Equality of Opportunity Versus Equality of Results

Marisa, another way, a traditional way, of describing the founding mindset of our country goes this way:  Equality of opportunity but not equality of results.  This reflects the need for a strong work ethic as the pioneers laid the foundations for our country.  They could not afford to carry huge welfare case loads, so each person needed to work, seize opportunity.  Today, we guarantee outcomes, result, whether folks work or not.  I share this perspective as a balance to Borgmann's condemntation of prosperity as an enemy of equality.  Prosperity does not occur automatically.  Somebody has to produce the goods, services that create the prosperity.  This requires a work ethic.  As the Bible puts it, "If any would not work, neither should he eat."  If you work, of course, a fair outcome, result, prosperity should be your reward, which is why I support and have beloned to labor unions during my career.  In short, this writer sees no contradiction between equality of opportunity and prosperity, provided people all willing to work to seize the opportunity.  Thanks for sparking this reflection.  Hopefully it helps to do some justice to our historical roots.  Dr. Rux