The “Dragon of Materialism”.
Old news rehashed.
By now most Catholic web users have read the Holy Father’s words exhorting Catholics to battle the dragon of materialism. Currently, with the plummeting Stock Market, that battle may not be such a difficult one to fight. The slow-down in new housing starts, coupled with the accelerating defaults on existing home mortages and subsequent foreclosures, accompanied by the average family’s credit card debt going through the roof, retail sales should be taking a huge nose dive as well.
No money - no materialism.
Now that Americans are waking up to the other “Red” dragon” - China - and that county’s unscrupulous manufacturing/export market, this too may help us in the battle with the “dragon of materialism”. The recent Mattel toy recall is just one example. Even your Chinese religious goods have lead based paints, toxic plastic - everything from statuary to plastic rosaries. (For instance, did you ever read the cautionary statements on some product manufactured in China, like Christmas tree light strings? They say to wash hands thoroughly after handling because the product contains lead. At least some non-religious products carry a cautionary label.)
China has no standards when it comes to life issues, and obviously many American businesses don’t either. Profit and greed.
Have a nice day.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:21 am
We suck.
August 16th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Your economy may be sagging but Canada’s is booming. Our dollar is very close to yours for the first time in thirty years, fueled by an oil industry that is at an all time high for production. Housing starts are happening like crazy, and there is no shortage of work.
For the first time since WW2, high school graduates and dropouts are stepping in to apprenticeship positions like carpentry, plumbing, electricians, etc, and having the employer pay the whole shebang. It’s really an amazing time for Canada, but I’m sure it will end with a bang.