One To Five?

[redpaintednavi]

Originally Posted by Aihwa

Tell that to Sam Walton and Ray Croc. Or Bill Gates. Or Steve Jobs. Or... Most of the rich guys.

You've just now stopped describing communism, and moved back into socialism, you're 5:1 ratio, the basis of the thread, is pure communism. If you want to talk about social programs to provide a base level of living for those willing to work, feel free, but you can't limit the ceiling.

5:1 is not pure communism, it can be obtained also with democratic reforms (even if it might take some time). If a society shall be really functional and sustainable there must be a limit of inequality.

Also studies show that innovation and will to work actually increases with a higher degree of equality.

Just look at the USA, of the 20 rich industrial countries studied by Wilkinson and Picket USA is one of the most inequal societies. It is also one of the most dysfunctional. Concerning many parameters it is actually the most dysfunctional and it is also the society that has the lowest degree of social mobility.