[claritas]

I was in Europe last summer, studying in Austria. What struck me was the utter hopelessness and despair of the people. It was obvious to me that structural reform was not the solution to the problem. Rather, there is a more fundamental problem in the wayin which people approach the world. There do not have faith. If one does not have faith in God, faith in His Son, and faith in His Church, then no amount of democratic reorganization is going to help, because that reform is wanted for purely secular purposes, not for purposes that spring from the gospel.

While at an ordition of a Jesuit friend who is a top notch defender of the faith, I pointed out to two Austrian women who were there how happy everyone was. Here were large families, young nuns, and faithful Jesuits, who were not just happy because it was a joyous event. They were happy because they had a proper relationship with God and thus with the world. When I pointed out that people in Austria were not this happy, it seemed like a revelation to them. Amazingly, people don't know (or have lulled themselves into forgetting) how unhappy they are, and they don't think there is another option. We need to tell them that there is another option, but it might hurt a little

[sinkspur]

Another factor in Europe's depression are its political systems. Most are socialist, and punitive taxation destroys whatever incentives and spirit might exist in the business community.

Faith in God won't put bread on the table if mother government has her boot on your neck.