Last night, Jon Stewart ripped into this current crop of Republicans for ignoring large parts of Pope Francis's message.
God. Yahweh. Adonai. Whatever you call the Supreme Being, I think everyone can agree it's a dude with a sweet white beard who lives in the clouds. How can that be wrong?
And that dude has really only two ways of getting his message directly to the people. The Pope, God's infallible emissary on Earth; and God's incredibly fallible emissaries on Earth, the Republicans.
SENATE CANDIDATE RICHARD MOURDOCK, R-IN (10/23/2012): And I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.
Really? I think even in that situation, God's like, "Whoa, whoa, wait a second. I'll take credit for Super Bowl wins and Latin Grammys, but I'm gonna go Alan Smithee on the rape baby thing."
Now traditionally, these two holy conduits have been on the same page. But with the ascension of this new incredibly humble — washing the poor's feet, sleep on a convertible sofa, do you need a ride to the airport? — Pope, things might be changing.
TODAY SHOW (9/20/2013): In a blunt interview in the Jesuit magazine America, Pope Francis says the Church cannot be obsessed with the issues that divide it.
POPE FRANCIS: We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage, and the use of contraceptive methods.
Wow. Obsessed with abortion, gay marriage, and contraception. Who could he be referring to?
CHUCK TODD (2/9/2012): Republicans are calling the President's new rules on contraception a war on religious liberty.
CHRIS JANSING (5/9/2013): The amendment that's maybe gotten the most attention is the Leahy Amendment, which would let same-sex couples sponsor their partners. ... Republicans say it could kill the bill.
ABC NEWS (4/8/2011): The government could shut down over a dispute on abortion.
REP. MICHELE BACHMANN, R-MN: ... the issue of abortion ...
REP. JOHN FLEMING, R-LA: ... abortion ...
REP. MARSHA BLACKBURN, R-TN: ... abortions ...
RICK SANTORUM: ... on the birth control issue ...
REP. STEVE PEARCE, R-NM: ... contraceptive ...
REP. STEVE KING, R-IA: ... contraceptives ...
REP. PETER KING, R-NY: I would right now be opposed to gay marriage.
REP. VICKY HARTZLER, R-MO: Marriage is between one man and one woman.
REP. LOUIE GOHMERT, R-TX: ... the freedom to believe in traditional marriage that was taught in the Bible.
You know, I think the Bible also teaches polygamy and... you know what, forget it.
By the way, small side note. A less humble Pope would probably make himself the cover of every month's issue of, you know, that magazine Poprah.
But back to my main point. Here's Pope Francis talking about poor people.
POPE FRANCIS (7/25/2013): The measure of the greatness of the society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.
Wow. I guess that is one measure of a great society. I mean, you could also go by how much it could bench, or number of Twitter followers. But, you know, it's a good one. So Republicans, the topic is the poor. Survey says...!
AL-JAZEERA (9/20/2013): The House voted to slash the food stamp program by nearly $40 billion dollars over the next ten years.
REP. STEVE SOUTHERLAND, R-FL (9/19/2013): My motivation has only been to introduce the blessing of work to able-bodied people. ... There's been a lot of talk about Scripture, and a lot of talk about God's plan. ... God created Adam, placed him in the garden to work it. Work is not a penalty. Work is a blessing.
You know, that's so true. It reminds me of the Sermon on the Mount. Consider the lilies, they toil not. So fuck them, lazy lilies. With their stamens and their pistols and the... uh... those are actually the only two parts I can remember of flowers. But ah, coasting on government issued sun and rain!
It's like for some reason, God has decided to give one message to the Pope, and an entirely different message... the ways he works are so mysterious.
Now I guess you could say, boy, you know your ideology is rigid and outdated when the head of the organization that just got around to apologizing to Galileo shows more doctrinal flexibility than you. But look, you're both God's messengers. Who's to say one of you is right and one of you is wrong? Little disagreements are going to pop up. Different interpretations of God's will. As long as there's no fundamental schism between this Pope and Republicans.
ABC NEWS (9/22/2013): In off the cuff comments today while visiting one of Italy's poorest areas, Pope Francis denounced what he called idolatry of money and big business.
Oh no, now the shit is on! (audience laughter and applause) You'd better watch it! Or we're going to end up invading the Vatican! We'll be right back.
Video below the fold.
He also talked about the recent
news involving the U.S. and Iran with
Jessica Williams.
Meanwhile, Stephen noted how
his ice cream flavor was used in
Breaking Bad last week.
He then tried holding his own
point-counterpoint debate format with two very special guests, which didn't turn out according to his plan.
Stephen then looked at
Rush Limbaugh's new children's book. Shudder.
Jon talked with comedian
Robin Williams, and Stephen talked with OCEARCH founder
Chris Fischer.