Tag: equity

Re: Fair

A writer friend tried to provide me with a definition of this word. We both agreed that, like the word love, trying to pin down the meaning of fairness is often subjective. I can’t believe I haven’t written with this word Fair as a focus before this moment. The word Fair is part of every discussion bordering on disagreement. Children will believe that life is not fair, news stations will report fair or foul weather, and yes we still may be lucky enough to go to a fairgrounds for some country-style amusements.

I watched my finances closely when I was a young father. My three sons may tell you stories of being short-changed. I remember a ritual involving a single chocolate bar (a treat to be respected). The rule was that the bar would be shared, and the one cutting the confection into three parts would be the last one to receive a piece. The one doing the cutting (sometimes it would involve precision steps using a ruler) would be random and the air was always tense. My lads are well into adulthood now, so I get to watch how they demonstrate fairness with their youngsters. I have yet to see them use a Gordian Knot style strategy.

The situation of inequity in the USA under POTUS 45&47 makes me scream unfairness, in the same way that The Donald uses all-caps in his messages on Truth Social. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have thrown my newspaper down in disgust when I read that what is fair for some is not always fair for others. Prejudicial thinking can lead us to decide that the fair-haired are more deserving than brunettes. Fairness must not be subjective, but it always is. If all of life is just not fair, then I think I shall never get over it. I argue in my head that Fair should be like Gravity: A singular truth that exists or not.

My word loving friend equated fairness with justice. I continue to wonder if the two concepts are equal in experience or in tone. Justice comes from law, that much seems clear to me. Fairness seems more arbitrary. The words, ’To be fair’ can often lead to a message of conciliation, contrition, or an outright withdrawal of your previous stubborn stand. The words, ’Let’s be fair here’ (as potentially dangerous as ‘Calm Down’) is another attempt to assuage fears, or buy time from the arguing parties. I just don’t want to believe that all is fair in love and war. Nonsense!

Which leaves me wandering a fairground of memory and possibility. Last time I went I had hoped to rekindle a childhood joy of the CNE in Toronto. I remembered all the choices arranged before me: games of chance, free food, cheap rides, trained animals, and pavilions boasting a bright future. In the sense that country fairs are open to all, they could be a model for what’s fair: unrestricted access regardless of race, colour, or creed. I’m fairly sure that would make a better world.

Re: Tax

“This job is taxing me.” My mom used to say that I was taxing her patience, leading me to believe that the verb to tax was a negative thing. My wife and I have just been through a taxing experience; the slow death of her father. It’s not easy saying goodbye especially when you have a duty to care for another.

Most folk use the word Taxes in the context of paying them to their governments. There is a tax on most things in a modern society. When we buy stuff there is an expectation that some of what we pay will go to a municipal, regional or federal coffer. Many of us resent the fact that a government always has a hand in our pocket. Most of the time I can get my head around the need for group participation in financing needed services. Collectively we have to have a way to pay for the roads we drive on, the hospitals we go to in emergencies, the schools where we find enlightenment, the infrastructure elements that provide for the continuation of our culture. The importance of being taxed in this way must be viewed as a positive thing if we are to consider ourselves members of a caring society.

We all have a duty to care for our neighbour. Sometimes it is on a personal and intimate level. Sometimes it is anonymously through paying taxes. I find it difficult to place a coin in the hat of a soliciting homeless person who regularly frequents a corner in our downtown. I don’t resent his presence, I feel sad for his predicament. I gain some solace knowing that I pay taxes to a city government that has a progressive housing initiative. I don’t mind paying my fair share. The fact that our tax system is unfair bugs me though.

#Taxtherich is a well used hashtag on Twitter for good reason. Taxation policies in my country and other developed areas lack equity. Records, research and anecdotal stories abound of the one percent of us who find exemptions to paying taxes in proportion to their income. Employees of big companies often pay more taxes than the CEOs who run the corporations. Governments are reluctant to close the tax loopholes or institute a wealth tax for fear of investment going elsewhere. Consequently social programs are run through raffles and bake sales, while the super rich play with their money buying yachts and building spaceships. This imbalance taxes my patience for an equitable resolution.

The game of Monopoly depicts an unbalanced corporate world, but at least there is a luxury tax card. Several among the millionaire/billionaire class have boasted that they will give their fortunes away. I don’t believe that philanthropy is the answer to such a persistent societal need. Citizens have a responsibility to vote for fair tax laws. Once upon a time in the Americas the notion of Taxation/Representation was enough to cause a war. It’s one thing to be independent from tyranny, it’s another to find ways to support each other’s needs.

Re: Access

I feel like a spoiled child when I am denied access. I want to kick and scream until I’m sent to my bedroom without any tv or supper. I scream, “I Don’t Care. It’s Not Fair!” I’ve got conflicted emotions while I’m holding my selfish ground. Thx Icona Pop.

When the child in me quiets down I can be rational. I can better see my place in the grand scheme of things when temper has cooled. I might still complain about the many gatekeepers at work to keep order in society. I might still rail against those who make money by keeping essential commodities inaccessible for the many in need, but I can put my selfish desires aside when I’m calm because my adult mind can remind me that I can’t always get what I want. I can believe for a moment that all good things will come to those who wait. Thx Rolling Stones. 

I have given access a priority whenever I have made a move in my life. I want to be near the things I need for satisfaction. As much as my budget will allow, I figure closer is better; to beautiful spaces, to artistic opportunities, to healthy communities. There is nothing quite like caring for an elder to remind me of how lucky I am to be able bodied. Chaperoning someone in a wheelchair shows me how accessibility issues prevail. A simple grocery run is more difficult. A nature outing stops short when trails are not fit for wheels. Access points need to be evaluated for navigation hazards. And mobility concerns are not the least of the worries when dealing with sight or hearing deficits. 

“Sorry, your request to be verified has been denied.” A Twitter message I received recently. It bothered me for a while. It was a cold ‘Access Denied’ sign that made me feel less than. I had not wanted the blue checkmark for status, but for clarity of identification: There are a lot of people with my name in this world. I soothed my sour grapes mood by realizing that I am among the many nearly anonymous, hardly influential and unheralded folk in this world.

It’s true that status often defines access. Consider William Shatner who was able, at 90, to take his Star Trek persona on a space joy ride. I have enjoyed the perks of going to events in my home towns as a result of a Press pass or Board membership. I may not be rich or powerful,  yet I have felt the joys of entitlement enough to wish that everyone could be so blessed. So many humans on this Earth are denied the most essential of items: fresh water, food, housing, education, health care. My baby rants of ‘poor me’ make me feel embarrassed. For the vast majority there is a gate (virtual or otherwise) keeping them out of pleasures and processes that I too often take for granted. I must work harder to champion equity.