What Fox News (and all the others) don’t get is that Pope Francis, when he speaks (or writes) ... he is speaking universally ... not just about the USA. They don’t get that.
I have seen a couple of people say this around here and I still don't get what it means. I can accept that we may be misreading him, though I am equally inclined to think he is likely misspeaking, but how does universality change anything? If a man says that free markets and economic growth are not going to bring about greater justice and inclusiveness, how is that meliorated by saying it isn't about the US but everybody? I can't possibly understand a difference in that. Either a person recognizes that economic prosperity gives people opportunities, jobs and the dignity they provide, food on their table, and shelter over their heads, or they don't. Whether I dislike capitalism in this country or everywhere hardly changes what my opinion represents and means in regard to prosperity and freedom. A universal authoritarian is also a local authoritarian.
I have the same questions. You stated your points so well, cothrige, there's no need for me to repeat ;-)
bttt
Good questions ... understandable. I think my point with Fox and the other news stations ... especially these blow-hard talk show hosts that seem to enjoy hearing themselves speak ... tend to hear what the pope is saying based on their political leanings ... leanings that are found mostly in our country. That said, I think that the pope is intending for this message to be for the people, not necessarily the leaders to hear. I believe, as I'm sure you do too, that charity best belongs in the hands of the people, not the government. We are the ones that need to take our capitalist dollars ... which God has blessed us with ... and use what we can to help those that are in need.
But as I said, I haven't read this document cover to cover yet. I may learn more as I read it ... maybe I'm just not seeing what these others are seeing in it. If I do, I'll be sure to post it here.
Have you read this yet?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3098569/posts