“To me, the entire thing is based on the concept that an equal distribution of income is a good thing.”
First, I am not making their argument. But, most of those arguing against what they see as income “disparity” do not make arguments for “equal distribution of income” on the micro-economic level.
There usual argument is that there should not be gaps as big as they are between the income levels most people fit into - that some have “outrageously high” income levels to a great many who have “extremely low” income levels. FROM THEIR jaundiced perspective. In their view the “highs” would not be quite as distant from the “lows”. Like I said in another post, the socialist view today is to “flatten the curve”.
Of course they cannot get enough for the state out of the top whatever % of income earners, so while they shoot for higher wages on the lower levels, they regulate higher taxes on everyone, usually leaving less in the pocket of everyone than without all the “help” from socialism.
I have no problem with huge gaps in income levels, however one wants to measure it. 99% of the time, those income gaps are of their own doing through bad choices. (The exception are those who are physically and mentally handicapped that really do need help.) There are all kinds of educational opportunities out there for people of all income levels, especially the young. I have a friend whose son just got out of the Air Force and he’s making more per year than I ever made as a university professor. The military is probably one of the most overlooked educational opportunities available.