[rhcom2]

I think #1 is a common American thought but without any evidence. It takes no aptitude or intelligence to inherit money.

And #2 just sounds like a rephrasing of trickle down economics, which is economically questionable at best.

[rich-and-poor]

Well what other "economics" are there if not "trickle-down" economics? How else, exactly, does wealth get from the rich to the poor if not through employment?

[jtolmar]

> How else, exactly, does wealth get from the rich to the poor if not through employment?

Taxes.

> Well what other "economics" are there if not "trickle-down" economics?

If the people have money you can make money by making things they want and selling to them.