As the trusted squire of Don Quixote de la Brentwood for the last thirty some odd years, I've found myself called upon from time to time to provide a more grounded perspective than my dreamy companion is usually able to muster.  I mean these are serious times, and reflections on stars too far and all that is not enough.  The Don helps us keep hope alive - I'm here to try to show you how to turn that hope into some practical ideas for action.

The Common Good 

This election year the Quixote Center is working with other progressive voices in the faith community to present a more holistic view of the Catholic social justice tradition.  Why?  Well simply put, it has become too common for the Catholic hierarchy to flex its political muscle concerning issues of sexuality and control of women's bodies during the election season. Meanwhile, the wonderful depth and breadth of a social justice tradition that has inspired millions to struggle to build a better world is de-emphasized. 

Catholic social teaching reminds listeners that we are partners on the earth, challenged not to build walls to exclude the immigrants, but urged to remember the orphans, the widows and the aliens. For we were all once aliens in a foreign land, and we shall come to judgment measured by how much we have cared for the hungry, remembered those in prison, and given drink to the thirsty. Our good deeds will be measured by the number of times we have worked for reconciliation, not by the number of people we have slain.  A lesson our leaders would do well to remember.  

I'm asking you to join me in doing just that.

My toolkit is a guide for action during this election season. The format is easy.  I first provide general background on a number of issues.  I then review the positions of the mainstream candidates on these issues and offer a reflection rooted in the social justice tradition.  And finally I direct you to additional resources and ideas for action.  

The issues I cover in the toolkit are:

1. Immigration
   
2. Trade policy
3. International debt
4. War on Terror
5. Global Warming