Socialism attempts to take that a step farther and ensure economic equality. That is, of course, a step too far, and can never be achieved.
My opinion of "Democracy" is the same as that of James Madison, widely labeled as the "Father of the Constitution." Like Madison, I favor the rule of legal principles, not counting the noses of the mob.
Let me go a step further. The idea of "social equality" is as absurd a goal as is "economic equality," and for precisely parallel reasons. Just as an economic leveling denies productive families the fruits of their unique labor and ingenuity; so social eguality would deny those families the legitimate consequences of their behavior down through the generations. Socialism stifles material incentives; and social egalitarians stifle cultural, moral & spiritual incentives.
As the cultural, moral & spiritual may ultimately be more important than the material, social egalitarianism may have a more disastrous effect on a people, in the long-run.
I would suggest to you, that Americans have never embraced social egalitarianism. What we have embraced, particularly in the Old South & West, was an appreciation of the importance of mutual respect among all productive elements of a healthy community. What is destroying America today, is a blame & envy culture, which over-turns that concept of mutual respect, and reduces us to seething jealousy & antagonism.
See Blame & Envy.
William Flax
I’m afraid we’re going to have to disagree on the family class thing. People should be judged on their own individual behavior and character, not that of their relatives or ancestors.
Attainment of family wealth and social status, even for several generations, does not necessarily connote a family culture of integrity. As numerous families in this country, such as the Kennedys, and many aristocratic lineages of Europe demonstrate beyond all doubt.
Personally, I try to treat all people with the same presumption of decency and honor until it is demonstrated that they deserve to be treated otherwise.
Americans far too often make value judgments of others based on their perceived degree of financial success. My Dad taught me to believe that all honest work is honorable.