Liberalism 101

I hold this truth to be self-evident, that all men are created unequal. Unequal in ability. Unequal in strength. Unequal in intelligence. Unequal in opportunity. Unequal in drive and determination. Vastly unequal.

Most people want to believe that they earned and deserve the things which they have. Circumstances may be to blame for the things they don’t have or that they’ve lost; but whatever they have, they damn well earned. But the truth of the matter is that we are all born with unequal opportunity.

America in the 21st century, perhaps more than any other place in any other time, is a place where status, class and security are achieved by success. Americans tend to see this as perhaps the greatest strength of our system. Indeed it is far superior to aristocracy or any other class-based system. But, despite what the successful among us may believe, it remains imperfect. And thus it remains our responsibility to try to improve it.

A good first step would be for people to try to recognize the gifts and good fortune that have led to their own successes, and to try to see the obstacles and obstructions that have prevented equal success in others. Then, perhaps, we will be more inclined to share our good fortunes and to work toward a system that doesn’t harshly punish people for a lack of good fortune.

One of the great things about our system is the incentive that is provided by knowing that success is possible through hard work. The wherewithal to acquire security and material possessions is available to anyone with the talent and work ethic to be successful. It’s not a divine right and it’s not something that you’re born into. This possibility of success squeezes the most out of our work force, allowing America to be a highly productive society. This isn’t a good thing, it’s a great thing. To be celebrated and preserved.

But we must not be smug about our own success and callous about the struggles of others. Even those without the gifts to be wildly successful deserve a minimum level of security and dignity. This will require those that achieve success to share with everyone else. Furthermore, you can’t decide with whom you will share and whom you will allow to suffer. A just society will not make these decisions based upon race, color, or creed, or any of the other things that divide us.

The only way that I know to fairly provide a minimum level of security for all is to have the government administer it. And yes, it must be funded by taxes. We have to tax the successful on a graduating scale to insure that all have access to food, clothing, housing, education, and medical attention.

This is necessary for a civilized society.