Federal funding for faith-based charities violates
constitution
Thumbs down to President George W. Bush for creating the White
House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to grant
federal funds to religious organizations for social services. This
action violates the constitution, and the new bill lacks
accountability.
The First Amendment clearly states that the federal government
“shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” A governmental
department founded expressly for funding religious groups obviously
conflicts with the separation of church and state. Allowing the
creation of this department may open the door for legislation that
further deteriorates the line separating religion from government,
such as laws about school-wide prayer and the posting of the Ten
Commandments in public classrooms.
Though Bush stated that faith-based organizations should be able
to compete on an “equal basis” with other groups,
granting religious groups a White House office and channeling
federal funds to them can hardly be called neutral. Bush only
treats groups on an “equal basis” if they are in line
with his beliefs.
Recently, Bush decided to cut federal funds to family planning
groups that provide abortions overseas. The idea was that American
taxpayers who oppose abortions should not have to fund groups that
provide them overseas. Why, then, should Americans have to provide
federal funding to social services of religious groups with which
they do not agree?
Even if the Supreme Court calls Bush’s program
constitutional, attempting to hold these religious groups
accountable for the federal funds they receive will be difficult.
There is no assurance that these organizations will not
discriminate against those of different religions.
Bush swore he would uphold the Constitution as president when he
was sworn in a month ago ““ it’s time for him to start
doing it.
Workers deserve right to voice concerns to
management
Thumbs up to the UCLA Medical Center service workers for voicing
concerns about their working conditions. Mark Speare, UCLA Health
Care’s associate director, met with the workers and listened
to issues raised during a protest last week.
Among other things, the workers complained of low safety and
sanitary standards in the hospital. Concerns about wages and
benefits for “per diem” workers ““ employees who
are not considered regular staff and receive fewer benefits and
wages for the same work ““ were also aired.
The workers also expressed discontent with cuts in the number of
employees, creating an undue burden on the remaining staff.
We commend Speare for meeting with and listening to the workers,
but they shouldn’t have to protest to be heard. Now that he
has met with the service staff and is expected to meet with them
again today, he needs to work toward implementing the changes they
feel are necessary.
ASUCLA made right call on offering fair trade
coffee
Thumbs up to the Associated Students of UCLA for making fair
trade coffee available on campus. The Environmental Coalition
spearheaded the proposal to bring fair trade coffee to UCLA,
appearing before the ASUCLA Board of Directors in January.
Fair trade coffee ensures that coffee farmers in other countries
receive livable wages. Whereas farmers would receive less than 50
cents per pound by selling their product to companies who market
it, they receive a minimum of $1.26 per pound under the fair trade
agreement. Fair trade coffee is also grown under more
environment-friendly conditions.
Though fair trade coffee will be available on campus, ASUCLA and
the coalition should make sure the community is aware of this
alternative and its benefits. We also encourage individuals to
purchase fair trade coffee. After all, a few extra cents for a cup
of coffee may make a large difference for a community in another
part of the world dependent on it as a source of income.
The Environmental Coalition sets a good example of students who
care about others outside of the university. Now, students,
faculty, and staff have the opportunity to do the same by buying
fair trade coffee.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down represents the majority opinion of the
Daily Bruin Editorial Board. Send feedback to [email protected].