Considerations Upon the Future of Mankind With Insights From Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter LAUDATO SI’ and Thomas Piketty, Capitalism in the Twenty-First Century

Posted on Jul 26, 2015 in Global Law Politics | 0 comments

The goal here is to make a positive, solution oriented analysis of the basically “doom and gloom” presentations by Francis and Piketty.  The Pope’s critique is beyond the general presumption that it is solely about “climate change”. Actually, he observes that” we are faced with a complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” [F. 50] Obviously, much discussion and consideration has been given to the environmental focus of the Letter.

He speaks to the fact that “everything is interrelated.”[1] [F. 43] This paper will discuss that aspect of his Letter and his observations regarding the “need to respect the rights of peoples and cultures.” [F. 52]. He defines this aspect the problem as corruption and inadequate legal standards and enforcement. [F. 63]. He sees that control over the peoples of the Earth is vested absolutely in the financial system.” [F. 69]

The maximumization of profits is to him the singular overwhelming goal to the exclusion of everything else [F. 38].  Francis observes that “profit cannot be the sole criteria.” [F. 66]  Yet, it is.  It has resulted in social exclusion, inequitable distribution, violence and drugs where the gravest effects are suffered by the poorest. [F. 16] “There are billions of people who are literally excluded, who suffer ill health and premature deaths” while “the professional, the opinion makers, the affluent enjoy a higher quality of life.” [F. 17]

EDUCATION

What are we to do? The US Declaration of Independence asserts that everyone has an equal right to the pursuit of happiness.  Fundamental rights would seem to include “education and health.[2] [P 479]  Speaking of the United States, a parents income has become an almost perfect predictor of university access. [P. 485]  Contrary to intuition and preconceptions, social mobility is lower in the U.S. than in Europe. [P. 484]  Pope Francis feels that ours is a “shared responsibility” [F 80]. Priority needs to include a good education. [F. 75]  He points out that “humanity is one people living in a common home [the Earth]” F. 58]  He observes that “there is a need to respect the rights of peoples and cultures.” [F. 52]  “There needs to be an improvement in the quality of human life.” [F. 53]  Honesty and truth are needed.”

We know that “the present system is unsustainable.” [F. 22] Finance overwhelms the real economy.  There are too many special interests and economic interests that trump the common good. [F. 19] “We have an omnipresent technocratic paradigm and a cult with unlimited human power.” [F. 44] “There needs to be an improvement in the quality of human life.” [F. 54]

SOLUTIONS

“Global Regulation Needs to be Imposed” [F. 61]

To accomplish Global Regulation, Citizens must take control or redemption is not possible [F. 64]. In other words, there must be pressure from the public and civic institutions. [F. 64]  Piketty has an interesting observation: “Taxation is neither good nor bad in itself. Everything depends on how taxes are collected and what they are used for.” [P. 481]  This would seem to be a significant crux of the issue and a solution. Everyone who is rational will agree that we need a national income (from taxation) to pay for police and the judicial system.  The remainder should go toward education and health. [P. 491] Without taxes, society has no common destiny and collective action is impossible [P. 493]

Doing this is complex and conflicted by personal interests and gain (or loss). “If democracy [people, countries] is to regain control over global financial capitalism, it must use new tools which could include a global tax on capital.” [P. 515] “The primary purpose of a capital tax is not finance the social state but to regulate capitalism.” [P. 518]  The tax rate on capital would be from.1% to 5% on the largest fortunes [P. 530].  When it is excessive, “capital becomes stagnant. [3]” [P. 533] The unequal distribution of wealth is as great as it has ever been.  “Private wealth rests on public poverty.” [P. 567]

This is not as simple (lol) as merely installing an efficient tax on world capital.  No, “if democracy is someday to regain control of capitalism, it must start by recognizing that the concrete institutions in which democracy and capitalism are embodied [corporations] need to be reinvented again and again.” [P. 570]

Again, contrary to the obstructionists and negativists, these suggestions are not just so the masses can sit around watching television and candy.   Pope Francis observes that ”work is a necessary part of the meaning of life on this earth.  A path to growth, human development and personal development [F. 46]    Basically, he observes, “we are created with the vocation to work. P [F. 45]

WHAT DO/SHOULD WE DO?

First, we need to communicate.  As never before, we, the masses, can touch and communicate with each other intellectually across the globe.  Even language is no longer a barrier.  We share thoughts, ideas and perceptions. Second, we need to avoid playing into their game of divide and conquer.  There are many who have concluded that almost all of Washington is corrupt, regardless the party mantel they assume. That likely goes for most if not all the rest of the world.  Prove me wrong. Name an altruistic leader. Third, physical resistance is discouraged unless there is no choice as with the girls captured by Boko Haram. On the larger scale, they control the police and the armies, the judiciary, the press, television. Fourth, we should consider sharing thoughts with those who seem to possibly avoided co-option as in Glen Greenwald, Elizabeth Warren, possibly Bernie Saunders, even Alexis Tsipras. Fifth, we start by working together and trying to avoid the intentional distractions that are thrown our way every day. WE TRY!

[1] References to quotations by Pope Francis  are set forth by an “F” followed the page number out of the 99 pages of the Letter.

[2] References to quotations by Piketty are set forth by a “P” followed the page number.

[3] “A reduction of the top marginal income tax rates does not stimulate productivity (contrary to the prediction of supply siders)”. [P. 510]