Paul Ryan to teach Economics and Catholicism at Notre Dame, no joke!!!

There was a certain irony and sadness watching Notre Dame burn and learning Paul Ryan will be guest teacher at the University of Notre Dame.

Focusing on Paul Ryan, here's the surreal bit of news:

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan will teach at the University of Notre Dame next school year ... a guest lecturer on "the fundamentals of American government, the current state of political polarization." He'll also teach economics.

Here's what Ryan will teach...?

I guess it's always good to hear from "both sides," even when the losing side won't admit failure. In a normal reality, having been proven wrong to this degree ideologically and economically, most people would slip quietly out of the spotlight. Not Paul Ryan. Here's an NPR interview where Ryan's claims predictions of trillion dollar deficits are wrong:



Pope Critic Paul Ryan teaches his version of Catholicism at a Catholic College: You can't make this stuff up. Yes, he'll also teach topics including Catholicism ...

Ryan: “As an Irish Catholic from the Midwest ... it is an honor to be part of a University where Catholic principles, robust debates, academic freedoms and diverse viewpoints are allowed to flourish.”

Ryan's not so Catholic principles hit the sh** fan awhile back. So for those who don't remember how bad check out the story below. Notre Dame should be embarrassed, and maybe read the paper from time to time:

Paul Ryan visited Georgetown University, the flagship Jesuit school and decidedly hostile terrain for Ryan's strain of economic libertarianism … sought to justify his budget priorities in terms of the Catholic principle known as "subsidiarity." "Subsidiarity" has been central to how the church envisions a just and equitable society functioning in a world dominated by big business and big government, both of which can dehumanize individuals and undermine the common good. "The principle of subsidiarity protects people from abuses by higher-level social authority and calls on these same authorities to help individuals," says the Vatican's Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

University of Dayton theologian Vincent Miller called (Ryan's) interpretation the "careful lobotomization of subsidiarity." In his 1961 encyclical, Pope John XXIII articulated another element of subsidiarity, writing that, "In a system of taxation based on justice and equity, it is fundamental that the burdens be proportioned to the capacity of the people contributing."

When the bishop chairing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' said the GOP budget Ryan spearheaded failed to meet a basic moral test -- and described cuts to programs that fell heavily on children and other vulnerable populations as "unjust and wrong" -- Ryan curtly dismissed those concerns as not reflective of all church leaders.

Pope Francis argued in May, imploring followers instead to focus on combating trickle-down economics and the world of inequality it produces. Ryan has a more condescending response to a pope who blasts "trickle-down" theories as "naïve" and denounces "an economy of exclusion and inequality." "The guy is from Argentina," he scoffs. "They haven't had real capitalism in Argentina. They have crony capitalism in Argentina. They don't have a true free enterprise system."

Paul Ryan's theories have been tested in the real world and failed, over and over again, from the Kansas Comeback to the current corporate tax cut specifically designed to force cuts to our social safety nets. Real Catholic-like:

David Campbell, Notre Dame's Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy and chair of the department of political science, said in a statement that the chance for students to learn from what the school calls "professor of the practice" is unique to the university. "Having former officials in the classroom provides important insights for students — an opportunity to put the theories we study to the test.”

Republican Party Purity rises above Pope Frances.

The Republican Party’s dictatorial higher calling and “principled” agenda is now considered even more infallible than longtime pretender; The Pope.

Since Pope Francis criticized capitalism and climate change deniers, based on biblical text and science respectively, Republicans are backing away from the Catholic Church. The party that once bashed Democratic's for not respecting the Pope, are now throwing the Pope under the bus for his lack of right wing purity. There's a funny irony too, also mention below.

One Republican cafeteria Catholic has now provided us with an eye opening general glimpse of party’s political authority over religion, reflected in the culmination of his statements below:

AP: A Republican lawmaker said he will boycott Pope Francis' speech to Congress next week because of the possibility the pontiff will discuss his support for policies to fight climate change.

