What Is Justice?

What is Justice
But equal treatment?
Equal opportunity?
Equal protection?

That none enjoy privilege
Denied others
But rather have equal opportunity to prosper and thrive
That none are denied rights
But rather enjoy the same rights as all
That all are free to act
Inasmuch as our actions do not infringe the rights and opportunities of others
Enjoying the fruits of our contributions
Being both responsible for our actions
And accountable for their consequences

Thus, then:
Equality
Opportunity
Freedom
Prosperity
Responsibility
Accountability
These things combined
And afforded all
Are Justice

Mike Turner is a retired member of the U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service. He served a 27-year career as a law enforcement professional in the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Homeland Security and Commerce. In retirement, Turner has had a second career as an award-winning songwriter and poet. His poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, including Dissident Voice. He can be contacted at www.MikeTurnerSongwriter.com. Read other articles by Mike.