Status quo: Is it natural or is it plastic?

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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?

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I disagree. I think that a democratic society does not require a great gap in wealth between the top and the bottom in order to be successful. It is a unique idea but I think it could well work.

“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

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Plastic.