Columnist Cal Thomas wrote in his column of Feb. 27 that only “charities and religious bodies are obligated to help the weak and poor,” whereas governments have no such obligation. I would respectfully point out that religious institutions are not equipped to meet all of society’s complicated needs by themselves.

At a time when a down economy continues to deprive many willing and able workers of income and dignity, religious and government resources should be working together to solve the complicated task of creating a healthy, self-sufficient society.

Medicaid is the program best positioned to create sustained, well-managed access to medical services on the scale that Maine requires.

Moreover, society’s values are reflected by the government’s efforts to feed, house and care for the health of its poor. Budgets are moral documents which illustrate a society’s priorities

Gov. Paul LePage should accept federal funds that have already been set aside for Maine. That funding will improve the health and economy of this state. As eight Republican governors who have accepted funding in their states have already pointed out, it is simply the right thing to do.

Marc Mutty,

Director of Public Policy

Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland