In the strictest search result for "socialism" sense of the word, Pope Francis is not a socialist because he has not (to our knowledge) ever argued for "[a] society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government". But the definition of "socialism" is changing. Socialism is now understood by a lot of people to mean "the government helping people, and sometimes taxes," because that is how literally every conservative politician and commentator uses the word. So by that definition, Pope Francis's message to a UN meeting in Rome was
Because destroying great art and/or selling it to the Koch brothers and the Wallmart family is definitely the best way to solve poverty - as opposed to, say, a progressive taxation system that can fund a social safety net.
Pope Francis's problem is that he keeps reading the Jesus part of the Bible, not the important part. Jesus keeps yammering about teh Poorz, and doesn't say a damn thing about the really important stuff: faith-versus-works, the uselessness of laws and government, and how wealth is a sign of God's grace.
Anyone remember that movie "The Shoes of the Fisherman"? Where the Pope decided to sell all the Church assets to feed the poor? The rich want to be praised for their riches, not asked to help others. That's just crazy talk.
Because destroying great art and/or selling it to the Koch brothers and the Wallmart family is definitely the best way to solve poverty - as opposed to, say, a progressive taxation system that can fund a social safety net.
Pope Francis's problem is that he keeps reading the Jesus part of the Bible, not the important part. Jesus keeps yammering about teh Poorz, and doesn't say a damn thing about the really important stuff: faith-versus-works, the uselessness of laws and government, and how wealth is a sign of God's grace.
Can't wait to see my least favorite Catholic, Bill O', spin this one...
Hmmm. Judging from that picture, it looks like Benny will be in his bunk for a while.
Concern for "the least among you." Where'd he get this wacky notion?
I hear his religion likes opiates during their masses.... or something.
Anyone remember that movie "The Shoes of the Fisherman"? Where the Pope decided to sell all the Church assets to feed the poor? The rich want to be praised for their riches, not asked to help others. That's just crazy talk.