I do.
Look at China. China is now using capitalism in its economy. And what about the common man in China? Many are building much better lives, for sure, but millions and millions are also being abused by a savage system of exploitation where they have almost no rights, few real freedoms in the labor market, no protection from their employers, etc.
I myself believe free market practices create more freedoms and generally improve the situations of people. What I do not assume is that it automatically “inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world.”
Also, I heard Rush discuss this point today:
“The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase; and in the meantime all those lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.”
What got to me was how upset Rush was about that point. I like Rush and really respect him for his intelligence. I also think he is way too hung up on his Apple devices, his golf outings, his cigars, his plane, etc. Rush did indeed make a good point about how many workers are being employed in China to produce the new iPhones because of the incredible demand. At the same time I can’t help but think that there’s something pathetic about our insatiable demand for the latest version of the iPhone as if it so important. I’m still using a flip phone and never had a cell phone of my own until 2009. While I was driving and listening to Rush talk about that comment from Pope Francis it occurred to me (not for the first time) how attached Rush is to his toys. It then occurred to me (not for the first time) how attached I am to mine. I collect Bibles. I have dozens of them. I do use them. I read the Bible frequently. I share what I learn with friends. I have to admit, however, I am spending too much money and time acquiring the next study Bible “the market offers [me]...to purchase”. I realize I have to stop. It’s no longer a wholesome pursuit in my case. It’s become a distraction from what I should be doing first and foremost: living a Christ-like life of charity. What can I say? It was an important afternoon car ride for me today.
I do not and never have had a cell phone of my own. I have nothing against charity. You do not get charity from the state or from the ‘politicians’, as Francis put it.
People should be able to buy things and to make things and to sell things without the government or some other entity being able to use force to stop them and to enforce monopolies.
Using the rule of law, the state should allow people to buy and sell legal products freely. There is nothing immoral about you selling me an apple, a purchase that both buyer and seller are happy with.
It doesn’t matter if the legal product is an apple, a robe, a Bible or a car. There is nothing immoral about people voluntarily trading with each other. If the Pope does not agree with this he is out to lunch.
This does not contradict in any way with charity. This does not impede charity in any way.
If the Pope is calling on the state, politicians, to create a charity state that gives everything to everyone, then he asking the government to put us all in comfy prisons.
ExpatGator made a better point than I could in post 92 with regard to China.
Now to Rush....I thought Rush was “upset” because the pope seemed to dismiss the importance of the “market” in people’s lives. When someone purchases the latest product, it means others have been employed to create/manufacture/market/transport it. New products mean JOBS. You can’t provide too much charity without having the means to do so.
I don’t think Rush is too attached to his things. I think he enjoys them for sure, but Rush spends far more time talking about concepts like liberty, morality, responsibility, you get my drift, than he ever spends talking about things.
Splendid post, vlad, among several other excellent ones on this thread.
And me too. I have wondered about conservatives appearing as though something was stuck in their throat when expounding on the condition of abject poverty, its causes and effects.
Your post cleared that up for me. It’s been my own conscience. It’s said, somewhere, that we all have one. :)