Charity versus justice. That is the real issue with the latest round of Republicans trying to force people to swallow religion in order to receive basic social services.

“Faith-based charities” is obviously wrong to any thinking person based on the “faith” part. No one should be forced to accept a religion in order to receive basic human needs. When homelessness was big news 15 years ago (now we ignore it), those sleeping on the streets were often asked why they didn’t go to church shelters.

The answer: They would rather sleep on the street than be forced to swallow religious teachings as payment for receiving shelter.

But it is not just the “faith” part that is wrong. It is the “charity” part that is just as wrong. In a charitable society, those who “have not” forfeit their dignity to those who “have.” The wealthy can congratulate themselves on how generous they are. Those who are in need are supposed to feel gratitude to those who choose to give them basic needs. The wealthy feel superior and the powerless feel humiliation.

In a just society, people earn a living wage. They are guaranteed an education. They receive health care as medically needed. If they have an accident, illness, or other misfortune, they know they will not have to worry about food and shelter. That is justice.

Charity is the opposite of justice. I choose justice.

BY ROBERT BERNSTEIN
15 March 2001