The word justice is very common in political and public figures’ lexicon. But as we know, this is an extremely relative category. My car is a middle class “Suzuki”, and let us suppose, my neighbor’s car is an “S” class “Mercedes”. Considering that I’m a better, more talented, more industrious person than my neighbor, I can say that it is unfair. (Of course, it does not apply to me, I’m not interested in such matters since I believe that comparing yourself and “competing” with someone else is a waste of time and nerves). Likewise, the owner of “07” can think of me.
If someone suffers from a feeling of injustice, his mental state is severe, he cannot stop constantly thinking about it, cannot fully demonstrate his skills in the workplace, when returning home, does not enjoy the warmth of the family, does not enjoy life at all. He may complain about it in the kitchen, on Facebook or at a rally, but the world will not become more righteous than it is. Because in conditions of market relations it is unavoidable for one to have a “Mercedes”, the other to have “Suzuki” and the third “07”. (By saying “market relations”, I also mean the 70-80s’ Soviet, during which the relations were also marketable, but they were slightly concealed by fake ideology of “public ownership”).
Therefore, justice is not the problem, since in that sense “justice” will never be established. When I drive along Azatutyun Avenue and see all those famous mansions (which, by the way, are increasing in number every year), I do not think of justice. I think of a far worse thing: I assume that their owners probably have committed a crime, as they have such mansions.
But none of us would mind if Henrikh Mkhitaryan had such a mansion, right? Why? Because his salary in “Manchester United” is known, it is “white”, it is taxed according to the law. And if the owners of the mansions in Monument show me how their 100 thousand “white” dollars have become 1 million dollars, and 1 million dollars have become 4 million (again “white”) in documents, then I will not suspect these people either.
Therefore, justice is not the problem, but transparency, accountability, and, eventually, legitimacy. I can show bank records how and when I have got my “Suzuki” on credit, how much I paid monthly, and when I closed the credit, because of the banking system, fortunately, is “white”. The owner of the “Mercedes” must do it earlier than me because he is in greater suspicion. The owner of “07” can do it later than me, but he must do it too, because, unfortunately, there are people in Armenia who have no money even for the bus.
I think the assertion of income, expenses and property bills of entry should be the first step the state should take. And it should be universal.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
