As our country moves ever closer to the 2020 election, the issue of economic justice just keeps on holding center stage. In our Western tradition, discussion of what should be “just” goes back at least as far as Plato. Concerns for power, freedom, fairness, outcomes, inputs, entitlement, right, duty, responsibility, pulling one’s weight, free riding, rent extraction and more, hover in and around any consideration of justice.
Was Cain right that he need not be his brother’s keeper or does our Judeo-Christian heritage disown him for such selfishness?
Elizabeth Warren has 20 proposals to bring America closer to her vision of economic justice. According to the New York Times:
“Her proposals would tip power from executives and investors to workers and allow the federal government to more aggressively steer the development of industries. She has called for splintering technology companies, like Amazon, that millions of consumers rely on in their daily lives. She would reduce the rewards for entrepreneurs to build billionaire fortunes and for companies to create global supply chains, scrambling the incentives for work, investment and economic growth.
Ms. Warren would seek big tax increases on the wealthiest individuals and corporations, creating a new tax on household assets that exceed $50 million as well as a new tax on corporate profits. From those two steps alone, she says she would raise at least $3.8 trillion over a decade — money that would go toward her plans on student debt cancellation, free college, childcare, the opioid crisis and green manufacturing.”
Bernie Sanders sticks with his version of democratic socialism. Kamala Harris has her alternatives.
Trump and the Republicans have their vision too.
Anti-trust red lines not to be crossed are suddenly being proposed for Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook.
Can we find common ground on the criteria to use in measuring proposals for what is just?
Please join us for an open discussion at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 2nd at the University Club of St. Paul.
Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 am and the event at 9:00 am.
Cost to attend is $15 for Business and Public Policy Round Table members and $35 for non-members.
Payment will be accepted at the door.
Space is limited.
To register, please contact Jed at jed@cauxroundtable.net or (651) 223-2863.
The University Club is located at 420 Summit Ave in St. Paul.
Parking will be available along Summit Ave.
The event will conclude at 11:00 am.