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> helping the disadvantaged raises the mean level

In the future. And even then, not necessarily. So for those advantaged it looks a lot like a forced investment of dubious profitability. Of course they oppose it.

> A rising tide lifts all boats

It has been shown several times that no, this doesn't necessarily work in economics, it is entirely possible that the rising tide will only lift the boats of the rich.

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Sure, it's tricky to get it right, and we've already discovered a lot of ways to get it wrong. I still think it's a worthy goal.

Directing resources to those already best-placed to use them is tempting, but taking it to its logical conclusion only perpetuates "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer." That, by itself, is a recipe for collapse over the long-term.

Again, without even touching on the moral aspects.

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