Pope Francis tells Republicans to cooperate for the common good

Republicans now find the shoe on the other foot with this pope. In the past, the GOP have used the church and religion to bash Democrats over narrow issues like abortion. Now there’s a new pope suggesting the Republicans are seriously out of step with the broader mission demanded by their faith. That broader mission on issues like poverty, income inequality, immigration and climate change is in sync with Democrats. Republicans will likely feel the heat generated by opposing this pope’s positions. Pope Francis says the church demands helping the poor, combating inequality, supporting carefully regulated markets and even a government role in redistributing wealth. In a paper outlining a philosophy that he says will guide his papacy, Pope Francis decries an “idolatry of money” and warns it would lead to “a new tyranny.” Democrats can celebrate in finding common ground with many of the pope’s messages. His trip promises a rare opportunity to provide a common-sense debate about many issues that are central to the Democrats’ progressive agenda.

Rick Smith
-Urbandale

Must be nice
Former Iowa governor and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was invited to the formal White House dinner Friday night in honor of the President of China Xi Jinping. The visit was eclipsed by the pope’s tour. Also present at the dinner were Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks; Robert Iger, CEO of Disney; Indiga Nooyin, CEO of Pepsi; and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook. Mrs. Obama wore a gown by Vera Wang. (Is she going Republican?) On the menu was mushroom soup with black truffles, main lobster, loin of Colorado lamb and bread pudding. Many of the side dishes came from the White House garden and the local farmers market. Wines included a Penner-Ash 2004 voignier from Oregon, $30; Pride Mountain Vineyards 2012 Vintner Select Merlot, Sonoma County, $80; and Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, $40. This had previously been served at dinners hosted by Ronald Reagan. Oh, to be a member of the ruling elite. Too bad my parents refused to support my desire to attend Columbia.

Gary Thelen
-West Des Moines