What is the worst neighborhood in America.
The very worst.
Is it in the US capital, or is it in Detroit? Perhaps it is in the South Bronx of New York, or the Projects of Chicago. Or perhaps in Watts in Los Angeles.
Let us stipulate to the worst neighborhood in the US.
And then let us compare that to the worst neighborhood in France. Perhaps Clichy? Aubervilliers? Bondy?
I want to focus on the very bottom of the bottom, because children are born into that in both places, and none of us choises the circonstances of his birth.
It is down there that the difference between France's social solidarity and America's is most stark.
Certainly the cost of the difference down there accounts for some - although not all - of the difference between Americans and French when one nears the upper parts of the economic scale.
But that is where we need to start.
"I want to focus on the very bottom of the bottom, because children are born into that in both places, and none of us choises the circonstances of his birth.
It is down there that the difference between France's social solidarity and America's is most stark.
Certainly the cost of the difference down there accounts for some - although not all - of the difference between Americans and French when one nears the upper parts of the economic scale.
But that is where we need to start. "
The difference is opportunity, and of course, the work ethic. The immigrant family in the Bronx working 3 jobs will work hard , and save enough and send their children to the best schools they can get into. In 2 generations, they will be professionals, lawyers, doctors, engineers and teachers.
Look at someone like Mario Cuomo, not my favorite politico, but a good example. His parents came here from Italy and were illiterate in their own language. The worked hard, knew the importance of a good education, and inculcated those values to their children. Mario worked summers and after school and went to College, and then tpo Law School, and a career as an attorney before being elected Governor of NY. His children are now doctors, lawyers, and journalists.
My shoemaker... the same story, came from Russia 25 years ago to escape religious and political persecution. He worked 70 hours a week, and built an excellent business.
His daughter was graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. His son the same.
That sort of opportunity and social mobility is not available in France. If you are the son of a butcher.... you are not going to be a lawyer, doctor or President. You will be a butcher, most likely.
It is called THE AMERICAN DREAM. And the reason so many generations have believed in it is because they know it is true. True for their parents and grandparents, true for the, and true for their children. The French ridicule this. It is amazing what strong values, determination, and hard work can accomplish here.