HuffPost's Alex Wagner spoke with Cenk Uygur Wednesday night on MSNBC to discuss claims about the economy made by Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio).
Countering Boehner's argument that the stimulus package hurt the economy rather than helped it, Wagner said, "private business is actually doing pretty well in some sectors, you look at the Fortune 500 list that came out last week. You know, the top 500 companies in America saw a soaring 81% increase in profits. I mean, it's the largest profit increase since the index was created."
Wagner also addressed recent comments from some Catholic academics stating that Boehner's "record in support of legislation to address the desperate needs of the poor is among the worst in Congress." Wagner explained, "I think what we're seeing is this argument that the White House has long wanted, which is a fundamental sort of debate about the compact that the government should and can have with the American public." She continued, "it's this idea of should the government be accountable to the poor, and the uninsured, and those that are at a disadvantage in society. And I think you're beginning to see some real blowback from certain corners with regards to the GOP's policies on some of this stuff."
She concluded, "I think that there is a larger argument here, and one that both sides are going to have to address: what is the role of government in public life?"
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My only question is when their facts are wrong, why aren't they hammered for it? Facts aren't a matter of opinion or debate. That's a hard pill to swallow these days when there is so much spinning going on; everything seems grey. But there is a line somewhere, and we need facts to find it. But when they go on record with misinformation, I never see any real action taken - Like he should lose his job for not knowing what he's talking about, or lying to the public. That would send a message.
Personally, I think jail time is a light sentence for elected or delegated officials who lie, take bribes or misrepresent the American people to serve their own purpose... Military personnel who lie, cheat or steal are usually ripped from their careers and often jailed - And they're not elected or delegated by the American people.
RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
I'll save you the time it takes to debate this question. The answer is no, the government is not accountable to the poor, and the uninsured, and those that are at a disadvantage in society.
republicans, democrats and so called tea baggers should all, all be recalled.
No one cares about America or Americans...!
Something needs to be done, people homeless, no jobs, people losing their homes to mortgage thieves, gas prices high as ever,education unfordable for many, a government in total disarray, 3 wars going on at the same time and people are going to pay $35,800 per person all in the name of 'fundraising' There is something fundamentally wrong our country and it's political process.
Change must be made...
Nice job on Boehner MSNBC.
as a matter of fact, the truth just gets in the way of ratings.
Which Catholic Church?
If so, if an authoritative official, that's just very odd.
And, if so, congratulations to them.
How very unusual. I thought they were a one-interest organization - children - the unborn and the ones they can use.
Again, if this is a real, quote from the Catholic Church - I commend them.
Either way,it's about time they started stepping up and being an advocate for those in need.
example: catholic teaching on poor
Jesus taught that on the Day of Judgement God will ask what each of us did to help the poor and needy: "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."[3] This is reflected in the Church's canon law, which states, "The Christian faithful are also obliged to promote social justice and, mindful of the precept of the Lord, to assist the poor from their own resources."[39]
Through our words, prayers and deeds we must show solidarity with, and compassion for, the poor. When instituting public policy we must always keep the "preferential option for the poor" at the forefront of our minds. The moral test of any society is "how it treats its most vulnerable members. The poor have the most urgent moral claim on the conscience of the nation. We are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor."[40]
Pope Benedict XVI has taught that “love for widows and orphans, prisoners, and the sick and needy of every kind, is as essential as the ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel”.[41] This preferential option for the poor and vulnerable includes all who are marginalized in our nation and beyond—unborn children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_social_teaching
Cynical words matter not at all.
Especially when the actions do not reflect the words.
Or, as Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Action expresses priorities.”
The Catholic Church's actions have been to support and encourage through systematic supporting actions - moving, hiding of molesting, raping priests - and act as a organization to support their crimes.
Catholic social teachings are irrelevant in the face of actual Catholic actions.
On the floor of the US Congress his remark was not intended to be a factual statement!
Where, if not on the floor of the US Congress is a Congressman supposed to make factual statements!? Oh wait of course, Faux News!