Father Coughlin continued to advocate a thorough reform of the capitalist economy. In this broadcast, he outlines the steps he believed necessary to correct the problems of labor, production, and distribution that were responsible for the Depression. He envisioned a significant level of governmental regulation of the economy, in particular calling for the federal government to take a greater role in the prevention and resolution of labor disputes. Coughlin intended these seven principles as a guiding program for the NUSJ.

Questions:

As you read the document, reflect on the following questions:

• How does this lecture demonstrate Coughlin's growing disaffection with the Roosevelt administration?
• What specific actions does Coughlin believe the government should take in order to resolve labor disputes and economic problems?
• Do you think that Coughlin's seven principles embody a "Catholic" perspective on politics? Why or why not?
• How does Coughlin depict Communism? How does he think the NUSJ will be able to combat the threat of Communism?