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Subscribe to RSSHouse Speaker John Boehner, when asked about the way forward after Plan B went down to defeat, said, "God only knows."
Today, in the opening prayer at the start of the House session at noon ET, the House chaplain made a rare appeal to the heavens for compromise.
"May an imperfect compromise, when viewed from the perspective of our differences, not be undermined by a desire for political victory," House Chaplain Patrick Conroy implored.
Here's what he said in full:
"Let us pray. Eternal God, we give you thanks for giving us another day, a new year. The political struggles of the past year have revealed the divisions that exist in our nation. There are many American citizens who are angry, frustrated, and anxious for the future. This day is a day of history. Send your spirit upon the members of the people’s house. May an imperfect compromise when viewed from the perspective of our differences not be undermined by a desire for political victory. This is difficult for all. Give each member the grace and courage to forge a constructive solution for the greater good of the nation and all Americans. Help us to trust that no matter what, you will not abandon us. May all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory. Amen."
After Plan B, Boehner pointed at the president and the Senate to get something done. "Now, it is up to the president to work with Senator Reid on legislation to avert the fiscal cliff," he said then in a statement.
Now, it is up to Boehner whether he puts the bill, which passed the Senate 89-8, on the floor for a vote.
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That was a beautiful prayer given by the House Chaplain. Now, if congress would only listen and put politics aside for the good of the people and act for the good of the people. The naysayers may say there is no god and prayer is an act of superstitious bunk, but the truth of the Goodness - which is God - shines forth through this prayer. Separation of Church and state is one thing - but separation from God is an entirely different thing. Our founding fathers never intended that God be removed from the government and those who say such do not know the Constitution. The House Chaplain has been a government position since 1777, instituted by our founding fathers. Their many carvings and statues throughout the Government buildings which portray the 10 commandments and Moses holding the ten commandments. Prayer and God has always been part of our Government. What gives some the right to try to change our government after two hundred years? What gives them the right to change the fundamental principles upon which this country was founded? In furthering their agenda, they are changing the very fiber, the very core of the principles upon which our country was founded. This is the beginning of the end of the country which we once knew as the United States of America, one nation, under God. May God help us that never happens.
"What gives some the right to try to change our government after two hundred years?" Guess you never heard of amendments and new bills. These are all changes to the government that was established two hundred plus years ago.
Gfja1com no this country was here before those people from the other side got here That's when all the killing and raping of innocent people started so get your religious freedom out of or read your history not all that make believe crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who's trying to change our government, the United States was founded as a God fearing country, not necessarily, a Christian country. Our founding fathers believed in freedom of religion, that Americans could practice the faith that they followed. Christians have spun that to mean "The US is a Christian Country", not so.
I wonder which of the thousands of gods he was talking to?
Probably an irrational one, whichever one it was.
It's hard to believe we still tolerate religion in this time. It is holding us back. . . again.
Spoken like a true liberal Captain.
"....For the greater good of the nation and all Americans." I guess what he really meant to say was "all wealthy Americans." Typical of what the Republican, religious leaders have become. They're only interested in the needs of the people that can afford to support them, and not the needs of the majority. What ever happened to all men being created equally. I'll say again; Christianity has become a false religion that only teaches the fundamentals that suit what they want. Twisting the truth.
The nameless god of jews and christians does not vote and is, like his son, a communist.
Other gods also do not vote, but even they do not approve of the current congress.
Appeals to deities will have no impact, as these are the problems of man, created by men.
And the god of congress, also known as Currency, also does not vote, but certainly does influence votes.
This story is good fodder for religious debate. Nothing more. What a waste of time to be reporting what the chaplain said before the session. Who cares?
Maybe the Senate and the House need a Chaplain. Maybe they could use God's help in determining how to best help the people they are sent to represent. Maybe, just maybe, with God's help we can get ourselves straightened out and figure a way out of this budgetary nightmare we created. If you don't believe in God, that's your business, but don't try to keep others from praying for his guidance. Remember that this country was founded by those seeking religous freedom.
Gfja1com no this country was here before those people from the other side got here That's when all the killing and raping of innocent people started so get your religious freedom out of or read your history not all that make believe crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gfja1com no this country was here before those people from the other side got here That's when all the killing and raping of innocent people started so get your religious freedom out of or read your history not all that make believe crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"God"? Seriously? Why does everything have to come back to "God" and why in "his" name would "he" care about this? Certainly there are greater issues to focus attention on. The arrogance is astounding.
I suppose, if "He" really wanted to, "God" could reach down and pull each Congressperson's head from their @ss, thus enabling them to do the jobs we elected them to do, rather than favoring their corporate sponsors and voting themselves raises for doing NOTHING.
But I doubt that will happen.