The US of A that bastion of democracy has been stumbling to an almost ungovernable state for the last couple of weeks. Fortunately after 16 days of shutdown and just before the money ran out, normal service was resumed – at least till next year when it could all happen again.

In good government the powers that be carry the can. In this case they simply kicked the can down the road! The Republican majority House of Representatives dislike of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare for short), although it is already passed into law, have attempted to prevent its expansion by refusing to release the cash necessary to run the country.

What have the two things to do with each other you may ask? Nothing! It is simply horse-trading in an effort to get their way.

The dislike for Obamacare, which provides a modicum of health care for the poor (there are 40 million uninsured in the US), has been expressed by the outspoken Republican from Texas as being a hammock for the poor rather than a safety net! Some hammock as the benefits are paltry! However the money has to come from somewhere and this might provide a clue to explain some of the Republicans resistance to this welfare scheme. By and large it is they who control the wealth.

On the lighter side I got this Royal comment from the US.

The vagaries of human nature have not escaped the Bible. Whether it be Judas’s double dealing or Peter’s denial the charge of being guilty of feathering our own nest can be laid at our door. Usually the weakest suffer and inevitably the poor get trampled the most in the wealth stakes.

We need to join the Republicans in repentance and turn to Jesus who alone has carried the can* at the cross for that forgiveness which can enable us to freely serve others as we ought.

* “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah Chapter 53 Verse 5)