It's extremely difficult to have a reasoned, balanced discussion on the weaknesses of capitalism on a forum like FR without the inevitable shrieks of "socialist". Add into this mix an element of religious animosity and it becomes almost impossible, I'd say. It's into this climate that the Pope's encyclical has been received
You've worked diligently on this and other threads to polarize the debate by proposing a false dichotomy where there are only two alternatives; capitalism or socialism. Any dissent from the American economic model is therefore socialism. Ergo, the Pope is a socialist.
As I and numerous other Catholics have repeatedly explained to deaf ears, the Church has issues with some aspects of capitalism as well as having major issues with socialism. You'll recall that the Catholic Church was a major player in the defeat of communism in Eastern Europe.
Events of the last 12 months have made plain the weaknesses inherent in capitalism, at least as it is acted out in the America of the 21st century and that seems perfectly clear. Is it too hard to admit that?
I'm still waiting for you to expand on your nebulous statement that "socialist forces in government" were responsible for the economic meltdown. Government policy has certainly played a part in this train wreck but underlying it all was human greed, irresponsibility and dishonesty.
And again you "make it personal."
As Orwell said, some animals are more equal than others. They feel free to break the rules.
Thankfully, the encyclical stands in plain view (unlike so much of Rome) and is available to anyone who wants to wade through its anti-captialism, anti-personal liberty, pro-socialism, pro-authoritarianism, pro-global authority "with teeth."
Anyone who can read section #67 and not be repelled needs to return to a sixth grade civics class for a refresher course in economics, government and history.
Yes, when it's not true.
The economic collapse has nothing to do with free markets. It is the result of bad monetary policy and bubbles created by govt in housing and finance. The bubble in housing was created by govt artificially lowering interest rates and forcing banks to make loans to marginal borrowers. If the markets had been left alone we would not have had a credit collapse when the recession occurred.