Have Democrats "Done More for Social Justice" Than Republicans?
I really do like the stuff I read over at the blog Evangelical Catholicism. I generally find the topics of discussion intellectually stimulating, and the commentary right on the money. But the other day, I admit to being taken aback by something one of the blog's hosts posted in response to a commenter:
While I certainly don't imagine myself a liberal, I think a quick look at the platforms of the most prominent Republican politicians (many of whom will no longer be in office come January) will convince you that the Republican party does very little by way of social programs and intiatives to attend to the basic needs of the poor. And since the Democrats have done more for social justice than the Republicans, I find that many of their social positions more aligned with Catholic social teaching. Generally speaking, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats can boast of being "pro-life" as each party lacks a consistent ethics of life. (emphasis added)Never mind the issue of abortion, which is the most important social justice issue of our time. Let's ignore slavery, abolished by the Republican Party, as well as the overwhelming Republican support for passage of every important piece of civil rights legislation in our Nation's history (opposed, in most instances, by a significant number of Democrats). Let's put those issues aside.
Have the Democrats really done anything of significance for the cause of social justice in America where they led the way in the face of Republican opposition? And I'm not talking about programs with good intentions that have actually made the problems they were supposed to solve worse (like LBJ's "Great Society"). Have the Democrats really DONE anything for the cause of social justice where they led the way and Republicans either opposed them or stood on the sideline?
I can think of only one area: labor laws.
And, on the other hand, have the Republicans been champions of social justice (apart from abortion and slavery) in areas where the Democrats have been in opposition?
Your thoughts?
UPDATE
One commenter mentions Social Security as a social justice measure for which the Democrats can claim complete credit.
My response: One might argue that Social Security WAS a social justice measure at one time. What it has become is a ponzi scheme whereby subsequent generations will be taxed heavily to keep the system afloat and see little if any of the money themselves.
Another problem with Social Security is that, not being means tested, it is a wealth transfer to the statistically wealthiest generation (those with savings, no mortgages, etc.) from the working class who are still trying to pay mortgages, educate their kids, etc.
A third problem with Social Security is that it is a complete rip-off if you're a working-class black male. With a much lower life expectancy, black males can expect to receive pennies on the dollar of what they paid into the system.
Finally, Social Security taxes are some of the most regressive taxes we have.
Don't get me wrong - we need a social safety net. But our system of "Social Security" hardly constitutes "social justice".
posted by Pro Ecclesia 3:28 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
I am no political science major or economist so take this for what it is worth.
I lived in England for a year, and it taught me something about "social justice." England has all kinds of social programs. The income taxes are high and there a 20% value added tax on everything you purchased to pay for all of the social programs.
With all that "social justice" I thought for sure the Brits would be a happy bunch, but many I met were most uncharitable and bitter about money. I hate to be stereotypical, and I must say I loved living in England and loved the Brits. They were very nice people. But many thought that since they already paid for government programs with their many taxes, it absolved them from charity.
I realized that by giving our money to the governemnt to dole it out, we abdicate our charitable responsiblity. Not only it is good for the needy to receive our charity, but it is good for us to freely give it. I think it makes us better Christians and more aware of the needs of the weak and down-trodden
So I would argue, that by attempting to keep taxes low, and social programs to a minumum, Republicans are keeping money in our pocket, with which we are called to be charitable. They are allowing us to participate in "social justice" instead of just handing the responsibility over to the government.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Social Security was a Democratic bit of social justice legislation - as were a number of other programs under Roosevelt. And Kenndy/Johnson got through some Civil Rights legislation, and things like Medicare/Medicaid.
What often happens, though, is that Democrats (and other "Progressive" sorts) will latch on to some social issue, push for it, get castigated for it by Republicans and Conservative sorts, then gradually, the idea filters out into the population and eventually the GOP claims it as its own and pushes it through.
Thus the idea started with the Democrats, then the GOP gets credit for its passage.
And sometimes the government has to step in - indivdual charity is not enough. What might have happened in this nation if not for the New Deal?
One might argue that Social Security WAS a social justice measure at one time. What it has become is a ponzi scheme whereby subsequent generations will be taxed heavily to keep the system afloat and see little if any of the money themselves.
Another problem with Social Security is that, not being means tested, it is a wealth transfer to the statistically wealthiest generation (those with savings, no mortgages, etc.) from the working class who are still trying to pay mortgages, educate their kids, etc.
A third problem with Social Security is that it is a complete rip-off if you're a working-class black male. With a much lower life expectancy, black males can expect to receive pennies on the dollar of what they paid into the system.
Finally, Social Security taxes are some of the most regressive taxes we have.
Don't get me wrong - we need a social safety net. But our system of "Social Security" hardly constitutes "social justice".
It seems that most conservatives are more inclined toward personally-directed charity in support of certain social justice aims, instead of govermentally run (and funded) social justice.
Jay,
Along with Michael, I'm the co-host of Evangelical Catholicism. Michael was the one who posted this and we had a chat about this and we finally agreed with you that yes, this was as an overstatement from his part, and this is why.
The Church teaches that social justice can only be achieved whenever there is first and foremost a conversion: turning our eyes to Christ. Only this way we can truly see Christ in everyone and thus understand their needs and how we can make their voices heard in the political arena.
The democrats can push all the "social justice" policies they want, but if at the core of their ideology, there is no conversion, but hostility towards religion and its principles, their efforts are truly worthless.
After talking, Michael and I agreed that even though it is true Republicans don't seem to be pushing much around social justice, it is an easier platform for us Catholics to deal with and encourage to undertake other social issues, because they are not denying the importance of Christian principles in the American society at the core of their party.
I think the more Michael and I discuss social issues, we understand that there is so much to be done and we can get frustrated with either party, but we also understand the primacy of life issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cells.
Hopefully that clears our position.
Many blessings to you and your family,
Katerina
Evangelical Catholicism
Katerina Marie,
Thanks for your comments.
For what it's worth, I'm pretty disgusted with both parties. And although my ideology tends toward the conservative side, since I became Catholic a little over 2 years ago, I have become much less impressed with the ability of political parties, and less enamoured with political solutions, to address what are - at their core - spiritual issues.
And I really do think you and Michael have a terrific blog. Please keep up the good work.
Social Security is a civilization-destroying Ponzi scheme that creates a massive economic incentive for people not to have children.
It was primarily created to buy votes of people who would never have to pay into it. It is little more than generational robbery.
And you'll never be able to get rid of it until its done its complete damage to society, because afterall, nobody wants to be the guy on the bottom level of the pyramid. Let the next generation suffer.
George Bush tried to fix it. But they were ready to crucify him for it.
Post a Comment
<< Home