Equality is an impossible goal

Pope Francis, more progressive, accessible and humble than his predecessors, often rails against inequality and chastises the “elite,” while the church hierarchy continues to regard women as “subordinates” and retains extensive wealth that could be divested to assist the poor.

If we are indeed part of an intelligent design; it is flawed. In addition to gender, racial, ethnic and economic barriers to surmount, physical and intellectual potential varies widely at birth. Many simply cannot achieve “equality” due to natural limitations, regardless of altruistic and monetary intervention.

While we can improve our environment, promote education, protect the infirm and shelter the homeless and mentally ill, we cannot eliminate birth disparity. Even here, in our culturally diverse nation committed to providing opportunity for all, there are those unable to achieve parity, in spite of compassionate humanitarian attempts to be all-inclusive.

This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 8:03 AM with the headline "Equality is an impossible goal."