Three-term Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona said that as a Roman Catholic, he initially was excited to learn of the pope's visit to Washington and his address to Congress. But Gosar said he decided not to attend after he read media reports that the pope plans to devote much of the speech to advocating for what Gosar calls "flawed climate change policies." 

Better than the Pope:

Gosar wrote that he was appalled by a papal teaching document that "condemned anyone skeptical of the link between human activity and climate change." when the pope chooses to act and talk like a leftist politician, then he can expect to be treated like one." Gosar said he has "a moral obligation and leadership responsibility to call out leaders, regardless of their titles, who ignore Christian persecution. If the pope "urged the Western nations to rescue persecuted Christians in the Middle East, I would back him wholeheartedly," Gosar added. "To promote questionable science as Catholic dogma is ridiculous," he said. He might reconsider the boycott if he were to receive "assurances" from the Vatican that the pope will focus his speech on religious tolerance and the sanctity of life.

Yes, the Vatican should take the time to assure Republican Rep. Gosar the Pope will back away from his own principled faith. 

The Republican cliche "I'm not a scientist," used to deny climate change, is not something you'll hear Pope Francis say anytime soon:

His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was a theologian. Pope John Paul II, before that, was originally an actor and a philosopher. But Francis trained as a scientist. 

It was ironic that, before publication, Catholic Republican presidential candidates like Jeb Bush and Rick Santorum had been admonishing the pope that science is better left to scientists. That was exactly what Francis, the former chemist, thought he was doing by accepting the view of 97 percent of actively publishing climate scientists. For Francis, the source of the Earth’s degradation was clear: “[T]he degree of human intervention, often in the service of business interests and consumerism, is actually making our earth less rich and beautiful, ever more limited and grey.”

Behind global capital’s indifference to the poor and the planet and all the “pain, death and destruction” it brings, he said, there lies “the stench of what Basil of Caesarea—one of the church’s first theologians—called ‘the dung of the devil.’ An unfettered pursuit of money rules. The service of the common good is left behind.” In this “subtle dictatorship,” capital has become an idol. In response, Francis called for change—“real change, structural change”—using the word no fewer than 32 times. Land, lodging and labor were “sacred rights,” and working for their “just distribution” was a “moral obligation” and, for Christians, a “commandment.”

Pope says People in Weapons Industry aren't Christians, including gun freak investors.

People who buy guns support the weapons industry, and therefore aren't Christian. So says Pope Francis:

Pope Francis suggests those in weapons industry can't call themselves Christian: People who manufacture weapons or invest in weapons industries are hypocrites if they call themselves Christian, Pope Francis said on Sunday.

Duplicity is the currency of today ... they say one thing and do another.

Francis issued his toughest condemnation to date of the weapons industry, “If you trust only men you have lost,” he told the young people in a long commentary about war, trust and politics, after putting aside his prepared address.

“It makes me think of ... people, managers, businessmen who call themselves Christian and they manufacture weapons. That leads to a bit of distrust, doesn’t it?” he said to applause.

He also criticized those who invest in weapons industries, saying “duplicity is the currency of today ... they say one thing and do another.” 

GOP presidential candidates speak in service of narrow and politicized Faith & Freedom Coalition's interests!

On the heels of hearing every Republican presidential hopeful criticize Pope Francis’ latest statements about climate change and capitalism, the three-day Faith & Freedom Coalition saw these same hypocrites preaching the gospel of Christ, the conservative supply side Jesus they know and love so much. Hell, who does the infallible Pope think he is anyway? Politico: 

The ones who found particular favor with their audience described a conservative Christian community under siege by government, Democrats and an increasingly godless society. Rand Paul called for cutting foreign aid to countries that “persecute Christians.” And Ted Cruz warned that a Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage would amount to “naked and lawless judicial activism.” Gov. Bobby Jindal warned of an “assault on religious liberty” in America. 

