Inspiring Social Justice

There is no shortage of money. It's a matter of priorities. We've got enough money to support over 700 military bases around the world and fight two "preemptive" wars, while short changing our infrastructure and schools and health services and failing to provide universal health care. We feed an enormous military-industrial complex with subsidies and tax breaks that reduce revenue needed for public services. Our police departments, fire departments, public education and public health programs are being starved while corporations and those already rich get richer. The “invisible hand” intended to distribute wealth more equitably through the incentive of profit competition has turned into an iron fist of privileged greed. Reversing this indecency requires transparency and programs to do good.  

The social conscience and the political will to support social service, social welfare, social decency ― social justice ― are the bedrock of the American Public Health Association. This was the theme of the 2010 APHA Annual Meeting and the inspiration not only for those of us privileged to attend, but for all members. Good for APHA. Good for the USA.

jwf