Status quo: Is it natural or is it plastic?

coberst

Status quo: Is it natural or is it plastic?

National governments in the West have advanced from Monarchies to Republics. Societies have moved from rule by a monarchy aided by the aristocracy, to rule by a plutocracy subject only to ratification by the citizens of the republic.

It seems that, like the poor, we constantly have with us a privileged class. Is it possible to organize a well functioning democracy that does not support a privileged class?

Let me give you my definition of privileged class.

Fifteen years ago there was a humorous saying about George Bush the elder, which went something like this, “George Bush was born on third base and thought he had hit a triple”. My definition of a privileged individual is one who was born on “third base”.

Evidently many assume that the privileged classes are those who have higher IQs or some kind of natural endowment. I do not consider this to be privilege. The privileged are those who, by birth, are endowed with great wealth thereby being placed into a position of power and prestige without any meritorious effort on their part.

Can a democratic society function effectively if no individuals are allowed to inherit great wealth?

irishrose · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 9:56 am Post subject:

coberst · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 10:02 am Post subject:

Just off the top of my head I would say that no more than one million dollars should be inherited by one child. I think that if a child inherits more than that they would be unlikely to become a self-actualizing productive member of the community.

“In a society as it actually existed in 1787, the privileged few were already in a position to size the first jobs in the judiciary. Since justices were the only officers with life tenure, and since the framers had carefully arranged for “judicial control” over legislation, they could have things their way for all the foreseeable future.

Even if the judiciary should some day come into different hands, so that active protection of the privilege was no longer possible, the system of checks would serve the propertied class…In a society “where the field of private property is already extended to cover practically every form of tangible and intangible wealth”, a deadlocked government serves owner’s interest almost as well as one rigged in their favor. Government continues to help them just by doing nothing.” page XV

Quote from “Explaining America”—Garry Wills

Political power is not always associated with wealth. It happens only about 96% of the time in the United States. I am sure one can find mayors of small towns who are not associated with money. This may be a slight exageration. Always keep in mind that 73% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

irishrose · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 10:48 am Post subject:


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