Independent’s Day is an occasional opinion column published on Wednesdays. The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.
As a society do we accept the responsibility to care for those less fortunate? As I sat in a packed room at the American Legion Auxiliary Unit in Vienna last Saturday, I asked myself this very question.
Social Action Linking Together (S-A-L-T.org) sponsored a “Richmond Legislative Wrap Up” which attempted to summarize the effects of their efforts on Virginia’s 2013 legislative session. The SALT organization, founded just over 10 years ago by John Horejsi, is a volunteer led organization focused squarely on the poor. Their website references the Conference of Catholic Bishops and “solidarity with those who suffer, working for peace and justice.”
Wow. This is hardly a political winner but SALT is no political organization. From the vantage point of my campaign last year, SALT was one of the few organizations that highlighted the working poor; those who work in the shadows of our 3rd wealthiest county in the nation.
With a website copyright dated for 2008, SALT is hardly a well oiled machine but knowing how to get people active and involved has to count for something. Nearly 13 political leaders accepted invitations and our Delegates Patrick Hope and Alfonso Lopez spoke to an audience of about 100 on a cold Saturday morning. Perhaps the most raucous applause was reserved for a 7th grade girl (pictured) named Rae Moar. Rae led her 7th grade class, her parents and a couple faculty members on an initiative to support the “backpack bill.”
What is the backpack bill? From my memory, it was a bill to provide school supplies to children who can’t afford them. Unfortunately, I can’t find one article about this online. But Rae apparently raised money for a lot of backpacks, received a well earned award, and spoke eloquently. Even 35th District Delegate Richard Saslaw felt comfortable stating, tongue-in-cheek, that Delegate Hope better watch out in about nine years.
What this 7th grader epitomized is the innocence of helping others, free from the conscience of political philosophy. Rae just wanted to do something good for some other people and she succeeded. On the issues that matter like hunger, healthcare, homelessness, immigration, and child poverty, should politics matter?
Delegate Hope kicked off his remarks mentioning the three year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. He considers this legislation, “…Far and away the best piece of social justice legislation signed in decades.” Hopefully he feels this for the 500,000 people in Virginia who will have access to healthcare rather than for the political points it scores for his side of the aisle. Regarding immigration, Delegate Lopez stated that, “What we’ve seen in the Commonwealth of Virginia for the last 11 years has been incredibly ugly,” in regards to legislation he viewed as vilifying Latinos.
When there are apolitical answers to our challenges with immigration, do we have to consider the politics before we take positive action?
Perhaps in government we do have to consider the politics. People in elected office especially have to consider both the domestic and international ramifications of their decisions. But we don’t. The poor and the needy represent wounds in our community that can be healed by us regular people. The non-partisan, non-government, non-flashy – again, check out their website – SALT organization proves that community action can make a difference but their “members” are not enough.
When it comes to the silent suffering of our neighbors, we can do more than just adding SALT to the wound. We can add us.
“We ask you to become more informed and active citizens, using your voices and votes to speak for the voiceless, to defend the poor and the vulnerable, and to advance the common good.” — From Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, 1986.
Jason Howell, a former accountant and motivational speaker, ran as an independent candidate for U.S. Congress in 2012.
Recent Stories
People will fill some local streets for the “Earth Day Every Day” festival this weekend along Langston Blvd. The festival is taking place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5…
Would you like to gain a better understanding of your child’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses? Are you wondering if your child presents with a learning disability, ADHD, Autism,…
A sewage leak from an overflowing pipe has prompted a warning avoid contact with a local stream. “The public is advised to avoid contact with Donaldson Run below N Utah…
A 40-year-old Fredericksburg woman is facing multiple charges after police say she damaged a local store and kicked a police officer. The incident happened around 10:45 p.m. Monday at the…
Unlike our competitors, Well-Paid Maids doesn’t clean your home with harsh chemicals. Instead, we handpick cleaning products rated “safest” by the Environmental Working Group, the leading rating organization regarding product safety.
The reason is threefold.
First, using safe cleaning products ensures toxic chemicals won’t leak into waterways or harm wildlife if disposed of improperly.
Second, it’s better for you and your family. Fragrant chemicals in surface cleaners can expose you to a similar amount of pollutant particles as a busy city road, New Scientist reported.
Northern Virginia Family Practice (NVFP), known for its comprehensive concierge healthcare, is thrilled to introduce Mark Sullivan, MD as the newest member of its family medicine team.
Dr. Sullivan brings a wealth of experience in family medicine, underpinned by a passion for delivering personalized, patient-centered care. He has a distinguished background in managing various medical conditions, emphasizing preventive care, health education and chronic disease management. Dr. Sullivan is adept at employing the latest medical research and technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Sullivan is committed to the well-being of his community, demonstrating this through his active engagement in local health initiatives and educational programs. His approach to medicine is holistic, focusing on integrating physical, mental and emotional health and patient education to achieve optimal patient wellness.
Dr. Sullivan is now accepting new patients at their newly established Arlington office at 2445 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA, 22206. The office, known for its patient-friendly amenities and state-of-the-art medical facilities, continues to provide the exceptional, personalized care NVFP is known for in its newly upgraded Arlington location.
Fascination
Goth-Dark Wave Dance Party with Belly Dancing and Drag King Show.
Part of Our
Alternative Thursdays for Alternave People with Alternative Lifestyles
Performances By
Belladonna and the Nightshades
Ya Meena
Drag King - Ken Vegas
DJ Michelle Guided
National Chamber Ensemble – Concerto Celebration
We invite you to join us for an extraordinary evening of music at our Season Finale, “Concerto Celebration”! Enjoy several masterworks as NCE performs two famous concertos in an intimate chamber music setting, opening with a delightful work by Chevalier