Arthur C. Brooks: The right must reclaim social justice from progressives
Who owns the term social justice conservatives or progressives? Utahs progressives desperately hope you say they do.
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Who owns the term social justice conservatives or progressives?
Utahs progressives desperately hope you say they do. Theyve built their entire 2014 campaign around a slew of traditional social justice issues the minimum wage, entitlements and more taxes on the wealthy. Their argument is simple: Their social justice policies will make a dent in the states 12.8 percent poverty rate and make the economy more fair. Its the right thing to do.
Not so fast. It stands to reason that President Obamas 5 years in office would back up the lefts claims. After all, hes promoted more social justice policies than perhaps any president since LBJ or FDR. Surely his actions would have borne some fruit for Americas neediest.
It hasnt happened. Since he took office, the wealthy have been the only ones to gain ground. The percentage of Americans in the workforce has fallen to its lowest level since 1970. One in six Americans is now on food stamps. And income inequality has grown even as the president and his party have tried to stop it.
How could this happen under a social justice president?
The simple fact is that intentions dont equal results. The lefts policies arent working which means its time for conservatives to step up to the social justice plate.
Conservatives should start by asking the downtrodden what they need most. In the conversations Ive had over the years, Ive identified three things: Moral transformation, material relief and opportunity. These are the central components of a real social justice platform.
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Arthur C. Brooks: The right must reclaim social justice from progressives