Obama urges respect among politicians

WASHINGTON — President Obama said Thursday that “moral values” underscore many of his administration’s policies.

“We can’t leave our values at the door,” Obama said at the National Prayer Breakfast.

“If we leave our values at the door,” he said, “we abandon much of the moral glue that has held our nation together for centuries, and allowed us to become somewhat more perfect a union.”

Obama cited biblical and spiritual values in advocating many of his programs, including the health care law, new financial rules and proposals to have wealthier Americans shoulder more of the tax burden.

On the latter issue, Obama said, “For unto whom much is given, much shall be required.”

Obama — who said, “I wake up each morning and I say a brief prayer”— also urged politicians to show one another more respect.

“Biblical injunctions are not just words,” Obama said at one point. “They are also deeds.”

The bipartisan prayer breakfast, a Washington tradition, was co- hosted by one of Obama’s Republican opponents, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, as well as Sen. Mark Pryor, D- Ark.

At one point, Obama said: “Treating others as you want to be treated. Requiring much from those who have been given so much. Living by the principle that we are our brother’s keeper. Caring for the poor and those in need. . . . We don’t just talk about ( these values) one day a year.”