The simplest definition for Justice is getting what one deserves. As I ask people about how they define justice, they keep coming back to the same thing... getting what is due to them, or getting what they deserve.
And yet...
I keep hearing about economic justice. And every time I hear about economic justice, the basic premise is to redistribute wealth or income. And that means taking money away from someone that earned it and giving it to someone that didn't...
So, how?
So, how does one square these two positions? If justice is getting what one deserves, why is economic justice getting what someone else worked for?
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I'd love to hear from you...
Lane,
It is not justice, and we need to think about who we are voting for. I have worked hard all my life and it is not fair to take my money and give it to someone who is to lazy to work.
Because of a basic human trait (flaw). We covet. One of the deadly sins. If we all lived in caves or shacks "across the tracks" then there'd be nothing to compare to and we'd all be happy. The minute someone else comes up with a better XXXXXX, then we all want it.
And it is that instinct that the politicians have been playing to. Why should I be in need when "they" have more than enough? "You owe me" mentality run amok.
Ancient problem. Not that others have more, but that many want what others have.
The opening scene of the second Lord of the Rings is a prime example: Smeagol and Deagol. Deagol found the ring, Smeagol wanted the ring, so he killed for it. Or Cain and Able to get biblical. Able had God's favor, Cain was jealous of that, so he killed.
Get around those and you've squared your views.
You've got 5 minutes. :-)
(good luck)
Hey, Lane. I have to agree with Mary on this 100%. At one point Maria and I had 5 jobs between us both. We both worked very hard and continue to work very hard to place a roof over our heads and make sure that our son is provided for properly. I don't believe in redistribution at all. Justice is not "Spreading the Wealth". Thanks, Jim
Mary - Absolutely.
Mike - There is no doubt that we are seeing a battle of class envy.
Jim - No doubt again.
That is exactly what I am wondering.The problem is if every penny earned is through fair competition, it is fine. Sometime, it is not. The responsibility of a government is to protect fair play. Unfortunately, the Bush government understand what economic Justice is but failed to maintain a fair play. I am afraid the democrats would do quite the opposite--just pretend every penny is earned unfairly.
Too bad so few have and so many are in the have not category. Some of us are blessed with gifts that make it easier for us to be successful and others struggle it may not be right but we still have to live on the same planet and even though it isn't fair too spread the wealth some will have to lose.
Lane americans have been paying taxes since we left the British after the Tea Party! Nobody like to pay taxes but those that earn more can afford to pay more. They afterall have all the tax write-offs and tax advantages. The middle class are being stomped on right now, losing jobs and their homes and need help. This is not redistribution of wealth just paying their fair share! Who ever said that Economic Justice or paying taxes (if thats what you mean?) is Economic Redistribution?
I agree that it is wrong to take taxes from someone who earned it and give it to someone who doesnt work or pay taxes. Puting all political rhetoric aside, thats not what's being proposed to be done by anyone in this election. I do think that you would agree that offering a better health care plan for people without any would of course be a good idea. There are millions of people who have outrageous health care bills and cant afford health care in this country. Where is the Economic Justice for millions of people losing their jobs to outsourcing and losing their homes to foreclosure while the fat cats on Wall Street get bailed out with Billions?
Huiting - I don't know that you can make a case that the GOP has not worked to protect fair play...
Terry - Somebody has to make the fries... and it will probably be someone that was more concerned with being cool than in learning math in school.
Stephen - Ok, please look at Obama's tax plan. The people that will benefit the most currently DON'T pay taxes. They will get $500 ($1000 for couples) as a refund... on top of the EITC. Please keep in mind that the EITC is supposed to offset part of the payroll taxes. And so is the Obama "cut".
In no small way, Obama is proposing that we tax small businesses and high income individuals (after all, you said that they can afford to pay more), and give it to people on the bottom of the income laddrer (as you said, they need help).
From each according to their ability, to each according to their need
Next, have you read McCain's health care plan? Do you think it would be better to ration health care? After all, ALL of the socialized countries have done it... and people come here from England and Canada and Sweden and France to get treatments that they can't get in their own country... at ANY COST.
BTW, Obama voted for the same bailout as McCain... and Obama was laughing at McCain when McCain said that we needed to use the money to buy out mortgages and get people staying in their homes.
And finally...
Feel like defining Economic Justice?
Lane,
In my humble opinion it is a real oxymoron. There is no such thing, we will always have the different classes.
We are at a crossroad, and it's frightening the direction we're headed. I work hard and I give back, how and what should be my decision.
Don - It is, but those that talk about economic justice won't define it... because they can't.
Laura - It isn't giving back, it is giving.