Re: Champions of social justice

Posted

The 19th century Catholic theologian, Luigi Taparelli, coined the phrase “giustizia sociale” (social justice). His vision of social justice emphasized freedom and respect for individuals and local institutions. He believed there were natural inequalities in ability and that some would have wealth and some would be poor. He believed workers should be paid enough to support themselves and their families, and people should have a day off to go to church.

“Social justice” has now taken on a Marxist flavor, postulating that social inequality stems from exploitation, or that wealth was gained at the expense of the poor. Social justice means, in operational terms, using taxes and government to confiscate the wealth of some and distribute it to others. The results have been uneven. Welfare policies have created a permanent class of dependent people who have surrendered responsibility for providing for themselves and their children to their political patrons. This is radically against what Taparelli envisioned.

The Voice often calls a person a “champion,” or similar superlative, of social justice. If the Voice is truly a Jewish paper, it would do well to avoid this phrase, with its Catholic origins and current Marxist connotations, in favor of “tzedakah,” and “justice.”

Expecting government to solve all social problems crowds out charitable and religious organizations, and opens the door to tyranny.

Farrel I. Klein

Providence, R.I.