To the Editor:

I am not much of a religious scholar, but I did have 16 years of excellent Catholic education. I did very well in my college Logic course. The Dominicans Fathers were gifted teachers. As a result I am having a tough time understanding why conservative Christians are so enamored with today’s Republican party.

Biblical doctrine exhorts us to contribute to the ministry and the common good according to our financial ability. The richer you are, the more is expected from you. But when it comes to this society in which we all live, and with the Social Security in particular, the tax burden falls on the poor and the middle class while the wealthy get a pass.  

Republicans want to solve the Social Security solvency problem by cutting benefits to the people who need it most, instead of requiring the wealthy to pay the same percentage of their income as you and me.

Helping those in need is one of the major themes of the Bible and of Jesus’ ministry. These commandments were not limited to those in your church or your family. But Republicans in all levels of government pride themselves in how much they can cut benefits to those most in need. Food stamps, workman’s comp, veterans benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, you name it and they are on the chopping block. And just the mention of increasing the minimum wage makes most Republicans cringe.

In the Old Testament and throughout Jesus’ ministry, there is warning against the worship of worldly things. Biblical principals make it clear that accumulation of wealth was not the way to eternal salvation. Yet today’s Republican party idolizes the rich and in every way promotes their causes and protects their interests.

Just recently a drug company raised the price of a 67-year-old drug 5,000 percent, and not a single Republican spoke up for the thousands who will be hurt and may die as a result. For them, it is just free market doing what is does to make someone rich.

There is no way today’s Republican Party can logically be called a political party based on Christian principles. They may not be worshiping a golden calf, but they seem to be idolizing a golden head of hair.

Louis Vitale

Franklin