For starters, this sensational attempt at journalism shows a lack of understanding concerning the U.S. economic landscape, global events, capitalism and politics.
The assertions that wealth is evil, capitalism sucks, and success is a myth are ludicrous. Capitalism provides a mechanism whereby consumers support providers of useful products or services.
If you dislike a company’s product or service, don’t buy it. The pervasive mentality that “financial elites” control the masses undercuts economic realities in the U.S. “Moving up” in social and economic status is the “American Dream” defined by average working folks, not by elites.
Debt and excessive consumerism are major factors limiting access to financial independence.
Simply put, building wealth is hard when all your money goes to other peoples’ pockets. But, we sign up for credit/loans and often purchase junk but promise to pay later. We choose it!
Although U.S. divorce rates are high, the wealthy appear to be more loyal partners. Dr. Tom Stanley spent his career researching habits, characteristics and qualities of U.S. millionaires. In his book, “The Millionaire Mind,” survey data suggest that 92 percent of U.S. millionaires have successful, long-lasting marriages.
Interestingly, most U.S millionaires are first generation rich. They are average people (small business owners, corporate officers, and others) who earned the American Dream.
Creative, independent, hard-working optimists in this society find their own paths to economic success. Why pursue a college education if all promise of success is a myth?
I suggest you keep waiting on a politician to write you a check.
Daniel Haughton
Graduate Student
