Because Behrou jan, the above is cognitive dissonance. No person who bases their values on conservative/libertarian economics cares directly for the rich nor is it a system [just] for the rich. It benefits the rich because they tend to be the most economically active, and that kind of system gives them even more incentive to be active. On the other hand, it also benefits anyone who takes upon themselves to show a greater level of responsibility.
I think the problem is something Behrooz touched upon: even though a lot of socialistic programs are based on good intentions or are seen as "no big deal"...they open up a pandora's box creating even more havoc. What becomes a helpful aid is now an expectation and a right. That's where a lot of misplaced anger resides and where a lot of politicians do a good job tapping up for votes.
I think the problem is something Behrooz touched upon: even though a lot of socialistic programs are based on good intentions or are seen as "no big deal"...they open up a pandora's box creating even more havoc. What becomes a helpful aid is now an expectation and a right. That's where a lot of misplaced anger resides and where a lot of politicians do a good job tapping up for votes.
I'm also 90% (or more ) with you on the 1st paragraph. My issue with the system is not about being economically active - I think to some extent everyone who works is economically active, but the gap between the average salaries in corporations and the CEO's has been consistently going up in the Western world. And again, I don't have an issue with "responsible" leadership, but greed and stupid leadership - which led us to the financial crisis in 2008 and most Euro countries are still struggling with that.
My only other issue with the system is the tax loopholes that are available to the super rich and big corporations that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, for people like us to take advantage of - reducing their effective tax rate and therefore resulting in an unfair and unequal contribution compared to the middle and upper middle class. Don't know if you saw this article from a few days ago, but it's definitely worth reading (I was going to post it earlier in this thread, but forgot!):
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/04/12/uk-eu-tax-vanrompuy-idUKBRE93B0R520130412
Just goes to show the extent of the problem when all Euro zone bailouts (being paid for by the middle class) are in the 0.5 trillion range and uncollected taxes are double that!