Pope Francis on economic inequality

Pope Francis called rampant capitalism “a new tyranny” in his first major document released as head of the Catholic church on Tuesday.

“In this context, some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world,” Francis wrote. “This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.”

Francis also called on the rich to share their wealth, arguing that there should be a commandment that guides humans to be inclusive of all people and eliminate economic inequality from society.

Pope Francis on economic inequality: ‘Such an economy kills’

For those that like to honor the Veterans

A fellow Blogger recently posted about honoring those that have "served" our country and it may have been near November 11th which is Veterans Day in the US.   I tried to insert my anti-war past in the Vietnam era but it didn't take.   I have no idea how you can honor war veterans without honoring the war itself.  I guess some people can separate the two.

Our real enemies are not those living in a distant land whose names or policies we don't understand; The real enemy is a system that wages war when it's profitable, the CEOs who lay us off our jobs when it's profitable, the Insurance Companies who deny us Health care when it's profitable, the Banks who take away our homes when it's profitable. Our enemies are not several hundred thousands away. They are right here in front of us

- Mike Prysner

Highly trained monkeys at YouTube?

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Bank of America International fees upset Expats

A few days ago people started reporting they were getting new International ATM fees using Bank of America debit or credit card when there were none previously.   This prompted one Expat in Mexico to write to BoA and this is the customer service response.  Needless to say people are furious.

Thank you for your inquiry dated 11/14/2013 regarding the international transaction fee. We will be happy to assist you.

We understand your concern regarding the unexpected fee assessed on your account.

The International ATM usage fee is $5. This fee is assessed for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry performed at a non-Bank of America ATM or non-Global ATM Alliance bank located in a foreign country.

In addition to the ATM usage fee, Bank of America assesses an international transaction fee for debit card transactions in foreign currency or in U.S. dollars with foreign merchants in the amount of 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of the transaction and 3% (Effective November 8, 2013) for all ATM transactions processed in foreign currency. The fee is assessed as a separate transaction fee on the posting date of the purchase or withdrawal. The ATM operator may charge an additional fee for cash withdrawals.

Please be informed that using a Banco Santander ATM in Mexico will waive the ATM operator fees or Non-Bank of America International ATM Fee of $5. An international transaction fee of 3% may apply when converting your currency..

Kindly note, using a Scotia Bank ATM in Mexico will not waive the ATM operator fees or Non-Bank of America International ATM Fee.

Bye, bye Japan

David Suzuki has issued a scary warning about Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant, saying that if it falls in a future earthquake, it's "bye bye Japan" and the entire west coast of North America should be evacuated.

David Suzuki's Fukushima Warning Is Dire And Scary

Earth Under Water in the Next 20 Years

Earth Under Water explains the science behind the prediction of sea level rise and shows what will happen if the levels rise with increasing speed. Then, we fast forward to the twenty-third century to see how resourceful humans fight back and adapt using hyper engineering, vast dams, and even the construction of floating cities to cope with the after-effects.

Earth Under Water - DVD