Stephen Tempest

Subject: Re. [I] Forms of Government
Date: 21 Feb 2000

Barry Vaughan writes:

>Redistribution of wealth is not a noble or humanitarian policy,
>voluntary gifts may well be, but at a government level it's
>just legalised theft.

>The idea of equality of opportunity is a much nobler goal.
>That anyone can become whatever they want through their
>talents and hard work regardless of their social status
>at birth.

That's what I used to think too... The problem is, equality of opportunity doesn't work unless you have at least some redistribution of wealth as well.

If my rich parents have the means and opportunity to pay for an excellent education for me, and your poor parents don't have the same chance, do we have equality of opportunity?

If I'm well-fed, well-housed and well-clothed, and you suffer chronic health problems due to the poor quality of your living environment, do we have equality of opportunity?

If we're both running a race, which is the same distance for both of us, but you're starting at the bottom of a deep pit, do we have equality of opportunity?

I can't remember the source of the quote (I'm sure someone will ;) ), but:

"the doors of the Ritz hotel are open to rich and poor alike"

Stephen

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