coberst Posted December 7, 2007 Report Posted December 7, 2007 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? Quote
DougF Posted December 7, 2007 Report Posted December 7, 2007 coberst Status quo: Is it natural or is it plastic? plastic Is it possible to organize a well functioning democracy that does not support a privileged class? I for one would like to see someone like Andrew Jackson run for president again' date=' we could use a president that would be representative of the common man, I don't think a *common* person has much of a chance of winning a election, But if Buffy ran for president I'd vote for her. My definition of a privileged individual is one who was born on “third base”. or born with a silver spoon. Can a democratic society function effectively if no individuals are allowed to inherit great wealth? Well it would level the playing field and maybe take some of the BS out of the campaigning.:rant: Buffy for president /forums/images/smilies/banana_sign.gif Quote
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