Inequality from different points of views

Challenge one from Stone stood out to me most, “Equal slices but unequal invitations” (Stone, 2012). It is common sense that if those students had known about the cake ahead of time, they would have made every effort to receive their portion. However, we can never predict what is going to happen. The only thing we have control over is being proactive and expecting the unexpected. In my opinion, those students complaining that it was unfair that they didn’t know, and therefore were not invited, is not a valid excuse. For example, citizens who complain that the health care bill reduced its funding for mental health services, technically shouldn’t complain unless they made an effort to have their voice heard by protesting the issue. If there was voting on this issue but they didn’t take that opportunity, protest, or reach out to local congressman or representatives, then they shouldn’t complain that the invitation was not there because they have the right and should’ve been proactive in taking the opportunity.

Another excellent example that Stone made was the point of view of equality may have different interpretations. “Equal treatment may require unequal treatment or the same distribution may be seen as equal or unequal depending on one’s point of view,” can be seen with the current immigration issue that is controversial because the parties are divided (Stone, 2012). If we are looking solely on equality then I would have to agree with Republicans view, who want to get rid of immigrants without status. The equity in this scenario is because some of these immigrants (either who came as children or adults) have never started their citizenship process, either because of financial issues or it’s very time consuming. Nonetheless, these individuals know they were breaking the law and they still decided or were unable to apply for citizenship. The point Republicans are trying to make is, if immigrants knew they could not afford citizenship, then they should have never come to the U.S. just because this was a better opportunity for their family. A humanitarian point of view is against this entirely and wants everyone to reach a common ground that does not result in kicking out immigrants due to an honest mistake. However, to ensure equal treatment by following the law, certain measures must be taken to ensure order; even if this requires unfair treatment. Of course, President Trump has his own agenda and wants to get rid of all immigrants but that is another story.

I believe because our society is focused on fulfilling their self-interest, this only adds to the inequality. The issues of doing what is morally right get blurred with one’s interest. As Jannson (2017) pointed out in chapter one, even though politicians promise that they have the publics best interest, they’re still human which can conflict with their interests. This brings up another interesting view on ethical rationale for policy advocacy. Jannson describes the inequality between classes and opportunities. What makes it okay for those with status to have access to better opportunities? Individuals from all walks of life have endured struggles and some were able to overcome and make something of their lives. However, why should those with more strikes against them be denied care such as mental health services? They are human beings and have the same right to access services as anyone else but because they are uninsured they are turned away. One solution (that has proven successful in other countries such as Switzerland) is universal health care. This can only be achieved by increasing taxes but the benefits outweigh the costs.

Jansson, B. (2017). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Stone, D. (2012). Policy paradox: The art of political decision-making (3rd ed.). New York, NY: W.W.Norton & Company.

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