The poor do not wait

"Web giants should start paying taxes. The rich should "pool their resources to help the poor and the middle class". And no more tax evasion: it applies to everyone.
These are the appeals and warnings that Pope Francis launched on September 20 when he met with popular movements at a conference promoted by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. That very small percentage of wealthy people and billionaires who hold so much of the global wealth should agree to pool their resources, paying more taxes, to help the poor who "cannot wait" and the middle class that is now struggling to even pay the rent.
The alternative to this throwaway culture, explains the Pontiff, is violence: first verbal, then physical, then "a war of all against all".

If people "do not have an adequate salary, the logic of waste will take hold, with the violence of desolation - the Bishop of Rome emphasizes - Unfortunately, it is often the richest who oppose social justice and integral ecology, out of pure greed, which is hidden but is pure greed. They put pressure on governments. The devil always enters through the pockets: it is a Spanish saying". Instead, there should be "more taxes for millionaires. Those who have more should open themselves to sharing.
If this very small percentage of billionaires were inclined to share, not to give in but to share in a brotherly way, it would be good for everyone.
I ask the privileged of the world to take this step".

Then, a papal warning to the giants of the web, to those who work in the field of Artificial Intelligence: accept the rules and pay taxes.
Francis addresses those who «work in platforms and in the field of Artificial Intelligence: put aside the arrogance of being above the law, be respectful and responsible regarding what circulates thanks to the platforms.
Prevent networks from spreading child pornography and gambling addiction. And I give you some advice: start paying your taxes». A reminder also to «football stars who promote online betting. This affects the pockets of the most needy, fuels addiction, destroys people and entire families». A jab at all tax evaders: «Pay your taxes!». Bergoglio gives an example: «There are those who play tricks at the supermarket when they ask you: “Do you want a receipt or not?”».
He highlights the key words in the social sphere: «Tierra, techo, trabajo», the three «t»s that stand for land, home and work, «they are inalienable rights, no one can take them away from you, no one can steal this hope, no one can extinguish your dreams».

Domenico Agasso
NP October 2024