“As soon as the coin in Congress rings, the bill from purgatory springs.”
Thus goes a contemporary American reiteration of what Jonathan Tetzel is alleged to have said about the Church’s sale of indulgences at the time of the Reformation. ("As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs"). The Church has not sold indulgences for centuries, but the United States Congress does. And indulgence is a very good word for what goes on at both the giving and the receiving end of the transaction.
The Pope’s speech was eloquent and insightful. That might have been enough to get something done at the time of our Country’s founding. But today, if you want legislation, you must pay to play.
To turn any of his ideas into reality, Pope Francis needs a Super PAC.
But isn’t it illegal for a foreign power -- including the Vatican -- to contribute to United States political campaigns?
Yes. It is also illegal in most states for anyone to drink under the age of 21.
Getting foreign money – especially foreign corporate money – into US political campaigns is easier than getting alcohol onto the typical college campus. More and more US companies are owned by or are in joint ventures with Chinese, Middle Eastern, Russian, and other interests around the globe. Sovereign wealth funds invest billions in US Companies.
When the Supreme Court equated corporate political speech with individual political speech, and said it was worthy of equal protection under the Constitution, the door was opened to world government in the United States. The Vatican might as well be part of it. Join the party -- or both Parties if you will. Start a Vatican Super Pac.