It is interesting to contrast the motivating forces behind the Declaration of Independence vs. the French Revolution, which followed a few years later.
In gross terms, the United States came out for equality of OPPORTUNITY. We were all "equal" in political power and prerogatives, but as for success, material possessions, wealth, and power, we had (theoretically) equal opportunity to pursue them, but with no guarantees.
In contrast, the French wanted EQUALITY. Down with the monarchy, down with the aristocracy, let's divide up all the wealth and distributed it evenly, so we have equality.
Obviously, this is a gross generalization, but it serves to illustrate two different ideals.
In recent times in the U.S., we have more and more people calling for EQUALITY. But if we are to pursue equality, it cannot come about without some INJUSTICE. The incomes of successful people must be confiscated to redistribute money to The Poor. Vast collections of jobs and opportunities must set aside for people of questionable qualifications, snatching them away from those who would obtain them by merit.
Seats on corporate boards must be granted to "minorities" and People of Color. Executive positions must be set aside to benefit those who have not earned them through merit. We have long been accustomed to unqualified people taking college admission seats, and colleges reserving highly-compensated bureaucrat slots to people who do essentially nothing. They are identified by the position titles,which contain either "diversity," "inclusion" or both.
Supporting EQUALITY is unAmerican. Sorry.
In gross terms, the United States came out for equality of OPPORTUNITY. We were all "equal" in political power and prerogatives, but as for success, material possessions, wealth, and power, we had (theoretically) equal opportunity to pursue them, but with no guarantees.
In contrast, the French wanted EQUALITY. Down with the monarchy, down with the aristocracy, let's divide up all the wealth and distributed it evenly, so we have equality.
Obviously, this is a gross generalization, but it serves to illustrate two different ideals.
In recent times in the U.S., we have more and more people calling for EQUALITY. But if we are to pursue equality, it cannot come about without some INJUSTICE. The incomes of successful people must be confiscated to redistribute money to The Poor. Vast collections of jobs and opportunities must set aside for people of questionable qualifications, snatching them away from those who would obtain them by merit.
Seats on corporate boards must be granted to "minorities" and People of Color. Executive positions must be set aside to benefit those who have not earned them through merit. We have long been accustomed to unqualified people taking college admission seats, and colleges reserving highly-compensated bureaucrat slots to people who do essentially nothing. They are identified by the position titles,which contain either "diversity," "inclusion" or both.
Supporting EQUALITY is unAmerican. Sorry.
