Bernie Sanders Takes Message of Economic Equality to Vatican

[CoffeeCat]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by tammywammy (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: NBC News

Bernie Sanders took his message of economic fairness to the heart of the Catholic Church on Friday, telling a Vatican conference that income inequality is "the great moral issue of our time" while praising Pope Francis for his teachings on the issue.

"I am just so excited to be here, so proud to be here, with other like-minded people who are trying to do our best to create a moral economy," Sanders told reporters outside the Vatican.

The Democratic presidential hopeful addressed a conference honoring the 25th anniversary of St. John Paul II's encyclical "Centesimus Annus," which focused on wealth and standards of living after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"The issue of wealth and income inequality is the great economic issue of our time, the great political issue of our time, and the great moral issue of our time," Sanders told the conference. "It is an issue that we must confront in my nation and across the world."

Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/bernie-sanders-takes-message-economy-equality-vatican-n556646

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Terrific video, at link, of Bernie speaking in Vatican City

[Triana]

1. Text of his speech from Sanders' Website

The Urgency of a Moral Economy: Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of Centesimus Annus

. . .

Over a century ago, Pope Leo XIII highlighted economic issues and challenges in Rerum Novarum that continue to haunt us today, such as what he called “the enormous wealth of a few as opposed to the poverty of the many.”

And let us be clear. That situation is worse today. In the year 2016, the top one percent of the people on this planet own more wealth than the bottom 99 percent, while the wealthiest 60 people – 60 people – own more than the bottom half – 3 1/2 billion people. At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable.

The words of Centesimus Annus likewise resonate with us today. One striking example:

Furthermore, society and the State must ensure wage levels adequate for the maintenance of the worker and his family, including a certain amount for savings. This requires a continuous effort to improve workers’ training and capability so that their work will be more skilled and productive, as well as careful controls and adequate legislative measures to block shameful forms of exploitation, especially to the disadvantage of the most vulnerable workers, of immigrants and of those on the margins of society. The role of trade unions in negotiating minimum salaries and working conditions is decisive in this area. (Para15)

The essential wisdom of Centesimus Annus is this: A market economy is beneficial for productivity and economic freedom. But if we let the quest for profits dominate society; if workers become disposable cogs of the financial system; if vast inequalities of power and wealth lead to marginalization of the poor and the powerless; then the common good is squandered and the market economy fails us. Pope John Paul II puts it this way: profit that is the result of “illicit exploitation, speculation, or the breaking of solidarity among working people . . . has not justification, and represents an abuse in the sight of God and man.” (Para43).

We are now twenty-five years after the fall of Communist rule in Eastern Europe. Yet we have to acknowledge that Pope John Paul’s warnings about the excesses of untrammeled finance were deeply prescient. Twenty-five years after Centesimus Annus, speculation, illicit financial flows, environmental destruction, and the weakening of the rights of workers is far more severe than it was a quarter century ago. Financial excesses, indeed widespread financial criminality on Wall Street, played a direct role in causing the world’s worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

THE REST:

https://berniesanders.com/urgency-moral-economy-reflections-anniversary-centesimus-annus/

[Politicub]

7. He played it safe

His speech was a history lesson that left out some of the more odious things the church has foisted on the world.

When not paired with outrage about the inequality of men and women, discrimination against the lgbt community, and the decades-long sweeping of child molestation under the rug, economic justice alone falls woefully short.

[CoffeeCat]

13. Very nice!

Thank you for posting! I hadn't seen the full speech yet.

I loved the comments that he had to say, while he was surrounded by reporters and admirers. The video was worth watching and very exciting!

Thanks for posting.

[stonecutter357]

2. lol

[LisaM]

4. I know.

This is the biggest crock for a guy that is quickly becoming known for big crocks. Who is he kidding?

[840high]

5. Still jealous - eh?

[CoffeeCat]

12. Wow. Sad for you.

Those sour grapes must taste terrible.

