I would really rather this not drift off into an unrelated ideological debate. My problem with your arguments on these topics is you seem to blame
the gov't, society, or general environment for these inequalities you perceive. I cant remember you ever advocating any type of self responsibility or accepting that an individual, regardless of their circumstances, are largely responsible for who they are and what they do. That is the disconnect. I feel that everyone has the opportunity in the United States to live a comfortable life. I'm not saying its easy or it will happen for everyone - some people habitually make poor decisions - but the opportunity is there and the path exists. That doesn't mean I'm apathetic or callous towards the poor. There are many ways to help them and fair taxes are a good way to fund those programs.
Here's the thing though. There will always be poor people. Since time immemorium there have been people out there who do not want to contribute and that for whatever reason feel entitled to leech off the system. Once again I'm not talking about all poor people. Thats the way society is. Some people do what theyre supposed to do, they make good decisions and positive contributions to society. Some people are either lazy or degenerates who make terrible decisions and act as a drain on society. Its just the way it is.
What you're advocating is classic communism. The complete redistribution of property until everyone has the same things. A classless society. You call it equality. I call bullshit. You really dont seem to comprehend that some jobs contribute more to society than others. Thats why communism doesnt work. It goes against human nature and the natural order of things. It is a completely impossible "society". You call it a FAIR society. I call it communism.
The reason that someone makes $250,000 in the same time frame as a person making $25,000 is because one job contributes more to keeping the societal engine running. You added on to that comment that the choice for these two hypothetical employees is not theirs. Bullshit. In some cases yes, there may be genetic difference that make one person naturally smarter than the other. That does not mean that the less intelligent person is forced to work for minimum wage in a brainless job. You may not be booksmart, but you can learn a trade, develop some other type of skill, and make a contribution to society that is worth more than that $25k. That person still may not be able to make $250k, but they can develop a skill and earn enough to live comfortably. It absolutely is a choice for the vast majority of people.
Everyone has the opportunity in the United States to earn enough money to put a roof over their head and food on the table. Anything else is a luxury. Why is it that some people have to sacrifice their luxury and other do not in your model?
Communism does not work.