordinary America. A recent New York magazine article captured the condescension and lack of empathy when it declared the protests are probably ‘going to spread nearly as rapidly as the coronavirus itself in the rich soil of anti-government subcultures where it’s widely accepted that ‘tyrants’ are exploiting the emergency to impose their godless socialist views on freedom-loving but fearful Americans’.”
When I read McGurn’s piece, I thought of the front page photo in yesterday’s Hartford Courant. More than a thousand cars lined up at Rentschler Field in East Hartford to receive food.
Seriously. Food lines. In the United States of America.
And these are people in their cars. They were not destitute. They were working people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Who might become destitute.
They started telling us that we should keep doing this until there is a vaccine. They moved the goal posts. And that’s the problem. It’s never the first thing. It’s always the second thing. And that, as with the elite condescension, makes me more sympathetic to the protesters.
And then I think of the Libertarian protest that was held in Hartford on Monday. It was a rolling car event. That is, the Connecticut protest did practice social distancing. Yet, the Connecticut Democratic Party was all over them. “Pro-COVID protesters” is what they are being called, by some of our state’s highest elected officials.
The Elites’ Disdain
It brings me full circle to what I thought of NeverTrumpers in 2016. I may not be entirely in agreement with the protestors. But I get it. The liberals can disagree. Fine.
But the disdain, the vitriol, the condescension? Toward people who just want to feed their families? People who maybe don’t want to wait in a line of a thousand cars in East Hartford to (literally!) get a handout from Gov. Lamont but want instead to assert their God-given desire to work for a living?
It is just. so. outrageous. But it gets worse.
The Politicians Blow It
When things like the lockdown go on too long, the politicians eventually blow it. I can feel that point coming. Here is what I mean.
When the market crashed in 2008, the federal government did the bailout, TARP. And then a few months later, it did that giant stimulus. Remember the stimulus? Remember “Never let a good crisis go to waste”? And “jobs saved,” which in reality meant a payoff to various Obama constituencies using your tax dollars?
However much you may disagree with the first thing, the bailout, that was not the thing that created the Tea Party uprising. It was the second thing, the stimulus.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Cut to 2020. The first thing we were told was that we had to take these precautions in order to flatten the curve. We needed to make sure hospitals were not overwhelmed. We were never promised that doing this would mean that we would not get coronavirus.
But at some point, there was a second thing. They started telling us that we should keep doing this until there is a vaccine. They moved the goal posts.
And that’s the problem. It’s never the first thing. It’s always the second thing. And that, as with the elite condescension, makes me more sympathetic to the protesters.
The Second Thing
I’m not quite with them. I think we need to give our leaders more time. And more prayer. But some of our leadership smell opportunity in this crisis. Lots of opportunities.
They will go for that second thing, whatever that second thing may be. It will be bad. It will be something we don’t want. But something the elites do want. More government, more centralization, more control over your life.
The protestors, who just wanted to earn a living, will turn out to be the canary in the coal mine.
I might not have even heard the canary chirp, if it weren’t for all the condescension.
Peter Wolfgang is president of Family Institute of Connecticut Action. He lives in Waterbury, Connecticut, with his wife and their seven children. The views expressed on The Stream are solely his own.


thestream--2020-04-23--Military Photo of the Day: COVID-19 Response in Guam

Soldiers with the 18th Medical Command respond to COVID-19 in Guam on April 13 , 2020 .
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Soldiers with the 18th Medical Command respond to COVID-19 in Guam on April 13, 2020.
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thestream--2020-04-23--‘37 Minutes Later’: Inmates Released From Jail Due to Coronavirus Fears Keep Getting Arrested Again

Inmates getting out of jail early due to coronavirus fears keep getting arrested again on new charges after their release .
Left-wing activists and elected officials have pushed for the mass release of inmates to prevent them from contracting coronavirus , which has spread throughout crowded corrections facilities .
But the mass releases have been followed by a pattern of inmates getting re-arrested shortly after getting out of jail .
Oakland , California , police officers arrested 32-year-old Rocky Music on Sunday for allegedly carrying out one carjacking and attempting another .
Music ’ s alleged crime spree came less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in relation to another alleged car theft , thanks to an emergency court order forbidding so-called low-level offenders from being booked into county jails due to coronavirus fears .
It took him just 37 minutes after his release to start committing crimes again , according to local authorities .
