Pastor James Erlandson's shutdown speech, June 30th

Fight Back!  Stop the

State Government Shutdown

State Capitol Rotunda

June 30, 2011 

My name is……………….and I am pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer here in St. Paul, and a leader in ISAIAH, 

Brothers and sisters, greetings to you as We the People gather on this most historic day here at our Minnesota State Capitol.  And it has been an amazing day in Minnesota – and it may become even more amazing and historic as the day goes on 

So why are you here – on this hot summer day,  just before the July 4^th Holiday weekend, when most Minnesotans are making preparations for a weekend of parades, barbecues, picnics,fireworks – and dare I say, camping? 

Why are you here today?  I assume it is not only to get inside out of the sweltering heat on this rare hot day in Minnesota? 

Some of you are here because you are angry – because our elected government leaders have not been able to compromise or come to a “deal” that will lead to a state budget that is “fair” for all Minnesotans, and keep very needed government services to its people open and running. 

Some of you are here because you planned to camp in a state park this holiday weekend, and if there is a state government shut down, state parks will close and your reservation will be worthless.  Perhaps you have come with the intent to camp outside on the State Capitol grounds?  Sorry – we have no reservations and no permit to do that today, either.  

Some of you are here because you are scared – afraid of what you, your family, or your neighbors will experience if and when this government shuts down, and takes away services that you depend on. 

Some of you are here because you have received notice from the State of Minnesota that you will be “laid off” in the event of a shutdown  - that your work for the State is deemed “not essential”.  Do we have State workers here?.........

Most of us know someone who works for the State who has received a layoff notice.  My next door neighbor received a letter two weeks ago.  So did the father of my daughter’s best friend.  So if you know of someone who has received their layoff notice, say their name now, outloud!........... 

All of us are here today because WE HAVE HOPE that the process of reason and compromise can still work, when enough public pressure is applied, and we can still avoid a state shut down – even if it takes negotiations till midnight. 

We the People have come to the people’s house, the State Capital of Minnesota, because this is the place for us to be in a democracy, speaking up for our values that all human beings are created equal, every human being is a child of God, and everyone has a voice in our democratic process.  Our elected leaders have not yet been able to negotiate an agreement to keep our state government going, with the responsibilities and services that this entails.  So we have come to speak, to keep up the pressure, to let them know that we are here, we are watching, and we expect our elected leaders to work on behalf of ALL the people of Minnesota.  Not just a few.  And we want them to know that we believe that ALL people of Minnesota need to share the burden of the cost of government and the things that we do here on behalf of all the people in this state. 

We are here to speak up on behalf of the most vulnerable people in this state – children, the elderly, the immigrant, the poor, who do not have a voice, so that they do not lose the essential services in health care, job training, housing and education that are threatened by the state budget being proposed.  We are here to say: DO NOT CUT these essential services for our most vulnerable people just so we can say “we balanced the budget without raising taxes”.    We say that if everyone pays their fair share in taxes, we do not have to make those drastic cuts, and we do not have to choose between education or health care.  If the wealthiest among us do not pay their fair share, then we faced with the choice of taking away services from those who need them most, who have no other options. 

For years in the past, the churches in Minnesota have been far too silent on issues such as this, trying to stay out of politics.  Or churches have only strayed into the political world on particular “moral issues”.  But we have come to see that in a world (and a state) where money brings power, that a budget is a moral issue!  A budget shows what an institution or a state values!  If we value stadiums over education, that is a moral issue!  If we value a pledge of “no more taxes” over the health and the lives of vulnerable human beings in this state, that is a moral issue.

So people of faith from many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship are starting to make their voices heard.  Several faith based organizations, like ISAIAH, the Council of Churches, Jewish Community Action and others have stood with the people who experience poverty, and with working people in our unions, as they seek justice and fairness in jobs, health care, housing, and education.  Many people of faith stand with you today, they have been at the Capitol throughout the legislative session, and were here today rallying against a shutdown, and for a budget that continues our critical services for the poor and the vulnerable in this state.    

Because the God who many of us worship is a God of compassion, who seeks justice and fairness in our markets, in our courts, and in our communities – wherever people gather.  We believe that God has given our leaders in government a sacred trust and responsibility to make sure that all human beings are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and that everyone has the opportunity for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

So WE the People have come today to keep our hope alive, and keep the pressure on our elected leaders to come to an agreement that keeps the vital services of our state government working for the benefit of everyone.  No one wins in a state shutdown – so let’s not let that happen!  We need all our valued state workers to keep up their good work!  And we need a state budget that continues the critical services in health care, employment, housing, and education that so many people depend on.  We can do this when everyone pays their fair share! 

And we must do this peacefully, without violence or name calling.  In a short time they may shut the doors of this State Capitol, and the government shut down may take effect.  This does not mean that we cannot continue to speak up!  We will continue our work for justice and fairness in our state.  But if there is violence, no one will hear our words. 

So I close with the prayer that we can stay together as a people, and work peacefully – but with determination – for those things that we value most: a state of Minnesota where everyone can live in peace, with opportunity and justice for all.