Economic Life & Social Justice (part 5)

The seventh and eighth principles of A Catholic Framework for Economic Life (www.usccb.org/jphd/economiclife) declares the checks and balances that are necessary between the free market, voluntary groups, and the government:

• Principle 7. In economic life, free markets have both clear advantages and limits; government has essential responsibilities and limitations; voluntary groups have irreplaceable roles, but cannot substitute for the proper working of the market and the just policies of the state.
• Principle 8. Society has a moral obligation, including governmental action where necessary, to assure opportunity, meet basic human needs, and pursue justice in economic life.

Principle 7 makes the case that all parties with economic interests have roles to play, and Principle 8 speaks specifically to he important role that we as a society should be asking our government to play in assuring a just and compassionate society.
        An exercise for this week: Consider the news this week. Ask yourself, "Are our leaders’ actions benefiting everyone, including families, workers, and the most vulnerable among us?" If not, pick one elected leader and write to them about your feelings.
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