Lynn, there is unfairness in the system, but that fairness lies primarily in insufficient support for those who wish to better themselves.  Society needs to reward those who create opportunity.   We must hang out the carrot to motivate innovation, starting companies, producing inventions and literature.  At the same time, and this is where we fail, we must support education and training for those who want to advance.  Yes, probably the extremes between rich and poor are too large.  But the difference is necessary to motivate productive behavior.