It is widely agreed that the most important issue this political season is the economy….I disagree, and here’s why….

This is an opening salvo in what might well become a series of posts…Stay tuned.

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Earlier this year President Obama said income inequality is “the defining issue of our time” and it is widely agreed that the most important issue this political season is the economy….I disagree, and here’s why….

In order to have a proper perspective on all of the dysfunction we are seeing in government, the selfishness we so often hear from 'rich and poor' in discussions on the economy, the narcissism we see in the occupy all streets movement, to understand why 'socialism' will never work, to grasp why our culture is becoming less wholesome and decent on a seemingly daily basis, etc etc etc, you have to reject the idea that mankind is basically good....Don't agree? Look around! I often say that ‘the first man ever born murdered his own brother and it’s been pretty much downhill ever since.’

The problem IS NOT that some are rich and some are poor. The problem IS NOT that some have more than others. The problem IS NOT the rich. The problem IS NOT the poor. Part of the problem is the currently rapidly increasing thinking that the poor are poor BECAUSE of the rich, but that IS NOT the problem. The problem IS…..wait for it….We are SELFISH. There it is and it’s as simple as that. Humans are SELFish, SELF-seeking, SELF-promoting, SELF-preserving.

How many of us have had to teach our kids to be selfish? Uh,nobody!  Case closed, but I have more to say….:)

Lots of people have joined the ‘fairness’ bandwagon and it has been a frequent theme in statements from President Obama who clearly thinks the very roots of our nation are ‘unfair’ and is set on fundamentally transforming America into his vision of what it means to be 'fair.' That sounds good, but it begs the question “what is ‘fair’ and who determines it?” And, once we face the fact that we are basically selfish people, this whole idea of ‘fairness’ becomes a fallacy. Does ‘fair’ mean we should all 'have the same?' Does ‘fair’ mean the person who works hard should not be allowed to enjoy the fruit of their labors but instead have to underwrite those who will not work? Does ‘fair’ mean there should never be winners and losers? Does ‘fair’ mean gifted, creative, industrious folks should not use their gifting to their advantage? Does ‘fair’ mean those who pay their student loans should now pay the loans of those who won't pay? Does ‘fair’ mean those who don't pay their mortgage should be bailed out by those who do? Does ‘fair’ mean we should all drive the same cars, use the same light bulbs, eat the same food, etc. etc. etc.....

No matter how much we try and eliminate ‘unfairness’ from society it will never work because of our selfish hearts and desires. The old, antiquated (tongue firmly on cheek as I type) Bible has something to say about all this. This passage from James in The Message version sums it up pretty well:

James 4, verses 1 and 2…Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

The above describes why some folks are willing to take from others just because they want or think they deserve. Why so many are willing to embrace the ‘class warfare’ rhetoric pitting rich against poor. Why many cry ‘unfair’ against any and all that don’t acquiesce to their misguided demands and why Occupy Portland protesters can steal a car and wreck it with no remorse, can carry around loaded guns and threaten people, can shut down Port union job sites, can ruin public property, can damage businesses, can perpetrate violence against the police….All in the name of ‘fairness’ when in reality (in my opinion) it’s nothing more than a bunch of spoiled brats who, rather than get a job, are happy to live off of our tax dollars and use products provided by the same ‘evil, unfair corporations’ they say they hate.

Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, verses 8 thru 10 also speaks to this all…”8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. 9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. 10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

Now, some may say I am ignoring ‘justice’ when discussing this topic in this way. No way, for ‘justice’ and ‘fairness’ are not synonymous. Fairness is simply lack of favoritism, justice is making sure folks are treated the same according to established rules, laws or moral standards. For example, it is not fair for the government to take one group of people’s resources and give them another group of people simply because someone has given the receivers a ‘special designation’ (favoritism) and justice should be administered should this be attempted in disregard of established laws…Like that example…..:)

Definitions….

Fairness:

Marked by impartiality and honesty; free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism…Gary B. simple interpretation: Where integrity and honesty rule and no one is favored over another, rich or poor. Same opportunities but no guarantee of same outcomes.

Justice: 

The maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments; The administration of law, especially the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity; the quality of being just, impartial, or fair…. Gary B. simple interpretation: Obey and uphold the law without partiality.

Part 1 ending now…

Just sayin’…..