For myself and everyone I know — we weren’t handed a “grub-stake”. I don’t know anyone who grew up with wealthy parents. Everybody worked and lived *below* their means.
I call “BULL-BUTTER” on this article. It seems to go into every possible racial aspect to explain the gap. Yet it never pauses to reflect on decision-making skills.
I left home and entered the service with the clothes on my back, along with two changes of clothes and a shaving kit in a small duffle. I had emptied out my bank account (earned working) and had it in my wallet (less than $100).
From that point on, I neither asked for, nor was given any financial support or advice from my family. It was all me. It was the things I learned, the decisions I made and the deals I negotiated. I am where I am, not because of the color of my skin but because of my ability, drive and courage to seize opportunities that I spotted. No-one has ever come to me offering anything; I’ve had to see the opportunity and go after it.
And get this: I don’t have any personal friends — regardless of race — who are much (if any) different from me. Everyone I know is self-made, doing well and happy.
If there is someone who has *consistently* chosen poorly, or couldn’t spot an opportunity if you slapped them upside the head with it, I don’t see how they can blame that on their race. Everyone makes bad decisions. Those who survive & thrive *learn* from them. Those who can’t seem to get it together will fail. It’s an indisputable fact of the human condition.
How about those race-hustlers start with tearing down the hip-hop culture that glorifies thug-life? How about preaching self-responsibility? How about belittling “ebonics”, dragging pants & instant-gratification and glorifying living below your means, saving your pennies and freely-given mutual respect? Just for starters.
I guess I’m just a “racist”.
Obama said 'They didn't build that', apparently a majority agreed. And that is why it is so important to point out the difference of makes vs takers.
Obama ignore that a major majority of the funding for government to build the infrastructure (and hence benefited you) came from makers, and where is the inequality of that?