Righteous Indignation, Ch. 10 (p 76-78)

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 10 (p 76-84)
Toxic Waste and the Talmud -- Jeremy Benstein, PhD

(1) "Legislation and policy are often disassociated from Jewish tradition for reasons including relegation of religion to the private sphere, fear of coercion, stigmatization of religious law as backward, and the claim that 'secular' policy is a realm for politicians and experts, not rabbis" (p 76).

The role of religion in/on government, especially as played out here in the United States, is a tricky one. While most religions don't want the government interfering with their worship and way of life, they do have something to say about how the government operates and spends its budget. But how far to go? Where is the limit as religious leaders and lay persons use the ballot to enforce their views on abortion, gay rights, corporate freedom, school vouchers, smoking in public areas and public funds for faith-based social initiatives? In the past, the list would have also included slavery, civil rights and women's suffrage.

What principles should guide the religious community in deciding what actions are appropriate and which over-reach the boundaries between church and state?

(2) "The Mishnah enumerates different classes of damages (avot nezikin), but the underlying principle is the same: the liability rests on the individual" (p 77).

Who should pay for the Superfund clean up, tax payers or the corporations who caused the damage?

(3) Liberal philosophy, which underlies so much of our culture, sees the individual and his property as inviolable--a concept that has been extended to corporations with disastrous effect" (p 77).

For more evidence of this claim, watch the documentary, The Corporation. What are some of the negative effects of corporate power? Do I know who and what I'm supporting when I hit the mall, when I invest in retirement funds?

(4) Without a strong ethic of the public good, and legal responsibility for the effects on that which is all of ours, privatization and economic globalization are pure plunder" (p 78).

What can I do about this? How can I advocate for responsibility? How can I live more responsibly?