American conservatives typically embrace the principles of equal moral dignity, equality before the law, and equality of opportunity. Where they differ with the left is over its zealous pursuit of equality of condition. People differ in ability and effort, and conservatives do not suppose, as those on the left habitually do, that inequality necessarily suggests inequity. It may or may not, and justice consists in constructing careful rules for marking the difference. Like many on the left, Walzer appears to confuse the demands of charity and justice.
Charity is a noble impulse.
But it is not the relation of free, equal citizens. Social welfare policies constitute an essential element of decent government, but such policies must always be administered with careful regard for their effects on their recipients and on the common good. We want to be, as Kaus notes and as conservatives regularly emphasize a society of free and equal citizens, not one of benefactors and dependents. We love and sacrifice for our families without regard to anyone s deserving. We owe them that because they are family.