Disappearing Butterflies, Wildflowers and the Web of Life: The Case for Social Justice | August 2004

This speech by former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican and Chairman of the Assisi Foundation, Howard Dee, was written for a gathering of Synergos Fellows in Manila. Dee explores thoughts on the definition of social justice, its role in today’s society and why it poses a new challenge to society. He says the disequilibrium of social order today can be likened to that of the world of ecology wherein the survival of a civilization is dependendent upon the equitable distribution of the fruits of human labor. However, the institutionalized poverty generated from liberal capitalism does not present a clear case for social justice in the view of western establishments. He goes on to describe how alliances have been built in the Philippines for the purpose of social justice. He has found the combination of developing a target sector and alliances with many actors to be the most effective and sustainable way of building social assets.

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