What Would Jesus Pay For (or, Cut from the US Budget). How Would Jesus Fare Today under Republican Policy?

It seems that Jesus has answers for everything, according to many conservative Xtians--who don't think of Jesus when they support cutting/eliminating social programs that benefit the poor. Some religious leaders are running an ad arguing that the budget is not just about numbers but also about morality. Of course, it is! Choices we make reflect on our priorities and our values, and they affect human lives.

The House Republicans asked for more money for defense, which is higher than last year's. They want to eliminate foreign aid (sounds good, heh?) even if it's for fighting malaria, AIDS, etc. OK, we can't save non-American lives, but how about our own people, specifically, American children? Should we fund programs that clearly help the kind of people Jesus had in mind?

ThinkProgress notes that if House Republicans get their way, they would cut $210 million from Maternal and Health Block Grants, which give low-income mothers, pregnant women, and their children access to health care. They also want to cut $27 million from the Poison Control Center, essentially eliminating the program, even though poisoning primarily affects children under six years old.

If Jesus was around in the US today he would not be a friend to House Republicans. However, the feelings would be mutual! They would ridicule a thirtysomething unemployed man who preached progressive social and economic change!