At work we are using Polymer / Web Components since version 0.5 and have been enjoying it's structured approach. I was skeptical at first to use html tags to add data models, AJAX requests and non-visual parts of a web app. After the initial shock though it does result in more declarative code and helps our codebase stay organized. Long term, the investment in web components makes sense as they become standard and native to most web browsers.
"So an unequal economy is less robust, productive, and stable than it otherwise would be."
Given this is true and Stiglitz is correct, the inverse may also be true: An economy that is less robust, less productive and less stable becomes more unequal. This would create a positive feedback loop, which may seem dismal. However if thats the case then strategies and actions that break the loop by improving robustness, productivity, and stability of the economies of individuals, groups and organizations may prove effective. Examples include skills training to become more robust, infrastructure investments to improve productivity, and orienting choices to improve stability could be implemented from the individual up to global scale. Simple redistribution may prove less effective.
America was set up by the elite for the elite, that's what liberal democracy more or less means protection of the minority from the majority so that they may prosper and create jobs for the masses who can then get a piece. It was a bunch of rich people who no longer wanted to pay taxes. So as they say, "good luck with that". What should be more often than not never is because the power structures keep things going a certain way and are hard to challenge unless the system is designed from its inception for that.
As the system is running, the next thing is automation which is a junction where you can challenge power but it's already seeming like that's also going to go to the wealthy. They own the capital, they make the entire machine run. They are in a word, "untouchable".
At best it seems like we'll get a compromise where we will be given a minimum income to live our menial lives with a very low level of income. But then again you don't need things to be happy. You just need time and enough resources for an relatively easy life.
