Circle of Protection

      The Circle of Protection is a group working towards the needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable. They asked both President Obama and Governor Romney how they plan to help and protect these people. Their response videos made it clear that they are both in full support of the Circle of Protection and are going to work to help the less fortunate. President Obama feels that it is his responsiblility as both the president and a human being, to help the most vulnerable. He feels that each person should have the right to a stable job, with fair wages, the chance to buy a home, healthcare for everyone, and opportunity to have retirement even if you are not the richest. He feels that we can pay down our debt in a balanced and responsible way, but we can not ask the poor, sick or disabled to sacrifice more then they already have. President Obama stated that he knows that every tax dollar isn't spent the best way and the government can not fix every problem, but it is our responsibility as a country to look out for those around us, because that is the true protection.
    Governor Romney begins by thanking those who are already helping the less fortunate. He mentions that at this time in recent history, it is most important that we help those around us. He states several record breaking statistics and mentions that every one in every six Americans are in poverty. He believes that we can and do better by restoring the economy and reducing the debt. By doing this we have the resources to help our "brothers and sisters." He explains his five part job to help the economy and provide jobs. He intends to make budget cuts. His goal is to have more people on the payroll and less on welfare bowls. Governor Romney promises to support the Circles for Protection.
    After viewing both President Obama and Governor Romney's video responses, I can see both strengths and weaknesses of each. I feel that Governor Romney's response feels more appealing because he states a specific plan to help the economy, and when the economy is successful there are less in poverty and we are able to help those who are still in need effectively.

Project HOME Works for Justice

Project HOME has the right attitude on helping others. Rather than just giving charity, Project HOME has found away to ensure justice to the homeless in the Philadelphia area. They work for justice by providing the homeless with steps to success. By offering original charity, Project HOME's works turn into justice. There are several programs within Project HOME in the hopes to break the homeless cycle. Project HOME provides entry-level housing, transitional housing, permanent housing in addition to offering affordable supportive services. They offer more affordable housing options to help the homeless continue to thrive.

I feel that Project HOME's strategy for the homeless, allows them to feel empowered and offers opportunities to people who are willing to change their lives. Project HOME helps their members find jobs and education. By enforcing this, they are teaching the homeless how to live on their own. I think that Education and Employment is the most important program that Project HOME offers. Education and employment tend to be the two reasons that people either succeed or not. This gives people who can't afford education or can not get a job an opportunity. Project HOME is a wonderful organization that is changing multiple lives at a time.

 

Should we forgive Osama Bin Laden?

The question of forgiving Osama Bin Laden has never really come to mind. My initial reaction to this question is No, why would I forgive a man who has hurt my country and more importantly the people of my country. The concept of forgiveness is hard to fathom when I think of so many people who lost their lives from 9/11 and the many people who are still affected today. 

Mike Hayes explains that forgiveness should always be offered. Although forgiveness should be offered, must we forgive if the person is not truly sorry? If Osama Bin Laden wanted forgiveness, would he have asked? Finally Hayes states that whether we are happy to or not, it is important for us to forgive Osama Bin Laden, because if we don't we are more like him and less like God. 

Each day we strive to act more like God and follow Jesus's example. One example that comes to mind is the story of the two sons. The one son takes his inheritance, leaves home, spends it frivolously and comes home begging for help. While the other son saves his inheritance, stays home and works wit his father. When the first son returns, his father is elated and throws him a party. Because he does this, the second son is very upset that his brother is being treated with such importance, after all he was the more responsible son. Jesus teaches us that the father was able to forgive his son simply do to his love for him. 

It is hard for me to come to a final decision on whether I should forgive Osama Bin Laden or not. I feel that at this point in my life, I will try to work towards forgiveness. I know that this forgiveness will not come quick, but in the hopes of being more like God rather than Osama Bin Laden, I will work towards this.