what does it mean to be part of the commonwealth

“I measure the quality of our society with how we treat our neediest folks, and that is especially our children,” Gym says.

Philadelphia Councilwoman-at-large Helen Gym sees education as one of the most glaring disparities in providing for the common wealth of all Pennsylvanians. We have been let down by our politicians, our representative who we entrusted our welfare, our commonwealth.”

“But all you have to do is Google trials in Pennsylvania, corruption trials in Pennsylvania. “I think we’ve established programs and policies that would advance the common good,” Flowers says. But practically, there have been disappointments. The fact that Pennsylvania ranks as the worst state in educational inequity and is among the worst in income inequality for African Americans and women, begs the question: Is the commonwealth living up to its promise to provide for the good of all of its citizens?įor Christine Flowers, an immigration lawyer and opinion columnist, the answer is two-pronged. Aspirationally, she says, Pennsylvania puts forth its best effort. The term was coined by 16th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, considered one of the founders of modern political theory. WHYY thanks our sponsors - become a WHYY sponsor

What does it mean to be part of the commonwealth