I usually equate these two words as
both sides of the same coin, but I wonder. I read a book review of
Our Declaration: a Reading of the Declaration of Independence in
Defense of Equality in the
9/22/14 issue of National Review.
The problem lies
how the principle of “equality” is defined. It certainly does not
mean equality of wealth, knocking out the legs of our progressive
income tax. It does not mean equality of outcome in our lives,
therefore canceling out the justification for welfare and transfer
payments of various types. To others, it means equality of
opportunity, which is very much different.
Liberty, however,
has a rather concrete definition. We can live our lives as we wish,
which means limited government power. We can choose whatever type of
light bulb and toilet we want. We can be as careful or reckless as
we wish. We can eat as much unhealthy food as desired.
I have always thought of “liberty”
and “equality” in the same sentence. My thinking has changed:
these 2 principles are entirely different, and have nothing to do
with each other.
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