I was interested by a simple survey run by the Archbridge Institute on attitudes regarding inequality vs. opportunity, and  equality vs. equity issues. 

Reducing inequality, “there should be no Billionaires” is only the top issue for a quarter of people. Equality of opportunity, and help for those on the bottom garner about 60%. The demographic consistency is interesting. Yes, the young and the credentialed skew more left — our education system is passing on its values. But not nearly as much as you’d think. Minorities are not much different than the rest. Redistributionist opinions are a bit of a luxury belief, but again not as much as you’d think. 

The meaning of “equality,” the founding concept of our nation (Jefferson) is even more stark. Equity — end up in the same place — scores dismally. Even starting in the same place scores dismally. Extra help for the disadvantaged, something I would choose as #2 goal, scores dismally. “Equality before the law and people have a fair chance to pursue opportunity regardless of where they started” is the overwhelming winner. Again, the demographic consistency is even more surprising. And heart-warming.

What is the best way to get ahead economically? Employment, college degree, and family and social support completely drown out even the fable of “well-designed” government assistance programs. 

The report goes on like this, with a nice executive summary. 

Even around Hoover, I hear passed along a conventional wisdom: Income inequality is a Huge Problem. It will lead to social and political unrest. “We” must do something about it or our country will fall apart. 

Not, apparently, according to vast quantities of survey respondents, and voters. Opportunity remains a problem in the US, and if I were to design something to appeal to these survey respondents, that’s the word I would be using.