How many Soviet republics were there?

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Gur;85310

The main goal of most modern democracies is to create a society with equal STARTING opportunities, i.e., a society where everyone can become a janitor or a president.

If you really think so, then I sincerely feel sorry for you. People have never had, do not have, and will never have equal opportunities.

Added 9 minutes later

Gur;85272

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Sage, a question for thought. In the city where I was born and live, there is an ice cream Factory. The financial condition of this enterprise leaves much to be desired. Every month, the employees of this organization take out several tons of ice cream.
Hence the question. What is the cause and what is the effect in this situation: is the enterprise performing poorly because its employees are stealing, or are the employees stealing because the enterprise is functioning poorly?

The enterprise is functioning poorly, and that's why they are stealing; in particular, the security guards don't care, and apparently, the director doesn't either. If it were functioning normally, those who attempted to steal products would be punished with a fine/dismissal.

Твой дом там, где твоё сердце.
Все люди - братья, но в каждом из нас спит волк.