[LisaM]

14. I'm offended, not jealous.

The person who made that lame remark immediately blocked me, which should pretty much sums up how ridiculous it was.

[CoffeeCat]

17. Best of luck that (nt)

[beastie boy]

3. Appropriately, he took it there in a Rolls limo.

He outright rejected a gilded carriage with equestrian Grenadier escort as too detracting from the message.

[tabasco]

9. Do you have a source for your claim

or are you a liar?

Either/or

[beastie boy]

20. You are absolutely right! I am an effing liar!

It's not a Rolls, it is a limo that looks like a Rolls, followed by a convoy of four vehicles.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/bernie-sanders-arrives-rome-155307603.html

And sadly, I can't provide any evidence of Bernie rejecting a gilt carriage.

[tabasco]

36. What kind of cars will be in the parking lot at Hillary's fundraiser?

You could buy a Lambo or a Ferrari for what it costs to sit at Clinton's table. But of course, H. Clinton would never do political favors for money. Except when she does.

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/238313-clinton-changed-stance-on-trade-deal-after-donations-to

http://gawker.com/soooooo-elizabeth-warren-2016-1696840357

http://billmoyers.com/story/elizabeth-warren-recalls-a-time-when-big-donors-may-have-changed-hillarys-vote/

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/02/did-wall-street-buy-this-vote-from-clinton.html


Anyway, good job admitting you're a liar. It's the first step in recovery.

[beastie boy]

38. Ah, the inevitable, ubiquitous, uber-persuasive "But...Hillary" argument again!

I think I'm going to start collecting my nickels...

[tabasco]

39. LOL. But nothing.

You make a lame, untruthful attack on Sanders for riding in a Vatican-provided vehicle to a conference to end poverty.

I make a truthful statement regarding H. Clinton's fundraising dinner on the same day as Sanders' conference.

Truth hurts, doesn't it. Your preferred candidate has made a career out of taking money from rich people and doing them favors.

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/238313-clinton-changed-stance-on-trade-deal-after-donations-to

http://gawker.com/soooooo-elizabeth-warren-2016-1696840357

http://billmoyers.com/story/elizabeth-warren-recalls-a-time-when-big-donors-may-have-changed-hillarys-vote/

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/02/did-wall-street-buy-this-vote-from-clinton.html

[Paper Roses]

11. What difference does the means of transportation make? His visit is a good thing.

Any means of spreading the message to ANY group is a good thing. To find the transportation a valid comment is strange. Nothing better to offer?
If the other candidate was offered a chance to make a presentation, I'm sure you would be one of those who praised the visit.

What next, the color of his necktie?

[beastie boy]

21. A good thing inded.

But oh, the optics!

Meanwhile, the Pope, head of state and leader to billions, is doing just fine in his Fiat 500. There is a reason his message to the poor resonates.

[zalinda]

24. It was probably the vehicle they sent to pick him up from the airport. eom

[beastie boy]

25. Probably. Doesn't change the optics, though.

Live by the photo op, die by the photo op.

[merrily]

28. If you want to talk optics, he's at the Vatican fighting for social and economic justice

while Hillary is picking up checks at a $353,000 dollar dinner (and while claiming to oppose Citizens United).

Maybe the Vatican conference sent a car to pick him up. Talk about nitpicking.

This really seems to be sticking in the craw of Hillary's supporters, especially after the Pope turned down an invite the Clinton Foundation.

[beastie boy]

30. A ten minute speech does not a fight make, and Bernie got more than $353,000 in free publicity

for his trouble.

And maybe the Vatican sent the car. But Bernie still looked ridiculous riding in a limo with his message to the poor.

Like I said before, live by the photo op, die by the photo op.

[zalinda]

31. And Hillary? "We came, we saw, he died." Gleeful laughter. eom

[beastie boy]

35. If only I had a nickel for every "But...Hillary" response...

Why even bother posting?