Jeb Bush invoked Terri Schiavo ... (ending with)“If we act on our faith everyday, we’re going to create a more just, more loving world.”

A truly contradictory statement after Jeb Bush stated this the other day:

"I don't think we should politicize our faith … I don't get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinals or my pope … I think religion ought to be … less about things that end up getting in the political realm.

And yes, after bashing the Pope unmercifully…

The candidates are betting that the moment is right to mobilize evangelicals and other Christians worried about the erosion of religious values in America. 

Think they lack a little self-awareness? 

The Pope's encyclical centered on a very broad pro-life agenda, a point missed by our Republican pharisees. Despite Chris Christie's lack of concern for climate change, which will have a major effect on food supplies and result in millions of premature deaths around the world, the concept he has of being pro-life missed the mark: 

Gov. Chris Christie said, “I believe if you are pro-life, as I am, you need to be pro-life for the whole life. You can’t just afford to be pro-life when the human being is in the womb.”

The Pope vs the Republican Pharisees.

Pope Francis is turning out to be way too left wing for today's supposed "Christian" Republicans. These are the guys who let "faith" guide their politics. At this point though, I think Republicans would run Jesus out of town if they could put off climate change and economic fairness. This reminds me so much of Al Franken's classic "Suppy Side Jesus." 

Pope Francis’ powerful encyclical making an urgent moral case for action to combat climate change has now been released. The earth is “our common home,” Pope Francis repeatedly says, noting that a “frank look at the facts” shows that our common home “is falling into serious disrepair.” He adds that “we are not God” and thus do not have “an unlimited right to trample his creation underfoot.” He notes the need for richer countries to put the “global common good” before their own “national interests. Interdependence obliges us to think of one world with a common plan.”

E.J. Dionne added this reminder:

Yet any who claim that Francis is ignoring the Catholic past and inventing radical new doctrines will have to reckon with the care he takes in paying homage to his predecessors, particularly Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II. He cites them over and over on the limits of markets and the urgency of environmental stewardship. 

NPR's On Point featured past comments from Pope Francis, and an absolutely an amazing right wing caller trashing the Pope for not being a scientist and playing along with the globalists scheme for taxation! Now even the Pope is a tool of the evil Prius driving left?



For decades, the Republicans have been declaring the U.S. a Christian nation, writing laws based on their religious values, now suddenly they want us to forget that. Here are a few out-of-character comments from our religious rightwing Republican hypocrites, who are making Judas look like Jesus' best friend:

Jeb Bush questioned the pope's foray into climate science, saying "I don't think we should politicize our faith. I hope I'm not going to get castigated for saying this by my priest back home, but I don't get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinals or my pope," Bush said. "I think religion ought to be about making us better as people and less about things that end up getting in the political realm. I respect the Pope, I think he's an incredible leader, but I think it's better to solve this problem in the political realm."
"No, I'm sorry, it's a political issue," said Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. "Most people have their minds made up on this issue so any more rhetoric about the issue doesn't really add a heck of a lot more to it." 

And Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., who chairs the House spending subcommittee that deals with the environment, said: "We respect the pope's point of view, but it's not the final determination, is it?"

Isn't it funny how fast our righteous God fearing Republican Party can't run fast enough from the teachings of the church, especially those Catholic politicians and their Bishop henchmen. Can't take a little religious advice?

Rush Limbaugh condemned the pope yesterday, complaining Francis "doesn't even disguise" his Marxist beliefs about global warming.

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who is Catholic and is seeking the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said recently that “we probably are better off leaving science to the scientists,” adding, “When we get involved with political and controversial scientific theories, I think the church is probably not as forceful and credible.”

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) told National Journal, "When you talk about unpredictable science, I have to ask where's the nexus between that and the theology of the Vatican?"

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) added, "I'm not a Catholic, but I've got a lot of friends who are, who are wondering: Why all of a sudden is he involved in this? I don't have the answer for that."