James Mitchell Correa was arrested in San Jose , California , on April 17 after he allegedly carjacked a car from one person and hit another person in the head with a hammer just days after he was released from jail due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Redding , California , police officers re-arrested 31-year-old Anthony Parks on April 18 after he allegedly tried to force his way into a residence just five days after getting out of a state prison as a result of coronavirus concerns .
Another California man , who has reportedly been arrested nine times since December 2019 , was arrested just days after he was released as part of a zero-bail emergency order .
Houston , Texas , magistrate Jennifer Gaut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let 31-year-old Timothy Singleton , who had a history of violent crimes , out on a bond that was just 1 % of what the local prosecutor sought .
Though the prosecutor sought a $ 50,000 bond , Gaut set Singleton ’ s bond at $ 500 , meaning he was only required to personally put up $ 50 .
Two weeks later , on April 15 , he allegedly beat his ex-girlfriend and threw her grandmother to the ground .
Another Houston man , 21-year-old Quaran Pope , was arrested on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car and stealing IDs and bank information .
The arrest came just 12 days after Pope was let out of jail due to coronavirus .
At least 50 of New York City ’ s 1,500 inmates released early due to coronavirus concerns have since been re-arrested , the New York Post reported , citing law enforcement records and police sources .
One such repeat inmate , 41-year-old James Little , was released from Rikers Island on March 28 .
Eleven days later , on April 8 , Little allegedly robbed a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams was released from jail on March 19 due to coronavirus concerns .
The next day he allegedly murdered a man .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Inmates getting out of jail early due to coronavirus fears keep getting arrested again on new charges after their release.
Left-wing activists and elected officials have pushed for the mass release of inmates to prevent them from contracting coronavirus, which has spread throughout crowded corrections facilities. But the mass releases have been followed by a pattern of inmates getting re-arrested shortly after getting out of jail.
Oakland, California, police officers arrested 32-year-old Rocky Music on Sunday for allegedly carrying out one carjacking and attempting another.
Music’s alleged crime spree came less than an hour after he was released in relation to another alleged car theft, thanks to an emergency court order forbidding so-called low-level offenders from being booked into county jails due to coronavirus fears. It took him just 37 minutes after his release to start committing crimes again, according to local authorities.
Sunday 750a, Rocky Music, arrested in a stolen car by @oaklandpoliceca. Released on court order zero bail at 723p. 37 mins later he walked to Dublin @SFBART and carjacked victim. Then drove to San Ramon and attempted second carjacking. He ran and was caught by @DublinCAPolice K9. pic.twitter.com/VTQcGZprpo — Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) April 20, 2020
James Mitchell Correa was arrested in San Jose, California, on April 17 after he allegedly carjacked a car from one person and hit another person in the head with a hammer just days after he was released from jail due to the virus.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Redding, California, police officers re-arrested 31-year-old Anthony Parks on April 18 after he allegedly tried to force his way into a residence just five days after getting out of a state prison as a result of coronavirus concerns.
Another California man, who has reportedly been arrested nine times since December 2019, was arrested just days after he was released as part of a zero-bail emergency order.
Houston, Texas, magistrate Jennifer Gaut cited coronavirus concerns in her decision to let 31-year-old Timothy Singleton, who had a history of violent crimes, out on a bond that was just 1% of what the local prosecutor sought.
Though the prosecutor sought a $50,000 bond, Gaut set Singleton’s bond at $500, meaning he was only required to personally put up $50. Two weeks later, on April 15, he allegedly beat his ex-girlfriend and threw her grandmother to the ground.
Another Houston man, 21-year-old Quaran Pope, was arrested on April 15 and charged with breaking into a car and stealing IDs and bank information. The arrest came just 12 days after Pope was let out of jail due to coronavirus.
At least 50 of New York City’s 1,500 inmates released early due to coronavirus concerns have since been re-arrested, the New York Post reported, citing law enforcement records and police sources.
One such repeat inmate, 41-year-old James Little, was released from Rikers Island on March 28. Eleven days later, on April 8, Little allegedly robbed a New York City bank.
Florida man Joseph Edwards Williams was released from jail on March 19 due to coronavirus concerns. The next day he allegedly murdered a man.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-04-23--‘AOC Isn’t Going To Like It’: Former ICE Chief Says He’s Setting The Record Straight On Border Secur

‘AOC Isn’t Going To Like It’: Former ICE Chief Says He’s Setting The Record Straight On Border Security

• Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) acting director Tom Homan released a book : “ Defend the Border and Save Lives : Solving Our Most Important Humanitarian and Security Crisis.
