A leading Catholic bishop is pushing back after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described Western culture as “thin,” warning that such rhetoric echoes elements of Marxist ideology.
Robert Barron, bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester and a prominent Catholic commentator, said Western civilization produced the rule of law, respect for individual rights, democratic political systems, and the modern university tradition.
“That’s thin?” Barron asked rhetorically, challenging the characterization.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), often known as AOC, has been a vocal critic of aspects of Western political and economic structures. Barron argued that dismissing Western heritage in sweeping terms risks undermining foundational principles that have shaped modern democratic societies.