@Pontifex: "self-centred mindset bent on profit at any cost" to blame for unemployment

[UrbScotty]

My thoughts turn to all who are unemployed, often as a result of a self-centred mindset bent on profit at any cost.

https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/329913658857639937

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

1. Pope John Paul II made similar statements.

In his encyclical Centesimus Annus , issued on the hundredth anniversary of Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum, and dealing in large part with the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, JPII wrote

It would appear that, on the level of individual nations and of international relations, the free market is the most efficient instrument for utilizing resources and effectively responding to needs. But this is true only for those needs which are "solvent", insofar as they are endowed with purchasing power, and for those resources which are "marketable", insofar as they are capable of obtaining a satisfactory price. But there are many human needs which find no place on the market. It is a strict duty of justice and truth not to allow fundamental human needs to remain unsatisfied, and not to allow those burdened by such needs to perish. It is also necessary to help these needy people to acquire expertise, to enter the circle of exchange, and to develop their skills in order to make the best use of their capacities and resources. Even prior to the logic of a fair exchange of goods and the forms of justice appropriate to it, there exists something which is due to man because he is man, by reason of his lofty dignity. Inseparable from that required "something" is the possibility to survive and, at the same time, to make an active contribution to the common good of humanity.

(Italics in original)

He goes on to say

...can it perhaps be said that, after the failure of Communism, capitalism is the victorious social system, and that capitalism should be the goal of the countries now making efforts to rebuild their economy and society? Is this the model which ought to be proposed to the countries of the Third World which are searching for the path to true economic and civil progress?

The answer is obviously complex. If by "capitalism" is meant an economic system which recognizes the fundamental and positive role of business, the market, private property and the resulting responsibility for the means of production, as well as free human creativity in the economic sector, then the answer is certainly in the affirmative, even though it would perhaps be more appropriate to speak of a "business economy", "market economy" or simply "free economy". But if by "capitalism" is meant a system in which freedom in the economic sector is not circumscribed within a strong juridical framework which places it at the service of human freedom in its totality, and which sees it as a particular aspect of that freedom, the core of which is ethical and religious, then the reply is certainly negative.

The Marxist solution has failed, but the realities of marginalization and exploitation remain in the world, especially the Third World, as does the reality of human alienation, especially in the more advanced countries. Against these phenomena the Church strongly raises her voice. Vast multitudes are still living in conditions of great material and moral poverty. The collapse of the Communist system in so many countries certainly removes an obstacle to facing these problems in an appropriate and realistic way, but it is not enough to bring about their solution. Indeed, there is a risk that a radical capitalistic ideology could spread which refuses even to consider these problems, in the a priori belief that any attempt to solve them is doomed to failure, and which blindly entrusts their solution to the free development of market forces.

No, modern popes are certainly not fans of unbridled capitalism.

[freshwest]

4. Didn't he also coin the term 'predatory capitalism'? I felt it was the best description.

Many times, I am in awe at the depth of thought that flows out from these men. So many facets of life, sorted out and distilled, that come from solid humanitarian values and education. Their words are so different from the confident but generally ignorant and callous pronouncements of the right wing evangelicals, as to be from another world.

These concepts embody the ideals of the Enlightenment, despite the reported enmity between groups in Europe and America regarding Catholic versus Protestant or humanist thinking. I always find these thought provoking, and suited to us as Democrats.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

6. No, Thorsten Veblen invented the term "predatory capitalism", in 1899

[freshwest]

7. Thanks, but I think Pope John Paul used it too. It was the first time I heard it. Makes sense, it's

logical and I believe tells the truth about capitalism and the social darwinist views we were taught about in our public school many years ago, and how they framed the resistance to workers rights.

The results are the same as the Ayn Rand philosophy of how some people are just meant to be used up and discarded to profit the 'Supermen.' Standing in opposition to the often said, 'Equal Under God.'

That's not to me so much a term of subservience, but just a way to step back, and realize that we as humans ought to treat each other with respect. That none of us should have the right to prey on others or abuse them. It would be like attacking our own selves.

[kentauros]

2. Could you add some details and/or other excerpts

for those of us that have the popular sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter blocked at work? Plus, I'm not familiar with "Pontifex", so some background on that one would be appreciated.

Thank you

[UrbScotty]

3. Pontifex is the Pope's Twitter handle

What I posted was the tweet in its entirety, along with a link to the tweet itself.

[kentauros]

8. Okay, thank you.

I thought perhaps the link had more information at it.

[freshwest]

5. He also made a statement about the over 400 lives lost in Bangladesh:

Last edited Thu May 2, 2013, 04:02 PM - Edit history (1)

The thread posted by malaise:

Bangladesh workers protest as building collapse death toll passes 400



...Thousands of workers have marched through central Dhaka, Bangladesh, to demand better safety at work and the death penalty for the owner of a garment factory building that collapsed last week in the country's worst industrial disaster

The May Day protests came as officials confirmed the death toll from the collapse of the Rana Plaza complex had risen above 400. More than 2,500 were injured.

Among the garment makers in the building were Phantom Apparels, Phantom Tac, Ether Tex, New Wave Style and New Wave Bottoms. Altogether, they produced several million shirts, trousers and other garments a year.

The New Wave companies, according to their website, make clothing for several major North American and European retailers. British retailer Primark has acknowledged it sold garments made in a factory in Rana Plaza and on Monday said it was providing emergency aid and would pay compensation to victims who worked for its supplier...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/01/bangladesh-workers-protest-may-day-building-collapse

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022780264

Only a heart of stone would not take action on what is happening to workers around the world.