To the editor:

“If you want peace, work for justice.”

At first glance, that message on the yard sign sounds good. It almost sounds like the Pledge of Allegiance. But if you examine that message in the light of the current political debate, it is not the wholesome message it appears to be. Beneath the surface are political overtones that militate against peace. In today’s political climate, it conveys a sinister message that does not unite but divides us.

The traditional American concept of justice is that the laws of the land will be applied equally and without partiality to all. That ideal was most fully realized when slavery was abolished in 1863 and segregation was outlawed in 1964. This traditional concept of justice unites us and encourages peace among us.

In today’s society, however, there are socialists and Marxists who are twisting and perverting the word “justice” to push a political agenda that seeks to overthrow our Constitution and take away our God-given rights. They do this by attaching the word “justice” to any and every cause that they have decided to foist upon the country. So they talk about “social justice,” “environmental justice,” etc. And the implication is that if you don’t support the actions they propose, then you are opposed to justice. In this way, “justice” becomes a propaganda tool of the radicals, and they use it even as they attempt to undermine true equality and impartiality of Americans in the eyes of the law.

To make matters worse, there is a militant aspect to all of this. Contained within their message is an implied threat, namely, that if you do not help them to achieve their political agenda, they will not allow you to live in peace. We have seen this part of their operation acted out in the so-called “mostly peaceful protests” (looting and riots) in our major cities. In other words, if you don’t work for their “justice,” they will not allow you to have peace.

“If you want peace, work for justice.” I’d rather just stick with the Pledge of Allegiance: “One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

Michael Thom

New Ulm