A day in the life of the self made man.

[cherokeeprogressive]

43. I get it. Success is not possible without some degree of government involvement.

That's the point everyone wants to make, right?

To quote from an OP on this subject:

For starters, somebody gave them an education. Even if they were somehow home-schooled and self-taught, someone still provided the learning materials and books they needed.

They had to get their startup money from somewhere. Either through their family, friends, or a bank loan.

They made use of public infrastructure - roads, bridges, seaports, airports, etc.

Almost every business nowadays relies heavily on the internet - which would not exist without government involvement.

Everyone has access to a public education, at least through high school. Everyone has access to the infrastructure - roads, bridges, seaports, airports, etc. Everyone has access to the internet.

I would have to ask then; what sets those who are successful apart from those who aren't? Is it brains? President Obama says no; lots of people have brains. Is it hard work? President Obama says no; lots of people work hard. What is it then? Is it discipline? Sacrifice? Willingness to risk everything one has? It would seem there HAS to be some value or trait evident in successful people that isn't there in others.

If all it takes is government involvement, as people keep pushing as necessary for success, why isn't everyone successful?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=956475