Talk politics.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8289188.stm

I have to admit that the Holy Father does have a point here. Materialism, or capitalism, is in an inherently unequal situation with nearly all African states at present. So while the old empires have fallen, a new form of imperialism in the guise of economic aid and also in the guise of investment has simply replaced the old. Instead of direct rule backed by open military force, nowadays we have indirect rule backed by much more impersonal forces such as economics, finance, and the globalized trade network that's been in effect since 1492. This is just as the American Empire is not the British, that is to say that the USA does not directly rule 1/4 of the globe, instead we have bases all over the world in order to have effective "real estate" for pulling off Imperialistic stunts. So I think Pope Benedict XVI is onto something here? Anyone else (besides You Know Who with her Elders of the Capitoline Hills nonsense) agree or disagree?