For instance, the right of way, which is enjoyed by all members of society in equality, should never be differentiated to take into account the contributions different people make to society.
In the case of a traffic jam, society should not provide those who enjoy higher social status with privileges in using the road, excluding of course for exceptions such as convoys for an honoured guest of the State.
It is hardly imaginable that Bill Gates, who makes a colossal economic contribution to the United States, would be provided with police cars blaring sirens so that his smooth passage along the road was guaranteed.
It is equally unimaginable that special lanes could be reserved for dignitaries on Beijing's congested streets.
One question we must face squarely is: Does giving privileges to some members of society mean discriminating against other members and encroaching on their rights?
It should be appreciated that Chinese society is becoming increasingly polarized in terms of social structure. Though this is a normal phenomenon for modern societies, this kind of polarization should be kept within a certain extent.
We are now faced with a pressing question how to prevent the polarization of the rich and poor from slipping into social injustice?
The practice in Jiangsu Province's Kunshan that entrepreneurs pass their judgment on the performance of local officials hints at the potential hazards different economic status changing into differentiated rights for participating in political affairs.
We should at least be clear about two points.
