Do you remember a few years ago when the top five research universities in Canada submitted a proposal suggesting the federal government should focus its research spending in the top five? The argument was that Canada is competing with the top universities around the world for research $$ and talent and we should focus all of our effort where we had the greatest capacity to compete.
Like everything, society is a balancing game. Many powerful people believe that power should beget power, and many people at the bottom of the power scale believe that power is evil and society should level the field by tilting it against the powerful. In a democracy we have the opportunity to find an equilibrium that works, and when one looks around the world democracy is its own reward, giving opportunity to everyone who makes an effort, but still supporting those who can't find their way. Some call it socialism, but balance is a better word. And as long as our democratically balanced socialist society continues to work toward equity, we will grow and prosper. My children are more capable than I am, and my grandchildren are more capable than their parents because our society has given them the opportunity to grow. Equal opportunity doesn't exist; privilege and advantage will always favor the strong, but an opportunity is there for everyone and hard work trumps talent.
Like everything, society is a balancing game. Many powerful people believe that power should beget power, and many people at the bottom of the power scale believe that power is evil and society should level the field by tilting it against the powerful. In a democracy we have the opportunity to find an equilibrium that works, and when one looks around the world democracy is its own reward, giving opportunity to everyone who makes an effort, but still supporting those who can't find their way. Some call it socialism, but balance is a better word. And as long as our democratically balanced socialist society continues to work toward equity, we will grow and prosper. My children are more capable than I am, and my grandchildren are more capable than their parents because our society has given them the opportunity to grow. Equal opportunity doesn't exist; privilege and advantage will always favor the strong, but an opportunity is there for everyone and hard work trumps talent.