More Thoughts on Inequality

I'm adding "inequality" as its own category, since the issue is heating up again. (Update: category removed.)

-- I do not think the increase in wage, social or asset inequality is up for debate. The jury is back with a verdict, guilty as charged. The spread between wealthy Americans and poor Americans is clearly widening. Where the jury is still deliberating is what should be done, if anything. Of course, my short answer is "nothing." (That's my long answer as well.)

-- It is also clear that, as is promised by open and unplanned societies, purchasing inequality is narrowing. A $17,000 Honda Element takes passengers to and from work with nearly the luxury as an $ 85,000 Range Rover, which costs five times as much. The two cars are virtually identical in terms of safety and the Element actually surpasses the Range Rover in fuel efficiency.

-- Those who doubt my claim that purchasing inequality is narrowing will point to the health care industry. But I also wrote "as is promised by open and unplanned societies." The health care sector is likely the most heavily regulated industry in the country.

-- I have to wonder how much desktop technology is responsible for layoffs, which would depress wages and increase wage inequality. Gone are the days of two-martini executive lunches and handshake agreements over golf. Today an executive can print, mail and fax without leaving his desk. Cell phones, voice mail and electronic calendars have virtually eliminated the need for secretaries. E-mail has largely replaced courier services and the electronic meeting has largely replaced travel. So while the executive is widely reviled in contemporary culture (the corporate scandals early in the decade didn't help), there is no doubt that he is more efficient, and paid for his efficiency.