” • He was drawn to write it after realizing that explaining the immigration debate wasn ’ t possible in short news segments on television or during congressional hearings .
• The longtime immigration official said he wants the main takeaway for readers to be that illegal immigration is not a victimless crime , and that there are deadly consequences when the border is not under control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE ) chief Tom Homan is out with a book , which he said lays out the immigration debate before the American people and “ sets the record straight ” about his own positions on border security .
Homan just released “ Defend the Border and Save Lives : Solving Our Most Important Humanitarian and Security Crisis , ” which dives into the always-controversial topic of immigration .
Homan , who spent a career in law enforcement and , most recently , as the acting director of ICE , spoke with the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the book and what drove him to write it .
“ I ’ m a cop .
I never thought I ’ d write a book , but I wrote it pretty much out of frustration , ” Homan told the DCNF .
The former ICE chief said that the complex issues taking place at the border can ’ t be explained in a short segment on television , nor can they be explained on the Hill , where he said discussion on immigration enforcement quickly turns into a shouting match with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t explain it to the American people through Congress , since it ’ s hard to do in a five- or six-minute [ television ] hit , I said , ‘ I ’ ll write a book and explain to the American people the underbelly of illegal immigration , ’ ” Homan said .
The main point that Homan hopes readers take away from reading his book : that illegal immigration is not a victimless crime .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify to the American people that illegal immigration is not a victimless crime .
Here ’ s why you should care .
Here ’ s what ’ s wrong , and here ’ s how we fix it , ” the longtime immigration officer said .
“ It ’ s not hard to fix.
” Homan noted that , even for illegal aliens who enter the country and do not commit any violent crimes , many of them have to pay a cartel or smuggling organization to transport them to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that 31 % of women are raped on their journey to the U.S.-Mexico border , and that Border Patrol agents rescued more than 4,000 individuals in 2019 who would have otherwise perished in the desert or drowned in the Rio Grande .
Allowing illegal immigration to continue will only fuel such dangerous conditions .
Homan certainly speaks from a perch of deep experience on law enforcement .
He served as a police officer in New York before joining what was then called the Immigration and Naturalization Service — the agency was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist attacks .
He also served as a Border Patrol agent , and was later appointed by former President Barack Obama to be executive associate director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2013 .
He then served as the acting director of ICE from January 2017 to June 2018 , the first ICE chief under the Trump administration , before retiring from government .
The former ICE director , who works as a contributor for Fox News and frequents congressional hearings , said not everyone is going to enjoy his book .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi is not going to like it , AOC is not going to like it .
The people on the far left of the game are not going to like it , ” he said .
Homan added : “ I explain what [ Border Patrol and ICE does ] , and most importantly what they don ’ t do .
They never arrested anybody in church , they never arrested in the hospital .
But the left wants to think that .
It ’ s my intent to put the false narrative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate in Washington , D.C. , Homan noted the personal excerpts in the book and how it details what he ’ s witnessed in his more than 30 years in law enforcement .
“ If they ’ ve seen what I ’ ve seen for 34 years , they ’ d understand why I ’ m emotional about this issue and they would understand why I take the position that I do , ” he said .
“ They don ’ t understand what ’ s going on behind the scenes.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m a racist .
I ’ m here to set the record straight , ” he said .
“ My book talks about who Tom Homan is and how Tom Homan became the guy they see out there.
” Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chief Tom Homan is out with a book, which he said lays out the immigration debate before the American people and “sets the record straight” about his own positions on border security.
Homan just released “Defend the Border and Save Lives: Solving Our Most Important Humanitarian and Security Crisis,” which dives into the always-controversial topic of immigration. Homan, who spent a career in law enforcement and, most recently, as the acting director of ICE, spoke with the Daily Caller News Foundation about what’s inside the book and what drove him to write it.
“I’m a cop. I never thought I’d write a book, but I wrote it pretty much out of frustration,” Homan told the DCNF.
The former ICE chief said that the complex issues taking place at the border can’t be explained in a short segment on television, nor can they be explained on the Hill, where he said discussion on immigration enforcement quickly turns into a shouting match with lawmakers.
