I think the point is that some start with an advantage when it comes to earning merit because by luck of birth they were born to parents with a lot of wealth.

I don't think you can have a truly meritocratic system unless everyone starts on a level playing field with the same access to resources. That is not a system that exists anywhere on this planet.

To achieve that you need to implement some kind of Harrison Bergeron system.

> a truly meritocratic system

only if you twist what you mean by meritocracy to mean equality.

Why don't you apply that exact same argument but to sports and athletics? People born with superior genes do perform better (ala, tall people in basketball).

Merit doesn't mean everyone starts at the same spot. Merit means your outcome is determined by how good you are at it - no matter how you get to become that good.

The whole point is that only some of those engaging in anti-social behaviour recieve punishment.

Right. People who only intermittently engage in such behaviors should be treated differently than people who consistently engage in them.

Tres Commas!

People still tune in to watch Alex Jones. I wouldn't hold my breath.

I have had the opposite experience living in the south. The cars with the most bumper sticks around here are owned by conservatives. Today I saw a truck with a US flag in place of its tailgate, "I back the blue" painted on the rear windshield, a Trump sticker, a sticker that said "Don't steal! The government hates competition." and more.

Controlling shares are owned by Vanguard and BlackRock. I would not consider either to be progressive.

They didn't say either of those things. What they said is that you can say no and not accept contributions without being a toxic asshat.

You can do it the first couple thousand times. After that it just becomes harder and harder to be sociable.

Would you still be so nice after doing it the ten thousandth time?

Same in my house. :D

I have yet to see anyone attack you, here or in any of the links people have provided. I don't know all the history of your interactions with these people, but it feels like you are playing the victim without cause.