[427sharpe]

Some of this conversation has been intriguing, but a simple piece has been puzzling me. In all the give-and-take, it seems to be assumed by some that the American ideal assures equal outcomes. Why is this so? Where did this assumption come from? IF all will recall, the seminal American document assures "Life, Liberty, and the PURSUIT of happiness." At no time did ANY allusion to assured wealth, life, or happiness get a mention. Why? Because the founding fathers knew that to be successful, it required hard work, dedication, and yes, a lot of luck. Why should we assume that income should be redistributed to 'balance' the scales? Certainly those scales were much further out of balance than today! I have NO problem with Gates, Ford, or anyone else getting huge sums of $...because I want to work to become one of them! Before anyone starts handwringing and gnashing teeth over the plight of the poor, show me what they do to help themselves first! Do they pursue education? Do they keep family units intact to foster better environments? If they do, help them as financially possible! If they don't; screw them because feeding, clothing, and sheltering the shiftless is draining funds from the truly needy and worthy while dragging our society into the toilet.