Meritocracy is a society where people are compensated based on their talents, accomplishments, and effort. They also take positions of power and leadership. There is much to be praised by it, but it needs to be tempered or it degrades into narcism. People who lack their great talents, abilities, and successes have a right to enjoy their due fruits of society’s wealth and resources. This is especially true for us with developmental disabilities. So many of us are unemployed and live off SSI in poverty. We are offended by conspicuous displays of wealth and status. We have simple wants and needs and just want to live out our lives with grace, dignity, and poise. We are asking for compassion, empathy, and understanding, and some sort of access to the American dream.