Catholics Vote for the Common Good

On July 1, the Nuns on the Bus came to Bucks County and paid a visit to Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick's office in Langhorne. The Nuns on the Bus were concerned about Congressman Fitzpatrick's vote for the Ryan Budget which would turn Medicare into a voucher program and would cut services to the poor and middle class. The Nuns on the Bus is a project of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice group lead by, you guessed it, nuns. 

According to NETWORK: "Catholic Sisters across the country work every day with people struggling at the economic margins. Meanwhile, the House of Representative has approved the “Ryan Budget” – which will harm millions of the people they serve."

Now, that the Paul Ryan is the vice-presidential candidate, his budget is a near daily topic of conversation. NETWORK is continuing to raise their voices in opposition to the Ryan Budget and are calling on members of Congress like Mike Fitzpatrick to support true Catholic doctrine by helping the poor and middle class. 

The following is a post from NETWORK on the role the Cathlic faith will play in the election and how to take action: 

During last week's vice presidential debate there were two Catholic candidates, a historical first, and both discussed how their faith reflected their values. Vice President Biden said, "Catholic Social doctrine talks about taking care of those who can't take care of themselves, people who need help." This philosophy is at the center of our Election 2012: Catholics Vote for the Common Good campaign.

We want to make sure both parties know that as Catholics, we believe social justice should be a central issue to this campaign.  We also believe that we must Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. The state platforms we created for the Election 2012: Catholics Vote for the Common good project embody this law. As a part of our ongoing campaign to have the presidential campaigns talk about the common good, we need your help and we need your voice.

Over the last year, people from across Pennsylvania gathered together to discuss their lived experiences. The below platform comes from those dialogues: click on the image to expand it, and read what Catholics in Pennsylvania say is truly important to them this election year. If it resonates with you, make sure to sign on to the Pennsylvania State Platform, as well ast the National Platform for the Common Good. If you would like to work for the common good, please download the Pennsylvania Platform for the Common Good and start collecting signatures. Bring the signed platform to your local Congressional or Senate office, and let them know that you are a true values voter. 

We know this campaign season seems never-ending. But tonight will be the second presidential debate, and is the perfect time to renew your focus on the election. Take the time now to stand up for the common good.