Extreme poverty needs to be eradicated from the face of the planet!

[Abu]

Reep #235
Let us say that someone robs in order to feed the poor: in this case, even though the intention is good, the uprightness of the will is lacking. Consequently, no evil done with a good intention can be excused.
~John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor (1993) 78.

Very relevant. #79 stresses – ‘ “Intrinsic evil”: it is not licit to do evil that good may come of it (cf. Rom 3:8)’

By now, readers should be able to see what is the worthy approach to encouraging all to work efficiently, and to help others to do so and to aid the real needy.

The foolish never learn and continue to pursue folly, for "They are blind and leaders of the blind: and if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the pit.” (Matt 15:14).

 

[Robert_Sock]

Very relevant. #79 stresses – ‘ “Intrinsic evil”: it is not licit to do evil that good may come of it (cf. Rom 3:8)’

By now, readers should be able to see what is the worthy approach to encouraging all to work efficiently, and to help others to do so and to aid the real needy.

The foolish never learn and continue to pursue folly, for "They are blind and leaders of the blind: and if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the pit.” (Matt 15:14).

So, we should do away with all taxes now? Or, just taxes that are meant to eliminate extreme poverty?

 

[tabycat]

Again, we’re talking about crimes against humanity here, and countries need to work together to get the tragic problems solved. And, again, there would be rewards down the line when we could get the vast majority of the world’s population working and contributing to the economy.

How about OTHER crimes against humanity? Was the murder of 12 million human beings in Nazi death camps not a crime against humanity? How about tell leaders like Mao, Stalin, and other leaders that live in plenty but leave their people to starve? I do not hear you saying anything about them. :banghead: :takethat:

 

[Robert_Sock]

How about OTHER crimes against humanity? Was the murder of 12 million human beings in Nazi death camps not a crime against humanity? How about tell leaders like Mao, Stalin, and other leaders that live in plenty but leave their people to starve? I do not hear you saying anything about them. :banghead: :takethat:

I feel deeply saddened for all those who died as a result of being a victim of crimes against humanity, but this thread has to do with current crimes against humanity; in particular, those living in extreme poverty.

 

[april32010]

robert , i see the average salary of a Research Psychologist in l.a. is $ 74,000.why don’t you go take a walk around and give some of that money away.

 

[april32010]

I feel deeply saddened for all those who died as a result of being a victim of crimes against humanity, but this thread has to do with current crimes against humanity; in particular, those living in extreme poverty.

robert , i see the average salary of a Research Psychologist in l.a. is $ 74,000.why don’t you go take a walk around and give some of that money away.

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[Robert_Sock]

robert , i see the average salary of a Research Psychologist in l.a. is $ 74,000.why don’t you go take a walk around and give some of that money away.

What makes you think I don’t?

 

[april32010]

What makes you think I don’t?

do you ?

 

[Robert_Sock]

do you ?

I give to a homeless charity through my church to the best of my ability. I’m on disability, and I barely have enough income to pay my bills.

Do you? Do you at least pray for those living in extreme poverty? Do you feel a genuine Christian LOVE and compassion toward them? I just answered your question honestly, now it’s your turn.

 

[april32010]

me, i’m on the streets. have been for 3 months. you’re haranguing people for their supposed shortcomings is nonsense .stop it ,and tend to your own house .you’re the 2nd person i’ve put on ignore in three years.your lack of charity,masquerading as compassion is nauseating.after i hit the submit reply button,the relief knowing i will never have to read your posts again will be palatable .

 

[Robert_Sock]

me, i’m on the streets. have been for 3 months. you’re haranguing people for their supposed shortcomings is nonsense .stop it ,and tend to your own house .you’re the 2nd person i’ve put on ignore in three years.your lack of charity,masquerading as compassion is nauseating.after i hit the submit reply button,the relief knowing i will never have to read your posts again will be palatable .

So sorry to hear that you’re on the streets again. You’re in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[tabycat]

I feel deeply saddened for all those who died as a result of being a victim of crimes against humanity, but this thread has to do with current crimes against humanity; in particular, those living in extreme poverty.

Are you saying that the ‘rich’ countries should give to the ‘poor’ countries when the leaders of the poor countries are living with more then everything they want or need? Maybe you would like to explain to the people in the Middle East (or India or China) that they are not victims of crimes against humanity because they are being shot/blown up,/eaten and not starved?

 

[openmind77]

What would it take for EVERYBODY to live comfortably?

To reach one’s fullest potential, one needs readily available upper education (free on-line classes comes to mind, especially in self-help). To live comfortably, people need easy to get, decent paying jobs. The minimum wage would need to be placed at a comfortable rate, like it is in Australia. The value system of people would certainly need to change. But I think all this is realistic with government intervention and the help of the media. Imagine the potential with everybody receiving education and being put to work! People in the lower class can live fruitful, meaningful and comfortable lives!