“So since I can’t explain it to the American people through Congress, since it’s hard to do in a five- or six-minute [television] hit, I said, ‘I’ll write a book and explain to the American people the underbelly of illegal immigration,’” Homan said.
The main point that Homan hopes readers take away from reading his book: that illegal immigration is not a victimless crime.
“I wanted to identify to the American people that illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. Here’s why you should care. Here’s what’s wrong, and here’s how we fix it,” the longtime immigration officer said. “It’s not hard to fix.”
Homan noted that, even for illegal aliens who enter the country and do not commit any violent crimes, many of them have to pay a cartel or smuggling organization to transport them to the U.S. border — essentially bankrolling violent organizations.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
He added that 31% of women are raped on their journey to the U.S.-Mexico border, and that Border Patrol agents rescued more than 4,000 individuals in 2019 who would have otherwise perished in the desert or drowned in the Rio Grande. Allowing illegal immigration to continue will only fuel such dangerous conditions.
Homan certainly speaks from a perch of deep experience on law enforcement.
He served as a police officer in New York before joining what was then called the Immigration and Naturalization Service — the agency was changed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He also served as a Border Patrol agent, and was later appointed by former President Barack Obama to be executive associate director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2013.
He then served as the acting director of ICE from January 2017 to June 2018, the first ICE chief under the Trump administration, before retiring from government.
The former ICE director, who works as a contributor for Fox News and frequents congressional hearings, said not everyone is going to enjoy his book.
“When you read this book, Nancy Pelosi is not going to like it, AOC is not going to like it. The people on the far left of the game are not going to like it,” he said.
Homan added: “I explain what [Border Patrol and ICE does], and most importantly what they don’t do. They never arrested anybody in church, they never arrested in the hospital. But the left wants to think that. It’s my intent to put the false narrative to bed.”
Going beyond the immigration debate in Washington, D.C., Homan noted the personal excerpts in the book and how it details what he’s witnessed in his more than 30 years in law enforcement.
“If they’ve seen what I’ve seen for 34 years, they’d understand why I’m emotional about this issue and they would understand why I take the position that I do,” he said. “They don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes.”
“A lot of people say I’m a racist. I’m here to set the record straight,” he said. “My book talks about who Tom Homan is and how Tom Homan became the guy they see out there.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-04-23--America Suffers From Work-Family Conflict. Universal Child Care Won’t Fix That

“ In this fifth week of sheltering in place , I am really starting to wonder how anyone could think this is sustainable , ” Manjoo writes .
He notes that despite states taking steps to reopen their economies , many schools will not reopen this academic year .
“ The economy will not really ‘ open up , ’ and life will not really return to normal , as long as parents don ’ t have any place to send our children during the day.
” Manjoo later reveals his hope that “ cross-society parental stress under pandemic could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That perhaps now universal child care will be regarded as a necessity , not some kind of indulgence.
” What if instead creating a place to ship our kids off to , we changed the landscape of work schedules and workplaces ?
Don ’ t get me wrong ; having more childcare options that are high quality and affordable would be a good thing , especially for single parents of young kids .
The problem is that overall , our ability to work does largely depend on having a “ place to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t .
I recently wrote about how pandemic-inspired work changes could be a stepping stone to a new reality that benefits women and families .
More people could work from home more often , or build schedules around their family ’ s unique needs .
But the current situation should be just that — a stepping stone .
For most people , this isn ’ t representative of what a truly family-friendly work situation would be like .
For the past year and a half I ’ ve worked from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now-toddler son .
Everything is different amid the pandemic , even for us .
Practically , we ’ re isolated from the social support systems and activities that help relieve the burden of “ rooming with , feeding and educating one or more children , ” as Manjoo puts it .
For instance , my mother-in-law usually watches my son at least once a week .
Other nearby family members also help out regularly .
In normal times , we can run errands or go to the playground for a while .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you need to be productive but your little one needs to expend energy first . )
None of that ’ s happening right now .
Kids and parents stuck in a home together 24/7 with nowhere to go and no one else to see isn ’ t normal , or necessarily healthy .
But neither is it healthy to need full time , universal child care just to make a living .
What ’ s so bad about the status quo , other than the fact that child care isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , families aren ’ t getting the time together that they need .
Children need present mothers , particularly in the first few years of their lives .
Involved fatherhood is crucial for ensuring positive life outcomes .
But the modern corporate environment isn ’ t built to accommodate those realities .
Yes , some families make enough money for one parent to stay home full time .
