Too far right?

[maryjane48]

i watching american news and the gop is mad at the pope because he talks about social issues . isnt that what popes supposed to do ? seems the right in northamerica is moving to even the right of the churches .

[Partmanpartfish]

Fox's Shep Smith Shames Those Who Call Pope's Agenda 'Political'

As many conservatives fret over Pope Francis' views on climate change and income inequality ahead of his Thursday speech before Congress, Fox News host Shepard Smith chided those individuals who have criticized the pope for talking about "political" issues.

During Fox News coverage of Pope Francis' arrival at the White House on Wednesday morning, host Bill Hemmer mentioned that the pontiff may discuss issues that both Democrats and Republicans may disagree with during his address on Thursday.

"Oftentimes the pope is called to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. And you wonder who might be comfortable in Washington, D.C., today and how that may change tomorrow when the pope makes his speech in English before a joint meeting of Congress," Hemmer said. "And, in all likelihood, an equal opportunity offender, he may leave a little bit for everyone to debate and squirm about."

Smith responded to Hemmer by saying that "we are in a weird place in the world when the following things are considered political." Smith then listed five issues both Pope Francis and President Obama have focused on.

"Caring for the marginalized and the poor -- that's now political. Advancing economic opportunity for all. Political? Serving as good stewards of the environment," he said. "Protecting religious minorities and promoting religious freedom globally. Welcoming and … integrating immigrants and refugees globally. And that's political?"

The Fox host proceeded to explain that the pope's discussion on those issues should resonate with all Americans.

"I don't know what we expect to hear from an organization's leader like the pope of the Catholic Church, other than protect those who need help, bring in refugees who have no place because of war and violence and terrorism. These seem like universal truths that we should be good to others who have less than we do, that we should give shelter to those who don't have it," he said. "They're the words of the pope, they're the feelings of the president. And people who find themselves on the other side of that message should consult a mirror, it seems like. Because I think that's what we're supposed to do as a people, whatever your religion."

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/s ... -political

[maryjane48]

wow good on mr smith , shame on the republicans acting like babies again . im surprised they havent asked for the popes emails lol . its amazing how the rightwing continue to destroy themselves politicaly around the world by sticking to ideology that has passed and been left in in history .

[Rosemary1]

Religions leaders need to stay out of politics. Politicians should not be inviting any religious leader to address a government or nation.

Where does one draw the line once this starts? With what religion?

Religious leaders, particularly those with a high profile can share their thoughts with anyone interested through various media, public addresses to their congregations and other methods.

[mr.bandaid]

Whether you like it or not the Pope is actually a political figure who runs the smallest country in the world. The Vatican is its own country. As its leader and as such a politician he has absolutely every right to make political statements.

[Glacier]

i watching american news and the gop is mad at the pope because he talks about social issues . isnt that what popes supposed to do ? seems the right in northamerica is moving to even the right of the churches .

Christians tend to be more left-wing than the general public on some issues like immigration.

[Bsuds]

Religions leaders need to stay out of politics. Politicians should not be inviting any religious leader to address a government or nation.

Where does one draw the line once this starts? With what religion?

Religious leaders, particularly those with a high profile can share their thoughts with anyone interested through various media, public addresses to their congregations and other methods.

While that is a nice thought have a look at many other countries especially Muslim ones and have a look at their leaders. Are the not mainly Religious leaders?

Religion is Politics in it's worse form!

[Omnitheo]

It's refreshing to see a religious leader that promotes love and tolerance and well being, as opposed to hatred and discrimination. It's no wonder the right wing no longer supports him.

[maryjane48]

harper is bible thumper , every american prez says they love jesus , blah blah lol

[logicalview]

It's refreshing to see a religious leader that promotes love and tolerance and well being, as opposed to hatred and discrimination. It's no wonder the right wing no longer supports him.

So then why does the Left love Iran so much, who puts gay people to death for the crime of being gay?

[maryjane48]

again more lies from a con supporter , but do answer why do the rightwing love saudi arabia so much when they behead folks everyday , or leave one of our own in jail in egypt? who knows why but clearly hypocrisy and bigotry play a important part in rightwing ideology

[Glacier]

So then why does the Left love Iran so much, who puts gay people to death for the crime of being gay?

This book explains why. The reason why is that the left (not all leftists by any means) have a goal of destroying Western civilization and replacing it with a leftist Utopia and thus World Peace. Because radical Islam has the same goal (though with a much different view of what World Peace looks like) they admire each other on a certain level.

There's an irony with the left, religion and politics. The left is very quick to say stuff like "please separate your politics and your religion," but as soon as John Kerry (a devout Catholic) or the Pope say that their faith is why they believe in protecting the earth, the left praises this stuff like it's so awesome when someone uses their religious convictions to espouse political ideas.

[maryjane48]

like there's something wrong for appreciating common sense? lol. besides its a lie only the weak minded will accept as truth that the left are in with any jihadists . in fact it is more the right that deals with the devil than anyone else in history has . iran contra , selling weapons to saudi arabia -harper , colluding with bibi in israel who runs his govt like the ss . ect ect . but the topic is to far right? not what the left is up to .

[Glacier]

like there's something wrong for appreciating common sense? lol. besides its a lie only the weak minded will accept as truth that the left are in with any jihadists . in fact it is more the right that deals with the devil than anyone else in history has . iran contra , selling weapons to saudi arabia -harper , colluding with bibi in israel who runs his govt like the ss . ect ect . but the topic is to far right? not what the left is up to .

Yes, back on topic (and you're right that the right has really screwed things up too when it comes to dealing with Jihadists). The Popes go back and forth from right to left (just like political governments do), and the right had a good long run with the past two popes, and now it's the left's turn to have a crack at it.

[maryjane48]

lol who elects the pope? its not the ndp or democratic party , so i'm not sure of your example of rights or lefts being in bed with a pope . its more of a example of evolving to what the majority of folks want in their lives . there are roughly 1,2 billion people who say they are catholic , roughly same as muslims , and if the pope can lead the flock to take a more progressive view , then it is a win win for everyone. and if the muslims can have leader do the same. follow this popes lead , then maybe the small fanatic offshoots of any god believing folks will be so marginalized , any glamour they may have had to recruit will evaporate into nothingness