On Economic Expectations and Justice

Despite all the government's denials and perception management operations, our country is experiencing a severe economic crisis that is making itself felt more and more intensely. If we look at the current crisis, it is possible to see the difficulty in meeting foreign currency liabilities as the main reason. Let's put the question this way: Why did foreign currency liabilities arise? In other words, why are we a country running a current account deficit? The apparent answer to this question is simple. Dependence on foreign energy is seen as the main reason for the current account deficit. However, no one asks why we are dependent on foreign energy. Is it only because we are not an oil or natural gas producing country? 

Of course, dependence on foreign energy is not the only reason. The very low export figures for high-tech products show that our economy is far from value-added production. Undoubtedly, these are all issues that require long-term planning, education and technological investment. But more than that, justice must be an indispensable element both in the eyes of the state and in the minds of citizens. In The Kite Runner, the father asks his son, the protagonist of the novel, what is the biggest sin in life. He then gives the answer himself. "The biggest sin is stealing. If you kill someone you are stealing their right to life, if you prevent their education you are stealing their future, etc.". Justice means that no one is robbed of what they deserve. 

If we ask people around us right now to tell us about an injustice they have suffered, we will see that everyone has a story, as the saying goes, "touch one and hear a thousand." The abundance of such people in a country indicates two things: firstly, that there are too many injustices at the social level in that country, and secondly, that the concept of justice is not sufficiently established in the minds of the people of that country. Each story of injustice can have different dimensions. In addition to those who have suffered great injustice, there may also be those who perceive the lack of privileges as injustice. Therefore, the first value that should be given to individuals through both school and family education is the concept of justice. If you try to teach the concept of rights without teaching justice, these individuals will first focus on what they see as their rights. They look for someone to blame for everything they cannot achieve.

If you try to provide education in a country based on religion and away from scientific foundations, it is not possible for the concept of justice to form in the minds of individuals receiving education. This is because religious education sees the basis of justice as divine and assumes that every injustice is in accordance with God's justice. According to the same view, to oppose this and seek justice is tantamount to defying the commands of God. Ironically, this understanding of justice always favors the powerful and the rich. The main reason for this is that religion is always at the disposal of those in power, even when it declares its own power. While there is a certain understanding of justice in every religion, this has little to do with the concept of justice in today's societies, which is shaped around the concept of the rule of law. 

Why is the rule of law important? The rule of law is the highest point reached by state societies in their historical development. The rule of law is an understanding that recognizes that social norms are accepted by everyone for people to live together and that all elements that bring society together must comply with these norms. In the literature, while talking about its specific and general requirements, it sets forth certain criteria to ensure its operability. However, the rule of law also assumes that laws are made in accordance with the law. Because if the whole system acts in accordance with the law, it should be assumed that the legislature also makes laws in accordance with the law. 

The rule of law is necessary but not sufficient for a well-functioning economy. This is because the rule of law contributes to ensuring justice and makes individuals believe that they will get what they deserve. This contribution is very valuable for the economy. A doctor, an engineer, an academic, a teacher, a teacher, a worker, who believes that their labor will not be wasted, works more peacefully because they know that their labor will be rewarded. They know that they will not be handed down from the top; they know that their work will not be appropriated by others; they know that no one will have things they do not deserve because of their surname; they know that the children they educate will be the bright future of the country; they know that the conditions under which they work are determined in accordance with scientific principles and that the possibility of accidents is minimal. In other words, merit is a must in every field.

A society consisting of people who believe that they get what they work for and deserve works to produce high added value with entrepreneurs who trust in the justice of the state. The entrepreneur knows that when he/she reaches the stage of producing a prototype that has passed trials and tests, all his/her investments will not be wasted by the decision of one person; he/she knows that entrepreneurs with no experience, knowledge or experience will not be seated in his/her place just because of a political preference; he/she knows that he/she will not be asked for bribes, commissions, etc. In this way, he has the opportunity to produce only for his country and to be rewarded for his investments, and he is eager for new investments.

In a country where there is full confidence in justice, farmers know that they will be paid for what they produce. This is because agricultural production is not a field that yields a daily product. The results of production planning and investment are realized in the long term. For this reason, farmers who are sure that what they produce will not remain in the field produce. He knows that the state does not oppress its own farmers to foreign producers in order not to be foreign-dependent in terms of feeding the society; he knows that a mechanism that sets milk prices in an irrational way does not force him to send his cow to slaughter because he cannot cover its cost; he knows that the state has a planning for the crops he will plant in his field, and that his product will not be wasted; he knows that the fuel he uses for the tractor in his field is not more expensive than the fuel for yachts. With good planning, they can produce and make a living, and contribute to the nutrition of the society.

As you can see, a lot can happen if there is justice. In fact, with good policies, when an environment is created in which foreign investment can be provided in a way that does not cause fragility, domestic companies will not face financing problems. Let's come to the real question. If we ask individuals, no one would disagree with what I have written above. Then why is it so difficult to achieve justice? Actually, what is difficult is not to ensure justice, but to choose the rulers who have the task of ensuring justice. In primitive societies, the chief's only duty was to ensure the fair distribution of the food collected. Because justice then meant the fair distribution of food. So why is it not the task of the ruler today to ensure a fair distribution of income? Why do those who rule the state sometimes put themselves in the place of gods? Why do rulers favor certain people, certain classes, certain beliefs over others - is this fair?

There is a political organization we call the state because of the need for a structure charged with protecting the interests of societies and ensuring justice. Does any person who takes control of this organization have the right to do whatever they want? If so, how is it possible to ensure justice? Is it possible for a society to have a good economy if there is no justice?

The economy is not just about numbers. If there is no justice, the light you see is the light of a freight train coming at you. If citizens are not aware of their power, it is always possible for rulers to come to power and maintain that power without the need for justice. Power is not just voting in elections. Power is organized struggle, being able to hold injustice to account. When the mining disaster occurred in Iliç, were you able to ask the following questions and insist on the answers; 

1. Can this mine produce scientifically and without harm to the environment?

2. How did the operator of this mine obtain its permits, is there an unethical connection between the political power and the operator?

3. Are occupational safety conditions adequate?

4. Is there a reasonable ratio between the contribution of the mine's production to the national economy and the product produced?

If you are one of those who say "May God never let our nation suffer like this again" without asking these questions, don't be hypocritical and talk about justice and not getting your rights. You have no right to complain about economic difficulties. You may be able to save this day and your own tomorrow, but you can be sure that your children will not be so lucky. The choices you make by succumbing to threats, blackmail or self-interest are nothing but the soil you throw on the grave of justice. The hole next to that grave is being dug for you, get ready...