Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises
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Bangladesh: A Step Forward Compensating Victims of Garment Factory Tragedies
Read the recent Wall Street Journal article. When I was in Bangladesh in early December 2013, the issue of compensation for victims of the fire and building collapse tragedies was one of the issues in the forefront. (The other major issues were building safety and working conditions going forward.) Adequate compensation for workers who were disabled and family members whose breadwinners had died was sought. We have insurance and other compensation mechanisms in place in the United States. These are not in place in Bangladesh. Therefore the establishment of this victims fund and the initial contributions to it are major steps forward. Progress does not come easy or all at once,…
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Tune in to JustLove this Week to Learn About National Marriage Week and Catholic Charities affiliated agency Create, Inc.
This week Monsignor Sullivan rings in Valentine’s Day with Brian Barcaro, founder of CatholicMatch.com, about National Marriage Week and the concept of purposeful dating. Also on the show is Ralph Perez of Catholic Charities affiliated agency Create, Inc. about the recent media attention given to addiction, and how his agency helps those suffering from addiction recover their lives.
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“I Don’t Get It.” A Different Take on Aftermath of Philip Seymour Hoffman Death
Famous actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman dies of overdose: large scale publicity and police hunt to find drug seller. What about the thousands of unnamed youth in the communities and neighborhoods of NYC and across the nation who suffer similar tragic fates? Where’s the interest, concern and caring? I don’t get it. Are not these youth and their families and friends also made in the image and likeness of God?
- Commentary, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees
House Republicans Announce Immigration Reform Principles: Let the Negotiations Begin
The next step has been taken to fix our nation’s broken immigration policies with the release of the House Republican’s immigration reform principles. I was present at Capital Hill last spring when a bi-partisan group of Senators made an earlier step forward by introducing Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation. The Senate later passed this as a bill on June 27, 2013. The Senate’s steps last year – while positive – did not bring us to the end of the race. The House’s steps towards immigration reform – while positive – remain principles, not an approved bill and a long way from becoming law. These differ greatly, but I am not prepared…