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?

So you are saying that you wish to create a meritocracy where children do not inherit their family`s fortunes?

An interesting idea, and one that I have thought of before. How do you propose it would work?

Yes. Just instate a 100% estate tax on estates greater than 10 million Euros. You can't take it with you and you can pass on only 10 million. I think that would be fair enough. The excess tax revenue can be used to educate the poor.

Just off the top of my head I would say that no more than one million dollars could 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.

So we came from "lets make it fair for everyone" to "lets discriminate against the rich"?

Tsk.

No, it's more like "lets discriminate against the dead rich." Let them enjoy it while they live, but let them help society when they die.

Denied.

You want to be fair, you be fair to everybody. Don't go around spewing crap about fairness if you're just jealous that someone has more money.

Fairness requires that the privileged acknowledge the source of their wealth: other people.

I am as rich as I want to be. If obtaining more wealth than most were my object, I would have become a businessman. I have a good marriage, children in college, friends, knowledge, and health, and enough money to do the things I want. Asking that others be fair is not a sign of jealousy!