Obviously this will be my opinion....and likely but "all men are created equal" stands for me, as at time of birth we are all the same with regards to our possible contribution to society...many a great person rose from an unprivileged background. However, social advantages such as country of birth, parents and their wealth etc, all serve to offer us greater stepping stones to achieving our full potential.
I admit that my opinion is one of those speculative, "it could happen" type of approaches and that has ruffled a lot of feathers as many have seen this as crazy talk...but then they said that about George Orwell's novel 1984, regarding big brother scenario's of society, and these days we each appear on CCTV many, many times a day. I think I read it was an average of 200 per person, but I can't substantiate that exact figure as it was an old report - however, it is still a lot..we all know how many CCTV cameras and ANPR/Gatso's there are. However, the premise is still there, even when it was seen as total fiction not that long ago. My job in some ways is design based and a lot of what seems impossible to many, I strive to make possible....a guitar made from a washing machine drum...? No problem, I'll certainly try and make it happen.
I guess this leaves me to have an open mind, albeit a suspicious one of authority whether that be commercial, political or otherwise. I have never gelled well with authority which is why I have worked for myself since I was 18 as it was a constant clash until that point.
I accept that certain opinions are driven by knowledge, but equally, and certainly in modern society, I think opinions are driven by media, perception, image and popularity, so in effect we're both correct (again my opinion).
Politics obviously forms 2 or more opinions, by it's very existence as people rarely agree about everything. Waterways politics seem to have the same split opinions and this causes tensions, especially when someone has a different opinion to the usual ones....but that's also how the "side" parties in politics pick up a number of votes. Being in the minority leaves you open to the majority attacking your ideas or perception of the future.....
Anyway, that's my tuppence worth and as a minority view, I am used to being cajoled and attacked.