In discussions of our nation's financial problems, there are several points of view regarding solutions. They revolve around whether to increase taxes, cut spending or a combination of both. Inevitably, the question of fairness becomes part of the discussion.
To understand this issue, many will turn to the moral precepts of their faith. In the Catholic Church, guidance may be found in its teaching. The Church's guidance regarding fairness relative to earthly goods and property is summarized in the following:
"The seventh commandment forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him of any way with respect to his goods. It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruit of men's labor. For the sake of the common good, it requires respect for the universal destination of goods and the respect for the right to private property. Christian life strives to order this world's goods to God and to fraternal charity."
"The Church has rejected the totalitarian and atheistic ideologies associated in modern times with 'communism' or 'socialism'. She has likewise refused to accept, in the practice of 'capitalism', individualism and the absolute primacy of the law of the marketplace over human labor. Regulating the economy solely by centralized planning perverts the basis of social bonds; regulating it solely by the law of the marketplace fails social justice for 'there are many human needs which cannot be satisfied by the market'. Reasonable regulation of the marketplace and economic initiatives, with a view to the common good, is to be commended." (quoted from "Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Seventh Commandment" par. 2401 and 2425))
In discussing the country's financial problems, we should emphasize:
*We are $15 trillion in debt, a burden that is detrimental to our economic well being and to future generations.
*That much of federal spending has been and continues to be irresponsible, used for narrow and selfish purposes and not for the common good.
*That our tax system is broken and subject to political favoritism and manipulation.
*That a large percentage of our national resources support a bureaucratic system that goes beyond the "---reasonable regulation of the marketplace---".
*That our national government has overly expanded the power granted to it by the sovereign will of the people as specified in the Constitution.
None of the above is to suggest that some programs are not well intentioned. But as in many government programs, they have been susceptible to becoming bloated and inefficient thereby "---not in keeping with a just hierarchy of values and a view of the common good---."
What is "fair"? I've concluded from history, the teachings of the Church and common sense that we cannot leave this question alone to those controlling the government's purse strings. We have seen in too many instances where politicians have taken the path of least resistance in order to gain favor with voters. This process has been aided and abetted by the campaign donations of special interests. The results can now be seen in an acrimonious, divided and troubled country.
What is required of each individual is to determine how we should treat our brothers and sisters and to support those organizations that help those in need. Because true charity, by its very nature, can only be given of one's free will and cannot be forced.
To understand this issue, many will turn to the moral precepts of their faith. In the Catholic Church, guidance may be found in its teaching. The Church's guidance regarding fairness relative to earthly goods and property is summarized in the following:
"The seventh commandment forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him of any way with respect to his goods. It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruit of men's labor. For the sake of the common good, it requires respect for the universal destination of goods and the respect for the right to private property. Christian life strives to order this world's goods to God and to fraternal charity."
"The Church has rejected the totalitarian and atheistic ideologies associated in modern times with 'communism' or 'socialism'. She has likewise refused to accept, in the practice of 'capitalism', individualism and the absolute primacy of the law of the marketplace over human labor. Regulating the economy solely by centralized planning perverts the basis of social bonds; regulating it solely by the law of the marketplace fails social justice for 'there are many human needs which cannot be satisfied by the market'. Reasonable regulation of the marketplace and economic initiatives, with a view to the common good, is to be commended." (quoted from "Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Seventh Commandment" par. 2401 and 2425))
In discussing the country's financial problems, we should emphasize:
*We are $15 trillion in debt, a burden that is detrimental to our economic well being and to future generations.
*That much of federal spending has been and continues to be irresponsible, used for narrow and selfish purposes and not for the common good.
*That our tax system is broken and subject to political favoritism and manipulation.
*That a large percentage of our national resources support a bureaucratic system that goes beyond the "---reasonable regulation of the marketplace---".
*That our national government has overly expanded the power granted to it by the sovereign will of the people as specified in the Constitution.
None of the above is to suggest that some programs are not well intentioned. But as in many government programs, they have been susceptible to becoming bloated and inefficient thereby "---not in keeping with a just hierarchy of values and a view of the common good---."
What is "fair"? I've concluded from history, the teachings of the Church and common sense that we cannot leave this question alone to those controlling the government's purse strings. We have seen in too many instances where politicians have taken the path of least resistance in order to gain favor with voters. This process has been aided and abetted by the campaign donations of special interests. The results can now be seen in an acrimonious, divided and troubled country.
What is required of each individual is to determine how we should treat our brothers and sisters and to support those organizations that help those in need. Because true charity, by its very nature, can only be given of one's free will and cannot be forced.
but then the Church pays no taxes....
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