Capitalism is the culprit. Capitalism is a system that only nurtures winners, making most of us losers. It is what is responsible for so much suffering in the world. It's caused by the self-centeredness of the few who have money, and therefore have control over the lives of the rest of us.
To make things worse, America now has a President Donald Trump, a Republican Congress, and a significant number of Americans who support them, capitalism and the free market system.
Trump and the Republican Party are among America's least compassionate. They offer no inspiration that things will improve for poor and middle-class Americans.
It means, if they get their way, most of us will experience greater hardships over the next four years.
"Pope Francis, an outspoken champion of science and technology, gave his own TED talk Tuesday night, speaking from the Vatican with a three-part message calling for a "revolution of tenderness" and warning those in power to act responsibly or "your power will ruin you."
"In his remarks, the pope addressed the connection between the rich and powerful and the less fortunate, with a pointed appeal to those with wealth and influence.
"He called for a 'revolution of tenderness' toward the weak, the poor, children and the 'sick and polluted earth' by everyone, particularly by the strong.
" 'Please, allow me to say it loud and clear: the more powerful you are, the more your actions will have an impact on people, the more responsible you are to act humbly,' "If you don’t, your power will ruin you, and you will ruin the other. There is a saying in Argentina: 'Power is like drinking gin on an empty stomach.' You feel dizzy, you get drunk, you lose your balance, and you will end up hurting yourself and those around you, if you don’t connect your power with humility and tenderness.' "
Pope Francis warns in TED talk: 'Power can ruin you'
By Doug Stanglin
