Called beyond selfishness

National Catholic Reporter, Sept 8, 2006 by Stephanie Neidringhaus

Since many of us have worked hard to convince Congress that legislating for the common good is a moral imperative, it is heartening to see a rising interest in the concept. Joe Feuerherd's article on the common good (NCR, Aug. 25) raises important cautions, however. Translating a term like the common good into political capital can be tricky, especially when opposing ideologies seek to claim it as their own. Conservatives have, of late, been more skillful in claiming positive sounding terms such as "values," "pro-family" and "pro-life" than groups on the left. Now, it seems, some liberal politicians may be stumbling as they seek to present the common good as a progressive value even as conservatives mischaracterize its meaning.

We desperately need politicians on all sides who are willing to bridge their partisan differences and assume responsibility for the well-being of all of us. Quite simply, we can no longer afford to be a nation with a growing divide between rich and poor where tens of millions of people lack access to health care and decent housing. Care for the common good calls us beyond selfishness to community, human dignity and the valuing of all creation. Voters need to make sure that Congress hears that call.

STEPHANIE NEIDRINGHAUS

Washington

[Stephanie Neidringhaus is communications coordinator for Network, a Catholic social justice lobby.]