I truely believe that any motivated hard working person in this country can be sucessful.

I truely believe that any motivated hard working person in this country can be sucessful.

 

But can they have the same success? Are we truly equal? Can I be Michael Phelps (or a female equivalent) if I work hard? Can a person with an IQ of 90 be the next Bill Gates? Surely innate ability and genetic predisposition are factors that show that we do not have a level playing field.

 

I am not denying that anyone can't be successful, but they certain can't have the same successes.

But can they have the same success? Are we truly equal? Can I be Michael Phelps (or a female equivalent) if I work hard? Can a person with an IQ of 90 be the next Bill Gates? Surely innate ability and genetic predisposition are factors that show that we do not have a level playing field.

 

I am not denying that anyone can't be successful, but they certain can't have the same successes.

That isn't an apples to apples comparison. Equality of opportunity in the United States doesn't have anything to do with IQ or natural ability.

That isn't an apples to apples comparison. Equality of opportunity in the United States doesn't have anything to do with IQ or natural ability.

 

So I have the same ability as Michael Phelps to be an Olympic swimmer? Of course not.

 

Give me what you consider an apples to apples comparison in this instance.

So I have the same ability as Michael Phelps to be an Olympic swimmer? Of course not.

 

Give me what you consider an apples to apples comparison in this instance.

 

 

Agreed, in the sense that a competitive swimmer requires at the very least a pool membership and coaching--two things that may not be available to a child coming from a family that cannot afford such things. Therein, that child's opportunity to become an olympic swimmer is certainly not equal to that of a child who comes from a more affluent family.

 

As this scenario shows, money sure does buy a lot of opportunity.

Agreed, in the sense that a competitive swimmer requires at the very least a pool membership and coaching--two things that may not be available to a child coming from a family that cannot afford such things. Therein, that child's opportunity to become an olympic swimmer is certainly not equal to that of a child who comes from a more affluent family.

 

As this scenario shows, money sure does buy a lot of opportunity.

 

 

I think the same applies with educational opportunities as well.

 

A child can be of very high intellect and be in any number of circumstances.

 

But one can't say that the child who goes to an underperforming school has the same opportunities as a child who's parents can afford private school. I'm not saying the child who's parents can afford to give them private schooling is in any way unfair. But, to say that the same opportunities exist for all is not correct, IMO.

So when Obama and the democrats in congress change some policies, with which you disagree will YOU then have a disgustingly poor view of America?

 

Again, come into my school building and tell all of my kids that they have had the SAME opportunities that my two family children have had. After they quit laughing, they will cuss you, as they are prone to do, and tell you that they have not had the same opportunities.

 

But isn't it the Parents that need to make better options available? There has to be a commitment by parents to make life options better for there children. It is called responsibility. JMO.

But isn't it the Parents that need to make better options available? There has to be a commitment by parents to make life options better for there children. It is called responsibility. JMO.

 

 

You may be correct.

 

But to make a blanket statement that there is equal opportunity for all is not correct. There is no such thing. It's a great idea, and some would say socialistic. :sssh: But there is no such thing. There may be greater opportunities in America for all, but there are still not equal opportunities for all.

But can they have the same success? Are we truly equal? Can I be Michael Phelps (or a female equivalent) if I work hard? Can a person with an IQ of 90 be the next Bill Gates? Surely innate ability and genetic predisposition are factors that show that we do not have a level playing field.

 

I am not denying that anyone can't be successful, but they certain can't have the same successes.

 

That's a huge reach. So I'm not Shaq, please I'm crushed.

But isn't it the Parents that need to make better options available? There has to be a commitment by parents to make life options better for there children. It is called responsibility. JMO.

 

I'm with you.

 

My sons all went to public schools. Didn't stop any of them from going to college or Med school.

 

I don't deny that private schools are better in a lot of ways. But I also think that the parents who put their kids in private schools pay much more attention to their kids education. Kids CAN get a good education in the public school system, we as parents have to make sure they perform and their school performs. My boys were Governor's scholars, because we pushed them and instilled values in them to push themselves. Quality education is available, people have to want it.

 

Mrs CWF and I both came from nothing but hard working parents with high hopes. We were the first in each of our families to go to college.

But can they have the same success? Are we truly equal? Can I be Michael Phelps (or a female equivalent) if I work hard? Can a person with an IQ of 90 be the next Bill Gates? Surely innate ability and genetic predisposition are factors that show that we do not have a level playing field.

 

I am not denying that anyone can't be successful, but they certain can't have the same successes.

Should people have a right to be equally successful as the next? I say no, as I'm sure you agree.

Maybe kids need leaders who tell them they can do anything. They can achieve anything. They have to work hard to get the things that they want. That life isn't easy. That there is a path to success, and it is inside of you.

 

Instead there are way too many so-called leaders that tell them: You can't do that on your own. You're not smart enough. You're too poor. You need the govenrment to help you. You need me to help you. Go get in line we'll give you your share.

So I have the same ability as Michael Phelps to be an Olympic swimmer? Of course not.

 

Give me what you consider an apples to apples comparison in this instance.

Of course not but that isn't anyone's fault but God. No amount of money or opportunity will allow you or I to be able to do what Michael Phelps can do. It can't be taught and it can't be bought. What does that have to do with opportunity. I took this thread to mean the those with money have more of an opportunity to make something of themselves. What does god given talent have to do with money?

You may be correct.

 

But to make a blanket statement that there is equal opportunity for all is not correct. There is no such thing. It's a great idea, and some would say socialistic. :sssh: But there is no such thing. There may be greater opportunities in America for all, but there are still not equal opportunities for all.

 

Let's just say there is equal opportunities for all to improve there life situations. My problem is with those who say they have no chance and don't even try. But I agree with most of your statement too. But there is absolutely such a thing as opportunities to improve, especially for our children. Responsibility should fall on the parents, 1st and foremost. Root cause maybe ?

Maybe kids need leaders who tell them they can do anything. They can achieve anything. They have to work hard to get the things that they want. That life isn't easy. That there is a path to success, and it is inside of you.

 

Instead there are way too many so-called leaders that tell them: You can't do that on your own. You're not smart enough. You're too poor. You need the govenrment to help you. You need me to help you. Go get in line we'll give you your share.

Sounds like what my parents told me. My wife and I told our kids the same thing when they were growing up.