Father Pfleger to Legislators: ‘Fix the Pension Plan, or Don’t get Paid’

‘Somebody ought to be mad as hell’

By Chinta Strausberg

Turning his attention to Springfield, Father Michael L. Pfleger Sunday said with the exception of Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins, he has a problem with Gov. Pat Quinn vowing to balance his $35.6 billion budget by cutting $400 million from public education but before that happens state lawmakers must not get paid.

“We should have been out in the streets the day that was announced saying ‘hell no. You are not going to cut public education.,’” said Pfleger. “Our schools are already messed up. You’re not going to take more from our children…. “

Facing a string of criticism because of $10 billion in unpaid bills, unable to strike a deal on a $96 billion pension plan that reportedly increases by a whopping $17 million a day, Gov. Quinn recently revealed his plans to cut $400 million from education during his budget address.

Turning to Senator Collins, who is a member of Saint Sabina, Pfleger said of legislators, “If you can’t get the pension right in Springfield, and Senator I respect you, and I know you’re on the right side, then no legislator should get paid in Springfield until they get the pension settled…. Somebody ought to be mad as hell,” he bellowed.

“If we’re just pursuing justice and doing the right thing…if we are really our brothers and sisters’ keeper, then I don’t want to ignore them or kick them like some invisible person.

“There are not two America’s, the rich and everybody else,” said Pfleger. In a just system, Pfleger said everybody should get an education. In a just system everybody gets health care…every child gets a chance to reach his or her dream.” He said an unjust system couldn’t continue to exist.

“Where’s the church? I understand. Government ain’t saying nothing. They screwed up, but where is the church? Where are we today or are we like Israel” supporting the wealthy and not caring about the poor? Or are you hoping you won’t be one of them,” he said quoting from Micah 6:8. “Well you are or you’re a step away” from being poor.

“Something is wrong if we’re going to act selfishly and we’re going to pursue justice and righteousness, then we have to use our money to develop minds…not missiles, not bombs, not drones…. We need some justice in our neighborhoods,” he bellowed.

Pfleger said if people believe that “peace is better than war, that love is still stronger than hate, that non-violence is still stronger than violence, that truth is still better than lies, if you don’t believe that then get up out of there. Why are you here wasting your time? Go sit at City Hall…Springfield. Go sit in D.C….”

Pfleger said don’t get angry with the messenger rather “You ought to be mad at people in government who allow this system to be what it is.”

Father Pfleger told of how he was recently with Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan who asked a child what did he want to be when he grew up. “The child said, ‘If I grow up, I want to be a doctor.’ “What child in America today should wonder if he or she will grow up? If you want to have justice, to pursue righteousness, then you got to be the voice today that understand that God doesn’t change, neither do I.”

Pfleger said when people question why he’s involved in politics; he has an answer for them. “What the hell you’re talking about? Politics govern how we live. Politics governs where the money goes? Politics governs what happens…how you get a mortgage…governs how we eat…governs the education your child gets…how you get help with the healthcare system….

“Politics make the decisions…I don’t believe in separation of state. I come and sit at the table. I know I wasn’t invited but I don’t come here representing you…. I didn’t come to take a picture with you…. Stop trying to be politically correct….

“You should make Democrats and Republicans mad. Jesus didn’t come to be a Democrat. Jesus didn’t come to be a Republican. He came to take over Democrats and Republicans. He said I’ve come to do my father’s business,” Pfleger told the church challenging them to make somebody mad in the name of justice. Do what is just. Do what is right. Pursue righteousness.”

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.