2013
PRINCETON, NJ — Fewer Americans believe there is “plenty of opportunity” to get ahead in America today than have said so across three previous measurement points over the last 59 years. A bare majority (52%) say the country has plenty of economic opportunity, down from 57% in 2011 and more substantially from 81% in 1998.
via In U.S., Fewer Believe "Plenty of Opportunity" to Get Ahead.
Is there any wonder that after five plus years of hearing about the 1%, fair share and being to made feel victims of business, the wealthy and anything other than politicians, people would feel this way? We have been inundated with a message of class warfare of one kind or another. We no longer hear about opportunity nor are we encouraged to do anything except seek out the next thing we deserve that’s free or to which we are entitled or that’s affordable because of government subsidies. We are gradually being coerced into looking toward government as the solution to every problem from preventing pregnancy to paying off the mortgage on a house we never could afford. There may be many victims in America, but of their own actions, inactions, poor or lack of decisions.
If there is little opportunity in America there should not be an immigration problem. Who would want to come here?
Opportunity may be different than in the past, the world is different, the United States in the world is different. Opportunity must be sought within a new global environment. Global competition and technology are limiting old opportunities and creating new ones. An individual can create his or own opportunity today sitting at computer without leaving their home.
I just was in a store that was selling a record player, it plays 45s, 33s and 78s (hope you know what that means). What a crazy idea, who plays records or knows what they are? Well, the rest of the story is the same player moves the content of old records (and cassettes) to a CD, your laptop or mobile device … an opportunity! In a short period the CD and DVD will be history as with the PC and on to the next opportunity.
Opportunity may require reeducation, a second job, risk, moving or simply sticking to something longer than you like or putting in more hours at work than you would like or doing with less than you would like to have … none of which are anything new.
Opportunity does and always has required a can do attitude, not can you do for me. Our political leaders discourage the former and lure us into promises of the latter with never ending dependency the result. And with the expectation the promises will be paid for by someone else. Isn’t it strange that the wealthy can be counted on to pay for the rest of us who have limited opportunity … where did they get their opportunity?
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 