There is a formality to speeches at the UN, but don’t be put off by that. This speech by Archbishop Silvano Tomasi presents a vision of social justice that could not be more at odds with the libertarian, laissez-faire economics currently being championed in the U.S. by Congressman Paul Ryan and others. It is refreshing indeed to hear an archbishop defend labor rights, social security, foreign aid, and other programs that many on the right would like to cut. We at CACG stand with Tomasi, not the Tea Party.
The one area that causes me consternation is the question of unions. Having come from a region where unions were crucial in the area of rights for miners, I understand the need. However, I also see where unions have at times been less interested in the rights of the employees and are more for power and money.
In the health industry, at time more layoffs occur where there is a union than where there is not one. Where there is injustice, unions are crucial. Where workers' needs are being met in a just and conscientious manner, than the introduction of unions is questionable.
I enjoyed the comments by Archbishop Tomasi very much. His observation that that a relationship exists between work and humankind. Humans though work can \"transform reality,\" and make our world better. Our task as people is to be willing to engage in the process of creating that world.