Egalitarians argue that tax laws should be changed so as to extract more wealth from the wealthy. The wealth accumulated by the state would be transferred to the needy or disadvantaged in the form of social-welfare programs, such as food stamps. Whenever I hear this argument, I suggest that the proponent and like-minded people give of themselves. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you’re familiar with my reply.
Couldn’t this argumentative weapon be turned against me? Couldn’t it be said that those who believe that abortion should be criminalized should simply refrain from having or performing an abortion?
This betrays a misunderstanding of what I’m saying. I’m not saying that egalitarians should stop trying to change tax laws. They have every right to do so, and should, if that’s what they believe justice requires. I’m saying that in addition to trying to change tax laws, they should give their wealth away. I’m telling them not to wait for success on the political front. In the meantime, live up to your egalitarian principles. If you believe that there are unmet needs, and if you’re able to meet some of them, do so—even as you work for changes in the tax laws. Be consistent. Put your money where your mouth is.
I say the same to those who would criminalize abortion. If you believe that abortion is murder, and that, as such, it ought to be prohibited and punished by law, then you should neither have nor perform an abortion. Be consistent. Don’t try to restrict other people’s liberty while preserving your own.
Each of us is both a citizen and an individual. Qua citizen, one should work for changes in the laws that govern us—to bring them in line with what one believes justice requires. Qua individual, one should live in accordance with what one proposes to impose on others. To do otherwise is to be a hypocrite.