While that's true, it doesn't take into account, I think, human nature. One thing the Islamists seem to get, as with the communists, is that envy and/or the perception that one isn't getting their “fair share” is damned powerful. Powerful enough to lead people to rebel even against their own self interest. I
don't think this aspect of human nature, as it relates to preserving a capitalist society in an age of wide open communication and the clash of cultures, is properly appreciated by conservative writers and thinkers. It's not that the facts are wrong, but they don't work as much of a convincing argument with regard to the people who really need convincing it sometimes seems.
This country is unique because one is not stuck in the social class they were born into if they work hard, get an education, and make good choices. That’s how I grew up to think. I was taught personal responsibility, not getting a “fair share”.
An English boy and an American boy saw a new BMW drive by. The English said, “when I grow up I want to make sure no one can have nice cars like that”. The American said, “When I grow up I want to have a nice car like that”.