We are not a Christian nation. Evangelicals use biblical verses to justify the cruelty and crimes against the poor and homeless in this county. For years, Republicans screamed about shifting wealth distribution to lower wage earners. Instead, since President Reagan, shifts in wealth distribution has been to the top 0.1% of the population.
According to the USAFacts, as of Aug. 11, 2024:
• The top 1% of wealthy Americans hold $43 trillion in assets.
• The top 50% of Americans with above average incomes hold 97.5% or $139.4 trillion in assets.
• The lowest 50% of Americans with below average incomes hold 2.6% or $3.6 trillion in assets.
Also, undocumented immigrants being deported contribute to our economy in the following ways based on 2022 projections:
• Add $299 billion in local consumer spending.
• Pay $139.4 billion combined in federal, state and local taxes.
• Pay $33.9 billion into Social Security and Medicare (and are not eligible for any of these benefits).
About 40-50% of people living in shelters are the working poor. In larger cities like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, they may earn up to $50,000 but can’t afford first/last month rent and deposit. Street people work odd jobs and may earn up to $7,000/year, not enough for shelter.
These are the groups MAGA says are the root cause of the problems in the U.S. Christ said to feed, clothe and shelter the poor. The Supreme Court has made it a crime to be homeless. Not exactly in tune with loving thy neighbor.
Elizabeth Veronica Weaver
Hempfield