Where’s my fair share of social justice?

The President and his agenda.
Where’s my fair share of social justice?


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By Christy Stutzman - - Tuesday, March 10, 2015

President Obama loves to talk about “your fair share,” but have you ever heard him give a specific definition of what “your fair share” actually is?

I’d like to know because it sounds so good.

Is it the same amount as everyone else? Is it more than what your parents had? In a free society, is equal income for all even desirable or attainable? Can a phrase like “fair share” require any sacrifice from me? When we combine our “fair share” with the idea of “social justice” we might just have a cause here, right? Being social is a good thing. Justice is good as well. So, putting the two ideas together should be a good thing, right? Especially if we get our “fair share” of it. If we truly want social justice, who decides when we’ve successfully achieved it? Is it when we all have the same size car, house or bank account? Is it when I can harass or sue anyone at anytime when I’ve been offended or feel insulted about anything?

For the past six years I’ve felt intimidated, criticized, ostracized and threatened. I’m told I am a minority and I hear that that alone gives me special rights, but it doesn’t. Why? Because I am the wrong minority. I’ve watched Christians being harassed and run out of business, relieved of duties and denied basic rights because they dared to voice their personal beliefs in public. Who is writing the rules here? It seems like the last acceptable prejudice in America is to be anti-Christian.

The unfortunate truth is that “social justice” is a perfect recipe for envy, resentment and bitterness. The feel-good cause of “social justice” is just another deceptive means to divide us by taking our eyes off of our own personal goals and dreams, and enticing us to compare ourselves to those around us.

I’m not making light of those who truly have been victims of prejudice or abuse. Believe me, looking through my family tree, I could find plenty of things to be offended about: religious persecution, destruction of property based on political association, extreme poverty, public criticism and attacks, etc. But all of the struggles of the past and present have brought us to today, where we enjoy an America of unlimited freedom and possibility — or at least that’s the way it was until recently.

Let’s take the time to think through the “feel good” ideas presented by those who would lead us to their idea of utopia. In reality, getting our “fair share” of “social justice” is relative to who writes the rules. So the first question has to be, “Who writes the rules?”
Those who define what a “fair share” actually is are the ones who determine when we have attained a “fair share” of “social justice” and what is an acceptable “share” for everyone. No more individual paths to fulfillment. No more personal determination or drive to reach your unique definition of success. No more contentment with living according to your own set of rules or living your life according to the dictates of your own conscience, convictions or religious beliefs. The socially acceptable way will be defined for you in order to make everyone feel “fair” and “equal” in a utopian society. In reality, “social justice” leads to the complete destruction of individual liberty.

Most politicians begin with the best intentions to right the wrongs of society and seek a better future for those they represent. Campaign promises and soundbite solutions are easy to give out in a speech. In this age of the 24-hour news cycle and instant access to information around the globe, it’s become that much easier for politicians to think they understand what voters want to hear and then craft a message to cater to the crowd. Voters, beware! Not everything that sounds good, is good.

Frederic Bastiat, the great French political philosopher, put it this way: “The touchstone of all theoretical principles is whether or not they can withstand the test of extended application.” In other words, ask yourself what the natural end of the proposed solution is in order to determine whether or not it is a permanent, sustainable solution.

When a politician is seeking election, listen carefully. Oratory is a gift, but governing is a chore. It’s easy to be impressed with a person’s ability to speak eloquently, but after the speech is over take time to assess the content. After the political thrill runs up your leg, step back and consider whether their proposed solutions can “withstand extended application.”

In spite of the great strides we’ve made, every generation will continue to have it’s challenges. One of our challenges today is that those who are truly hurting or are being persecuted many times are unable to be heard because we have so many who are crying wolf. Ask yourself, what makes American freedom so powerful? It is the fact that we use it to voluntarily come together in various ways: business, commerce, church and community.

Alexis de Tocqueville, after traveling across America and searching for the secret to America’s success, concluded in his second volume that Americans have mastered the science of “voluntary association.” The key word there is “voluntary.” In a communist state, voluntary organizing of any kind is prohibited. True to it’s nature, government will always grow in size and scope. Under the guise of the “better good for all,” it will enact laws that will inevitably infringe on our voluntary associations and ultimately on our individual pursuit of happiness. The essence of government is its power to coerce.

The Founding Fathers knew this and established a legal process whereby the governed had the power to correct any overreach, if they chose to be informed and engaged. If you want to understand the mindset of those in positions of power in America, take note of where and how they choose to use force.

I’m “Just Sayin’,” let’s take a step back from all the envy, psuedo-offenses, lawsuits, threats, fines and protests, and get back to what’s really important: equal opportunity to live our individual lives in freedom, voluntary association and collaboration, shoulder-to-shoulder as Americans. The answer to our struggles today is not to demand our rights, but to exercise them boldly.

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