ASP Principle 2—Social Justice

This is the second in a series of member perspectives on the American Solidarity Party Principles.

We affirm a special collective responsibility to the most vulnerable members of society and call for societal structures that uphold the equal value and dignity of each person, regardless of any personal characteristics. This requires efforts to address systemic and historic injustices, including long-standing racial injustice, in a way that confronts inequalities that disparage innate personal dignity.

At the heart of the American Solidarity Party is an understanding that because we were each created with inherent dignity, we have a corresponding obligation to recognize that same dignity in each and every one of our fellow citizens. 

So often, when people are treated the way that they deserve to be treated, it is labeled charity. When the poor are served a meal, when the working mother with two young children is given access to free clothing, when the retired veteran is given a place to sleep...these are called acts of charity. When people have a basic human right to something, it is not charity when they receive it, it is justice. We do justice when we seek to clothe working families, when we work to house those who need shelter, and when we share a meal. 

Often when we think of justice, our thoughts first turn to wrongdoing and the consequences for the one committing it. While that is certainly an aspect of it, justice is simply giving what is due. How are we to determine what someone is due? This is a natural extension of seeking the good of the other.

As Americans we have drifted quite a distance from our earlier inclinations to seek the common good. An understanding of our civic duty and our basic responsibility to contribute to a society that seeks the welfare of all are concepts that no longer carry much weight. This is a detriment to our country and to each of us individually as well. 

When we work to be fair and equitable and ensure that all people are included in our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, not only do we do justice to all, but we also enrich our own lives in the process. That is the beauty of seeking the good of others. While at times it is sacrificial, as the best path for the common good will not always be the best path for each of us personally, it is also deeply rewarding. It gives us meaning and joy as the fruit of our labor is made manifest in a society that is inclusive and accessible to all of us. 

By highlighting social justice as a core principle, we acknowledge our responsibility to look outside of our own lives. Every decision, policy, and action taken has consequences, and each segment of society needs to have confidence that their concerns and desires will be considered. This is especially important when we think of how long-standing prejudice and fear have impacted many of our fellow Americans. 

Racial inequality has haunted our nation since its inception. While there have been great strides to combat this, there is still much work to be done. It is simply not sufficient to say that this is no longer an issue, and so we can all move forward. Those of us who have not experienced racial discrimination and hatred are simply unable to understand the depth and breadth of its effects. 

When we look to do justice to those who have experienced this, our priority is to listen and learn. They have a story to tell and the right to tell it. Together we all have a responsibility to eradicate racism from our systems and the structures of society. This is an aspect of our seeking the common good, but one worth focusing on because of the long history of us, as a country, not doing so with particular groups of people. 

Social justice is not something we add to our other policies, nor something that we will include in our agenda if it seems prudent. Rather, it is something that drives our efforts, the engine that powers all the rest. Remembering our duty to each other, and our obligation to the common good, especially including those that we have historically kept out, is behind all that we do. 

We give to each what they are due, remembering the dignity that is always present there, when we do Social Justice.