Pope too radical for tea party? Yep.

Pope Francis is getting a  conservative thrashing by the golden idols of the right wing. How they're getting away with it, along with cutting food stamps and unemployment insurance benefits, is beyond me. Heck, one polls says Americans want Republicans in charge of the Senate now. 

Check out the bizarre headline pictured below. It's not conservative American politics that's radical, it the Pope. For a religion based on an infallible leader, it's amazing to see the rank and file suddenly claiming to know more than the Pope. From the Mt. Pleasant Patch:

His focus on the poor and criticism of liberal capitalism. In November, Francis denounced “the idolatry of money.” …he described trickle-down economics as “a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.”

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh described Francis’ writings as “just pure Marxism.”

Take(en) together — an aversion to culture war fights, adoration by the mainstream media, and skepticism of concentrated wealth — and you have a recipe for increasing friction between Francis and parts of the American conservative movement.

As for the rest of us? I grew up in a devout Catholic household where statements made by any reigning pope were regarded as coming straight from God. So I understand why many American Catholics, especially conservative ones, feel the shift in Francis’ focus like a shock to the system. Bridget Kurt, an ardent Catholic in Georgia, feels like Francis is letting here down. “Even when it was discouraging working in pro-life, you always felt like Mother Teresa was on your side and the popes were encouraging you," Kurt told The New York Times. "Now I feel kind of thrown under the bus.”

The right wing is just insane. Here's more proof that if Jesus did come back, Republicans would hate him:

After being elected pope in March of this year, he has shaken up the now-ascendant "Catholic = Conservative" mindset in American politics by doing three things:

De-emphasizing traditional culture war touchstones. In a September interview in the Catholic magazine America, Francis said, “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage, and the use of contraceptive methods.”

That’s a stark contrast to the guidance from conservative Catholic leaders like Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, who in 2004 said that voting for John Kerry would be a sin requiring confession.

His flair for symbolism: Shortly after his election, Francis made headlines when he washed the feet of a dozen inmates — including the feet of Muslim and women prisoners. As then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he reportedly washed and kissed the feet of AIDS patients and drug addicts.

In December, The Huffington Post cited “a knowledgeable source” confirming rumors that Francis heads out at night beyond Vatican walls to give alms to the poor. These acts have stayed on cable news headlines for days.

Will Pope Francis exorcize Paul Ryan-like Demons from GOP?

Can you imagine how our nation of good Christian conservatives will react to the continuing exploits of the “liberal” Pope?

Think Progress: The leader of the Catholic Church has been quietly sneaking out of the Vatican at night to minister to homeless residents, according to a new report. “Swiss guards confirmed that the pope has ventured out at night, dressed as a regular priest, to meet with homeless men and women,” writes The Huffington Post.

Just months after assuming the papacy, he invited nearly 200 homeless people to join him for dinner at the Vatican. He also deplored the plight of homeless people in the first apostolic exhortation of his papacy last week: “How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?”

Over the years, the Catholic Church has grown too “obsessed” with abortion, contraception, and gay marriage, Pope Francis argued in May, imploring followers instead to focus on combating trickle-down economics and the world of inequality it produces.

Pope Francis … shedding gold-embroidered robes and an ornate golden throne for white threads and a wooden chair. These pronouncements and actions have earned him the nickname “Pope of the Poor.” 

I've included a more complete version Pope Francis' recent statement below, as proof religious conservatives like Paul Ryan are phonies. A note to reporters, ask the GOP where they stand on the Pope's positions:

Here's what the pope has to say about conservative economic policies, after first arguing that society now treats human beings as part of a "disposable culture," discarding people at the will of the "haves".

"The excluded are still waiting: In this context, some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting.

To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own. 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.

