Off Topic — HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to Earn and merit

re: Earn and merit
Smaug — (archived)

I've known filthy rich and dirt poor. They both can get on my nerves. The first because so many think they are superior through efforts of their parents/ancestors despite no obvious superior talents on their part. The latter because they so often whine and moan about problems they do nothing to correct. Most people can andvance through hard work and fail when lacking in work ethic or financial sense even with a substantial silver spoon start.

The problem which MA correctly points out is that equal efforts and talents do not yield the equal results expected in a true meritocracy. Tom sites statistics indicating a large portion of the wealthy earned it yet ignores the potential linkage in the "unworthy". The gifted section in each category quite likely overlaps leaving us with a sizeable portion that did not earn their money the hard way.

Education is the great equalizer and the lack of will on the part of the wealthy as a whole to fund or fix education in this country before tax cuts shows they are more interested in their own gain than maximizing the efficiency and potential of America. I'm talking about a real demonstrated fix not a handwaiving no child left behind policy that is a step backwards in some areas. When everyone has access to a good education including colege then Tom's arguements will be on much firmir ground. Doors will always open quicker for those already wealthy though as long as wealth is the primary driver of status, it's basic primate social status dynamics. I think it's something we can't eliminate, but can mitigate for the greater good to a point where the positives of the search for wealth balance it's negatives.

I hope Robert agrees this is a financial topic.

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