This world is full of dualities. One is based on merit. We can be rewarded on merit, or not. If we are not rewarded on merit, there must be an authority with the power to exploit those with merit to benefit the undeserving. There is no other alternative. If there is no corruption or political agenda there is a free market. Everyone is earning what they spend. Thus, everyone is getting what they earn, that is all a meritocracy is. The Meritocratic Manifesto is an explanation on how to form a meritocracy and eliminate the regulatory state and usher in a free market.
