Reminds me of my joke policy that meets many people's stated goals yet would be universally unpopular: the government should fight inflation by confiscating money from billionaires and then destroying it.

Very nice. That would abrogate the concern that taxing the wealthy is socialist redistribution. Can’t have that accusation if you just burn it!

I dislike adding morals into this discussion. However, there is a real question of whether society in its current state can, in fact, function well. I personally would argue that right now society is very dysfunctional and that dysfunction is primarily benefiting those at the top. And the usual issue with dysfunctional societies is that they tend to fall apart. Now, reasonable person would argue that would not be a good thing even for those on the top of the pile, but clearly no one is scared enough yet.

All I want is balance. That societal balance does not exist now. Hence the tension that seems to be increasing.

I very much agree overall with your observations and points. I do think though that one should always consider moral aspects to policies and decision making since peoples’ lives are affected. Making policy based on economic theory without considering moral aspects seems like a bad idea in general.