[merrily]

40. Yes, a ten minute speech at a Vatican conference *IS* part of the fight, certainly eons more so than

Hillary's $343,000 dinner with George and Amal. It's not about a photo op. It's about advancing causes for which he's fought all his life, even though it cost him 40 hours (plus jet lag) away from a very primary campaign that is very important to him. And, hmmm, I wonder why the Clinton Foundation invited the Pope?

I already covered your poorly prioritized and very small nitpicking about the car, and your repeating it doesn't improve your case.

I wonder if Adam can sue you for discrediting the name of the Beastie Boys.

[beastie boy]

41. Damnit, will you quit with your "but...Hillary!" nonsense already?

Every reply I've been getting is a "but... Hillary" reply!

Can't you people offer anything other than Hillary as a response to every frigging post?

Jeez!

[merrily]

42. First, try civility. Second, where did you get the illusion that people cannot respond to you

however they wish? Get over yourself. News flash: This is a race between two candidates. Comparing them is perfectly normal no matter how much Hillary's talking points are that it is forbidden. Third, I offered plenty other than Hillary. Fourth, you slammed the optics of Bernie's trip to the Vatican, but a reply cannot compare the optics of a trip Hillary's making the same day? Are you kidding me?

[CTyankee]

37. Yep and he has SS with him. He has no choice.

Some people would like him to just drop out and then he wouldn't have people yearning to hear his message...

[LisaM]

6. Note: I would have responded to the crack about being "jealous" but the poster has me blocked.

A bit cowardly to make a hit and run like that, so let me just say, no, I'm certainly not jealous that Bernie Sanders has as advisor who wangled him an invitation to a little-known Vatican conference (where he then embarrassingly mixed up two Popes).

Another note: I've never blocked anyone on DU.

[BlueMTexpat]

10. And also very likely prevented

Pope Francis from meeting with fellow South American attendees in order to avoid any appearance of papal interference in a US Presidential election.

Yes, we are all so "jealous" of the general - and expensive - fiasco this has been.

[merrily]

29. You're doubting the reason the Pope gave for not meeting with the conference?

[CoffeeCat]

16. All the sour-grapes brigade can do is distort and lie

Bernie didn't "wrangle" anything. That's your spin on a very exciting, nice bit of news for Bernie Sanders.

In Monsignor Soldono's own words, "I deny that. It was not that way. It was my idea to invite Sanders."

[BeanMusical]

32. They are beyond pathetic and ridiculous.

Which I find hilarious.

[BeanMusical]

34. Lol! There, there.

[warrprayer]

8. feeling the Bern

in Rome!!!

[Uncle Joe]

15. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, CoffeeCat.

[riderinthestorm]

18. BIG K&R! nt

[lovemydog]

19. Thank you.

I agree that wealth inequality is a great moral issue of our time. I hope we can meet this challenge head on and reduce this inequality that is strangling us. We need a majority in Congress like Bernie Sanders. We need more people with the same message getting involved in every walk of life. Sanders has helped bring this to light and will continue doing so. It's up to each of us to continue doing so in ways both personal and political.

[EndElectoral]

22. Thanks for the video. Glad he's doing more than reaching out to Big Money for favors.

[kadaholo]

23. A TRUE VISIONARY IN OUR MODERN TIME!

BERNIE SANDERS, A TRUE VISIONARY IN OUR MODERN TIME!

Pope Francis: “The synod experience also made us better realize that the true defenders are not those who uphold its letter, but its spirit; not ideas but people; not formulas but free availability of God’s love and forgiveness,” Pope Francis said. “I see in Senator Bernard Sanders a man of great integrity and moral conviction, who understands these principles and genuinely wants what’s best for all people.”

See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-endorses-bernie-sanders-president/#sthash.Py2f409d.dpuf

[bbgrunt]

26. K and R!

[drokhole]

27. "Moral Economy" is a phrase/frame that needs to become ingrained in the national psyche...

And is long overdue. So glad to hear Bernie use every opportunity (and an international stage) to breathe life into and reiterate the idea/prospect.

[BeanMusical]

33. Kick and R

[tammywammy]

43. Locking

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