While the earnings of a minority are growing exponentially, so too is the gap separating the majority from the prosperity enjoyed by those happy few. This imbalance is the result of ideologies which defend the absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation. Consequently, they reject the right of states, charged with vigilance for the common good, to exercise any form of control. A new tyranny is thus born, invisible and often virtual, which unilaterally and relentlessly imposes its own laws and rules. Debt and the accumulation of interest also make it difficult for countries to realize the potential of their own economies and keep citizens from enjoying their real purchasing power. To all this we can add widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion, which have taken on worldwide dimensions. The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits. In this system, which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenseless before the interests of a deified market, which become the only rule.

Today’s economic mechanisms promote inordinate consumption, yet it is evident that unbridled consumerism combined with inequality proves doubly damaging to the social fabric. Inequality eventually engenders a violence which recourse to arms cannot and never will be able to resolve. This serves only to offer false hopes to those clamouring for heightened security, even though nowadays we know that weapons and violence, rather than providing solutions, create new and more serious conflicts. Some simply content themselves with blaming the poor and the poorer countries themselves for their troubles; indulging in unwarranted generalizations, they claim that the solution is an “education” that would tranquilize them, making them tame and harmless. All this becomes even more exasperating for the marginalized in the light of the widespread and deeply rooted corruption found in many countries – in their governments, businesses and institutions – whatever the political ideology of their leaders."

Much farther into the document, the Pope discusses the poor in far more detail with a pointed edge that calls not just for individuals to fight for social justice, but entire governments.

"As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for any of the world's problems or, for that matter, to any problems. Inequality is the root of social ills.

Politics, rhetoric and priorities: "The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic policies. At times, however, they seem to be a mere addendum imported from without in order to fill out a political discourse lacking in perspectives or plans for true and integral development. How many words prove irksome to this system! It is irksome when the question of ethics is raised, when global solidarity is invoked, when the distribution of goods is mentioned, when reference is made to protecting labour and defending the dignity of the powerless, when allusion is made to a god who demands a commitment to justice. At other times these issues are exploited by a rhetoric which cheapens them. Casual indifference in the face of such questions empties our lives and our words of all meaning."

His prayer for politicians: "I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots – and not simply the appearances – of the evils in our world! Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.
I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor! It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare. Why not turn to God and ask him to inspire their plans? I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mindset which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society."

Pope Francis poses danger to Tea Party Republicans!

This amazing message seems to fly in the face of our own resident Roman Catholic in name only, Republican Rep. Paul Ryan:

Reuters: Pope Francis criticized what he called "savage capitalism" on a visit to a food kitchen on Tuesday, in an address in which he called for the values of generosity and charity to be revived. 

"A savage capitalism has taught the logic of profit at any cost, of giving in order to get, of exploitation without thinking of people... and we see the results in the crisis we are experiencing," the pope said. 

The first non-European pontiff in centuries, the Argentine-born pope last week called for financial reform, condemning a "dictatorship of the economy" and a "cult of money".

Sarah Palin questions Pope's Agenda! Pope against Fracking too.

Remember when Rep. Paul Ryan questioned the judgement of the Roman Catholic Bishops and Nuns? Well, Sarah Palin is now questioning the religious judgement of Pope Francis. Politics Nation:

"I'm kinda trying to follow what his agenda is...he's had some statements that sound kind of liberal..."

Here's a compilation of cuts showing how "liberal" the Pope is acting, through his compassion and inclusive agenda:



That's not all either:

Progressive: Sarah Palin and the tea party might be agog over Pope Francis’s allegedly liberal bent, but if this week’s news is any indication, they haven’t seen anything yet.

The popular new Catholic pope was pictured this week posing with two Argentinian environmental activists and holding up a t-shirt with an anti-fracking slogan on it. Pope Francis reportedly told the men that he is preparing an encyclical, or statement regarding Catholic doctrine, about “nature, humans and environmental pollution.” He also posed for a second photo with a t-shirt featuring the Spanish-language slogan, “El Agua Vale mas que el Oro,” which means, “Water is worth more than gold.”