The comment was off-hand but identifies the dilemma. It is not feasible to give equal opportunity. We must choose and thus train an elite who will take care of the rest. They will benefit through the trickle-down theory. All people can learn.
All people have contributions to make.
We have a responsibility and an opportunity to give every person the chance to make a contribution. The criterion for inclusion is breathing, not IQ, income, colour, race, sex or language. They can't learn. They don't know what's best for them. It can't be done.