That's really unfortunate, and results in a lot of non-self-aware political bickering.
For an overview and references, see:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth_of_meritocracy
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy#Meritocracy_trap
Most objections to progressive policies boil down to the idea that the more fortunate people deserve what they have, and that redistribution would make less fortunate people not work as hard. In other words, the world is unfair because of "hand-wavy general incentives".
I am aware that second paragraph was not a great steel-man, and there are many variants and nuances of these positions, but generally the implicit assumption is that we have good (I did not say perfect) vertical mobility, when in reality this is not usually the case.
> believing where they are due to well executed systemic conspiracies rather than their mistakes, missteps, or a simple lack of motivation or ability
the implication certainly is that if you don't make mistakes, missteps, work hard and have talent - in other words if you are full of merit - you'll assuredly end up in a good place
sounds like saying we live in a meritocracy
I am one of those people who certainly missed the boat due to my own missteps, mistakes, lack of motivation
But let's talk about those who don't/didn't have the favourable circumstances and opportunities I had/have
Is not being able to afford / be-accepted-for a life changing college degree that person's fault 50% of the time ? is it their parents' fault ? is it the grandparents' fault that the parents weren't better off ? if so ... where does this blame game stop ? at some point govt/society needs to step in and give you a boost regardless of your background
debatably, inheritance & land ownership are well executed systemic conspiracies
mistakes, missteps, lack of motivation, are all fine - but "lack of ability" ? you're arguing against yourself there - if there is such a thing as lack of ability - that's certainly a terrible reason to disqualify a person from having their basic needs met
I think this is a good point. Nobody should be disqualified, and there are in fact many programs available to help people achieve their personal best.
Community college is an excellent stepping stone, as are vocational training programs. These are available in some states at a very low cost.
There is self-affirmation in achieving completion of any project, and completion of a training program that enables one to work, to create, to contribute and to develop self-agency is a wonderful thing to do.
I’m not sure what kind of society you are arguing against, because it’s not the one we have.