As a religious leader who has worked diligently for the past 16 years through the ministry of The Jesus Party, I feel that a mandate has been placed on my ministry to genuinely and effectively help the poor.

Since I was a little boy, it seemed as though my heart was always captured by the plight of the needy, the oppressed and downtrodden. My message to the youth is to take responsibility for themselves, work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labors.

I think that it is absolutely repulsive for bleeding-heart, liberal politicians to reward failure through the distribution of wealth through welfare benefits and then punish the most successful and hardworking among us with high taxation. Remember, it is the wealthy who create employment.

It is equally repulsive when the rich exploit the poor and take advantage of those who have little, just to make great gain.

It is not sinful to work hard, become successful and obtain wealth. The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Hard work and wealth are the tickets out of the ghetto and a departure from poverty.

The only ones prospering in the ghetto are some of the so-called nonprofit organizations and social service workers.

Lewiston needs to focus more on hands up, and offer fewer handouts; more job creation and less welfare relaxation.

On Election Day 2010, I will vote for job creation and really help the poor.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston