What's your definition of a meritocracy then?

There's going to be nepotism and other unfair advantages anywhere in life, but I'm only interested in where a natural born programmer with a computer, some time after school, and not much else can end up. I think in the majority of cases this person can at least get an in somewhere, and once you have an in in tech, you'll be recognized by your team/manager if you do great work.

This is all made easier if there's free community college, good social safety nets, etc. which I fully support.