Carol got the immediate help she was looking for. Within two days of her call to Hope, she had a financial counselor, a new budget, and the sale proceedings on her home were canceled - all done through Hope. If Pam's story sounds familiar, it's because you may have already read it in the New York Times' report on the Tea Party movement. In response to the problems Pam faced, she joined, and now leads, her local Tea Party group. This is an unprecedented level of activism for her. According to the article, "she is bracing for tyranny." The desire of those facing challenges to get involved in civic life is heartening. I'm not concerned by increased engagement in politics or more passionate voices participating in the public conversation. Pam acted in the best tradition of citizenship. But when Pam joined the Tea Party, her passion, fueled by her son's financial problems, was abused and misdirected. The Tea Party's answers will not help her family or strengthen our country. In response to legitimate concerns about our political and economic systems, the Tea Party's leaders offer only scapegoats and conspiracy theories. It isn't that the President favors a different approach; it's that he hates America. The problem isn't with the economy, it's with Socialists. The banks aren't just greedy; they have, as the Times summarizes, "deliberately undermined the Constitution and free enterprise for the benefit of a shadowy international network of wealthy elites." We have heard these arguments before. From Joseph McCarthy in the 1940s and 50s. From Henry Ford in the 20s and 30s. This language is more than a century old, used by the powerful to scapegoat Jews and other outsiders. Glenn Beck and other opportunists are retreading worn ground, fomenting a zealotry, fear and anger increasingly hostile to thoughtful, solution-oriented change. But where does that leave Pam and her son? Carol, unlike Pam, found a real solution to her mortgage problem. Her situation was taken seriously and addressed, without theatrics or finger-pointing. I know Carol's story because Hope is one of 34 similar institutions we support through Tzedec, our community investment program. We are proud of their track record helping people like her. Our investors are gratified to know that their funds help build affordable homes for working families and enable small businesses to thrive. More families, like Pam's, need access to institutions like Hope. Similarly, our nation needs more engaged citizens like Pam and Carol. We need grassroots movements with the energy of the Tea Party but a commitment to policies that serve the interests of those being left behind by the recession. We are proud to be a funder and supporter of this very work. I am inspired by the emerging efforts of our friends and partners. Americans for Financial Reform is advocating for a consumer financial protection agency. PICO is calling for reform of foreclosure policies. Metro IAF is demanding a 10% cap on interest rates. If these issues compel you, join their efforts. We might disagree about the details but we are certain that change must occur. We must ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected in the halls of power. We must act so that credit can flow and the economy can begin to create jobs again. Glenn Beck, on the other hand, doesn't care about reform. He doesn't care about Pam or Carol. He doesn't care about social justice and the opportunity society; in fact, he claims it's a step toward fascism. It's up to those of us who care about real reform to build a powerful alternative to the Tea Party. A broad coalition that can forge innovative solutions to the most pressing problems facing our nation. One predicated on economic opportunity, and dedicated to social justice. The body of this post originally appeared in a monthly email report from the President of Jewish Funds for Justice. |
