Originally Posted by NW Ponderer
Keeping with the previous rubric: A) So, if I understand correctly, separation of church and state should not be an issue, but you agree (with me) that it is. And that it is an issue because the current SCOTUS majority is improperly interpreting the plain language of the Constitution? How do we "fix" this?
It is not an issue because of decision by the current Supreme Court. It is because of decisions made by the Supreme Court decades ago. Decisions that misinterpreted the idea of the separation of church and state. This can be fixed by the Supreme Court making decisions based on what is the state supporting a religion. When a city government puts a manger scene on the city hall lawn that is not government support of a religion.

Originally Posted by NW Ponderer
B) I have never suggested that we "eliminate those factors to make everyone's income equal" (nor am I aware of anyone here, ever, doing so). However, one of the aspirations of the nation is to make opportunity as equally available as possible. Rather than adopting policies that exacerbate inherent inequality (e.g., cutting taxes for the richest), I favor policies that enhance equity, (e.g., the Unified Gift and Estate Tax). I believe in progressive tax systems, and social safety net programs for that reason. There are many other policies that I believe will enhance the future of the majority of our population and are consonant with the principles our nation was founded upon. Rich Kids Stay Rich, Poor Kids Stay Poor (FiveThirtyEight); Opportunity Insights (Harvard) - See Which policies improve social well-being the most?
Rather than a progressive income tax, which is a disincentive to create wealth, a better tax policy would be a flat tax of say 5%, with no exemptions, and the first $50,000 of income is not taxed. The rich already pat most of the income taxes collected. Increasing the taxes on them will not help anyone.
The rich pay MORE than their fair share!
The money that is taxed by Unified Gift and Estate Tax has already been taxed! It was taxed when the people who have it earned it! Why should our government get up to 55% of someone's estate just because they die? Double taxation is wrong! If you really want to improve people's lives get our government out of their lives! Wealth can be created even under the worst possible circumstances. The original Avon lady Our country was founded on the principle of the opportunity to create wealth. It was not created on the principle of government helping people!
Originally Posted by NW Ponderer
C) Since we agree that "government does have both an interest and responsibility to administer justice fairly." The question is, are we? (I think we can acknowlege that we are not. The Injustice System of America (Kellogg Foundation)) Shouldn't we do better? Can we do better? How do we do better? If, as you say, the problem is "our justice system is operated by human beings", I see two potential solutions - be better human beings, or eliminate human foibles as much as possible.
Neither of the solutions you suggested are possible! Human nature has not changed since man first started living together. It will not be changed by anything any government does.

Originally Posted by NW Ponderer
But, I think, with regard to both B and C, we have to start by acknowledging realities. One of those realities is the persistence of racial division as a matter of policy. When 49% of incarcerated adults come from 13% of the population, something is clearly wrong. When this prevails: [Linked Image from equitablegrowth.org]
There is something that needs to be addressed. See, for example, Wealth taxation: An introduction to net worth taxes and how one might work in the United States (Washington Center for Equitable Growth).
Government confiscation of wealth, taxes, does not help anyone improve their financial situation. Expecting our government to solve a problem it created is wishful thinking. The problem of minority incarceration is a problem a caused government policy. More government programs are not the answer! Walter Williams

The state can never straighten the crooked timber of humanity.
I'm a conservative because I question authority.
Conservative Revolutionary