Acton Commentary

Bringing moral reflection to bear upon current events

Acton Commentary, published weekly, provides perspective from some of today's foremost minds.

“The Bailout Economy: A House Built on Sand”

by Rev. Robert A. Sirico - November 19, 2008

Rev. Robert A. Sirico looks at the various bailout proposals designed to solve the economic crisis through the lens of Jesus' parable of the houses built on rock and sand. "The lender who made possible the house on the rock does not need a bailout," Rev. Sirico writes. "That which lent money to the builder who built on sand is getting assistance from taxpayers. How does this constitute a just solution?"

“Unemployment and Social Cohesion”

by Anthony B. Bradley - November 12, 2008

Anthony Bradley looks at the social dimension of rising joblessness, and the minimum wage laws as a barrier to putting people back to work. "The way out of this recession should include establishing the conditions for companies to negotiate wages freely with current and potential employees," Bradley writes. "The most essential need from unemployed workers is a job."

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