Democracia Material

Sobre o argumento da igualdade material, sucitado algumas vezes durante a discussão do grupo sobre a Democracia, deixo este trecho do livro Myths of Rich and Poor, falando sobre os Estados Unidos da América:

"America isn't an egalitarian society. It wasn't designed to be. Socialism, a failed and receding system, sought to impose an artificial equality. Capitalism, a successful and expanding system, doesn't fight a fundamental fact of human nature–we vary greatly in capabilities, motivation, interests, and preferences. Some of us are driven to get ahead. Some of us are just plain lazy. Some of us are willing to work hard so we can afford a lifestyle rich in material goods. Some of us work just hard enough to provide a roof overhead, food, clothes, and a few amenities. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that our incomes vary greatly." (COX, Michael; ALM, Richard, Myths of Rich and Poor, New York: Basic Books, 1999, p. 23)