AOC is the future of the Catholic Church
Jul 27, 2020 by Heidi Schlumpf
https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/ncr-connections/aoc-future-catholic-church
Ocasio-Cortez, as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, promotes a much more progressive platform; her first piece of legislation was the Green New Deal, which addressed economic disparity and climate change.
Yoho, 65, will retire in January, after announcing he is not seeking a fifth term. Ocasio-Cortez is 30 ("two years younger than Mr. Yoho’s youngest daughter," she pointed out in her speech).
As a young Latina, Ocasio-Cortez represents the demographic future of the Catholic Church.
But — if there is to be a future for the Catholic Church in the United States — it must also resemble Ocasio-Cortez in her passion for justice and human dignity, and in her courage and integrity, even in the face of vulgar attacks.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's stunning speech on the House floor last week has been called "a comeback for the ages," "the most important feminist speech in a generation" and "a lesson in sexism and decency."
I just call it "truth."
Responding to an incident on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in which Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida verbally assaulted her — including calling her a "f—ing bitch" — Ocasio-Cortez noted that "this is not new, and that is the problem."
"This issue is not about one incident," she said. "It is cultural. It is a culture of lack of impunity, of accepting of violence and violent language against women, and an entire structure of power that supports that."
As I listened to her 10-minute address on the House floor, I was struck by how often it referenced Catholic values.
Ocasio-Cortez repeatedly railed against the "dehumanizing" of others and instead called for treating people with dignity and respect. These are themes often repeated by Pope Francis, who has specifically cautioned about gossip and urged the use of respectful language, saying "it is possible to kill someone with the tongue."