But increasingly in two-parent households , both mom and dad work — and want to work .
Adopting universal child care as the solution doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It doesn ’ t release us from the prison of unnecessarily rigid work schedules .
It doesn ’ t dissolve the man-made dichotomy that the abortion lobby often uses to fuel its cause — that being a devoted mother and advancing in one ’ s career is practically impossible .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Authentic change has to be cultural .
We must start by truly valuing motherhood ( and parenting in general ) , as Andrea Palpant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Christianity Today .
At the same time , we can ’ t ignore women ’ s important contributions outside the home .
We must recognize that healthy families are fundamental to a healthy society .
And we must stop idolizing work and start honoring a biblical concept of rest .
( This does not mean that we become less hardworking . )
Obviously , Manjoo ’ s mention of universal child care in one column isn ’ t a comprehensive policy proposal .
And to be honest , a “ parental voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh air .
But its sole focus can ’ t be universal child care .
Our society regularly pits work and family against each other .
If we think having a “ place to send our children during the day ” is the primary answer to that conflict , we are missing the point .

“In this fifth week of sheltering in place, I am really starting to wonder how anyone could think this is sustainable,” Manjoo writes. He notes that despite states taking steps to reopen their economies, many schools will not reopen this academic year. “The economy will not really ‘open up,’ and life will not really return to normal, as long as parents don’t have any place to send our children during the day.”
Manjoo later reveals his hope that “cross-society parental stress under pandemic could forge a new parental voting bloc. That perhaps now universal child care will be regarded as a necessity, not some kind of indulgence.”
What if instead creating a place to ship our kids off to, we changed the landscape of work schedules and workplaces? Don’t get me wrong; having more childcare options that are high quality and affordable would be a good thing, especially for single parents of young kids. The problem is that overall, our ability to work does largely depend on having a “place to send our children during the day.” It shouldn’t.
These are Strange Times
I recently wrote about how pandemic-inspired work changes could be a stepping stone to a new reality that benefits women and families. More people could work from home more often, or build schedules around their family’s unique needs. But the current situation should be just that — a stepping stone. For most people, this isn’t representative of what a truly family-friendly work situation would be like.
What if instead of changing where we ship our kids off to, we changed the landscape of work schedules and workplaces?
For the past year and a half I’ve worked from home, albeit part time, with my now-toddler son. Everything is different amid the pandemic, even for us. Practically, we’re isolated from the social support systems and activities that help relieve the burden of “rooming with, feeding and educating one or more children,” as Manjoo puts it. For instance, my mother-in-law usually watches my son at least once a week. Other nearby family members also help out regularly. In normal times, we can run errands or go to the playground for a while. (Trust me, this helps a lot when you need to be productive but your little one needs to expend energy first.) None of that’s happening right now.
Kids and parents stuck in a home together 24/7 with nowhere to go and no one else to see isn’t normal, or necessarily healthy. But neither is it healthy to need full time, universal child care just to make a living.
Cultural Change Needed
What’s so bad about the status quo, other than the fact that child care isn’t guaranteed for working parents? For one, families aren’t getting the time together that they need. Children need present mothers, particularly in the first few years of their lives. Involved fatherhood is crucial for ensuring positive life outcomes. But the modern corporate environment isn’t built to accommodate those realities. Yes, some families make enough money for one parent to stay home full time. But increasingly in two-parent households, both mom and dad work — and want to work.
Adopting universal child care as the solution doesn’t actually address these things. It doesn’t release us from the prison of unnecessarily rigid work schedules. It doesn’t dissolve the man-made dichotomy that the abortion lobby often uses to fuel its cause — that being a devoted mother and advancing in one’s career is practically impossible.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Authentic change has to be cultural. We must start by truly valuing motherhood (and parenting in general), as Andrea Palpant Dilley adeptly argues in the latest issue of Christianity Today. At the same time, we can’t ignore women’s important contributions outside the home. We must recognize that healthy families are fundamental to a healthy society. And we must stop idolizing work and start honoring a biblical concept of rest. (This does not mean that we become less hardworking.)
Obviously, Manjoo’s mention of universal child care in one column isn’t a comprehensive policy proposal. And to be honest, a “parental voting bloc” sounds like a breath of fresh air. But its sole focus can’t be universal child care. Our society regularly pits work and family against each other. If we think having a “place to send our children during the day” is the primary answer to that conflict, we are missing the point.