Harold Keller

Session missing the real priorities

I’ve heard it said that if a church’s mission is to reach out to the people whom nobody wants God will send them the people whom everybody wants. The key motive is for churches to get their priorities in order. Having priorities in order is the key to healthy and prosperous growth. I think that this challenge, which is directed to the churches, could also be, especially at this time, directed to the state. Gov. Mike Foster is preparing for a special session of the Legislature. The biggest issues seem to be keeping Saints and financing Tom Benson’s private, profitable business and renegotiating the Harrah’s Casino tax deal that may or may not keep it in the business of financially raping the poor. Besides these above-mentioned issues in the eyes of the governor and lawmakers is the pressing need for a teacher pay raise. When gambling (excuse me, “gaming”) was made legal it was said that this would solve all the state’s financial problems. What happened? That’s the big question. I think Tom Benson has a lot of nerve demanding all he has from the state. People will excuse his action as a business deal. I call it greed. Let the Saints and Benson go. I hope the lawmakers take a term from the war on drugs. Just say no! Concerning the casino deal – it was Harrah’s initial tax proposal to the state. If they close, as far as I’m concerned, good riddance. What about the people who will lose their jobs? My Bible says that God will provide. I believe that! With Benson’s and Harrah’s problems, New Orleans is now trying to attract another National Basketball Association team. How ridiculous! Maybe if the state reached out to solve more pressing needs, for instance a poor educational system, high crime rate, the epidemic of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse, then and only then will we attract the businesses everybody want which will supply the tax base necessary to run a healthy, prosperous state and pay state employees a fair (according to performance) living wage. Putting the state’s priorities in order should be the intention of this special session. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.