People refusing to work would be guaranteed a roof over their heads, free food and a computer for self-help classes, but would be denied ‘luxuries.’ People with mental disabilities would receive free treatment and be encouraged to work as best as they can. Self-help consulars would abound, and would be paid using government subsidies.

Sorry I am posting here so late - I have not been through most of the thread.

But you are quite right, society as whole owes all its citizens adequate food, education (not a college education), adequate shelter and adequate healthcare. And for those who can work, society owes a job which the person can perform or the training for getting such a job. Society as a whole, of course means all us collectively, which basically means the government. This does not mean a ‘comfortable’ life - it is just means that everyone can live with human dignity.

The US already has free education up to high school and the food stamp program for those who can not afford food (although some people currently want to cut the foodstamp program). Healthcare we are still working on. Employment and shelter is something the government needs to address better. Of course the rest of the nations also need to do the same thing.

Actually there are enough resources in the world to meet at least the food requirement for all people. We just have to distribute it better that is all. Education, healthcare, shelter is still a major problem in the poorer countries.

BTW, these rights of all human beings are already specified in the UN Declaration of Human Rights and signed by most countries.

 

[Jozefo]

Sorry I am posting here so late - I have not been through most of the thread.

But you are quite right, society as whole owes all its citizens adequate food, education (not a college education), adequate shelter and adequate healthcare. And for those who can work, society owes a job which the person can perform or the training for getting such a job. Society as a whole, of course means all us collectively, which basically means the government. This does not mean a ‘comfortable’ life - it is just means that everyone can live with human dignity.

---

BTW, these rights of all human beings are already specified in the UN Declaration of Human Rights and signed by most countries.

“Society owes all its citizens,” based on what? The UN declaration?

 

[openmind77]

“Society owes all its citizens,” based on what? The UN declaration?

If the countries have signed the declaration, they are bound to do their best to meet its requirements (although currently it is not legally binding).

In any case, the main reason is that, that is what Jesus would want (at least as far as I am concerned).

 

[Jozefo]

If the countries have signed the declaration, they are bound to do their best to meet its requirements (although currently it is not legally binding).

In any case, the main reason is that, that is what Jesus would want (at least as far as I am concerned).

Yes, I think people should love their neighbors too. But I don’t see any legal obligation, especially one imposed by an agreement I had no part in making, like the UN declaration.

But never mind me, I’m just asking questions.

 

[openmind77]

Yes, I think people should love their neighbors too. But I don’t see any legal obligation, especially one imposed by an agreement I had no part in making, like the UN declaration.

But never mind me, I’m just asking questions.

As I already said, this specific declaration is not legally binding on anyone right now.

However, any treaty that is signed by the government of a country is always binding on its
citizens whether you personally had a part in making it or not.

For instance the US has many signed treaties with Indian Nations, they are all legally binding on you (sorry, I am assuming you live in the US)…

 

[Jozefo]

As I already said, this specific declaration is not legally binding on anyone right now.

However, any treaty that is signed by the government of a country is always binding on its
citizens whether you personally had a part in making it or not.

For instance the US has many signed treaties with Indian Nations, they are all legally binding on you (sorry, I am assuming you live in the US)…

Well, in case you don’t remember, lawful government is by the consent of the governed. If one witholds consent, he isn’t bound. At least not by law; he might be by color of law, but not law.

 

[openmind77]

Well, in case you don’t remember, lawful government is by the consent of the governed. If one witholds consent, he isn’t bound. At least not by law; he might be by color of law, but not law.

I think we are going off topic a bit. However, if you live in the US, you are bound by its constitution and whatever laws the Congress passes (if you don’t agree with the laws, you can take it to court).

Regardless of legality, the whole point of Jesus’s ministry was to teach people that you are indeed your brother’s keeper.

If you do believe in these teachings of Jesus, then you should really not have any objections to your government fulfilling this mission of taking care of your brothers (and sisters).

 

[Abu]

openmind77 #254
If you do believe in these teachings of Jesus, then you should really not have any objections to your government fulfilling this mission of taking care of your brothers (and sisters).

The error here is that Jesus does not teach that “government” has a “mission” to “take care” of people.

The teachings of Jesus can be known and interpreted correctly only through His Catholic Church, Her Sacred Scriptures, Her Sacred Tradition and Her Magisterium.

Consult post #208 which emphasises the principle of solidarity from the acknowledged Saint John Paul II in Centesimus Annus, 1991, and includes:
“…the principle of subsidiarity must be respected: a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.”