re: Is the biggest problem with America that we think we are worth more than we are?

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WildTchoupitoulas

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I'll give you a real life example of myself.

I was raised in a middle class family. My parents taught me the value of hard work. My dad was in the air force out of high school, and went to work at a plant for 30+ years until he retired. My mom used to work at same plant, but stayed home with me and my brother to raise us. We were not rich, but we were rich in life. Our parents provided for us. We never went hungry, but we never ate extravagantly either. My parents parents were poor farmers. They too, worked hard for what they got, and to give their children better opportunities than they had. They succeeded.

My brother and I were taught to never beg for things, never take from others, to work for everything you want, and you will get it. They also taught us that money was not to be idolized, and a fool and his money are soon parted.
I worked hard in school as a kid, and especially in high school. I knew if i did not apply myself and make good grades, that i would end up in working at a McDonald's making minimum wage. That was enough of a deterrent for me to do good in school. I am the first in my immediate family to go to, and graduate college. I chose a major that i knew i would always have a job, and i could become successful at. I'm more than half my dad's age, and already my salary is more than his was when he retired. I earned everything I have. From my car to my house, to the things i buy to eat and live, to the things i buy for enjoyment. But success is not measured in money or material things. The family and friends i have is my marker of success. Being able to raise my child to have more than I have is success.

So, with that being said, why should I have to pay more in taxes, etc... to subsidize another person who could achieve just as much as i have, or more? Every opportunity is out there for the taking. Equality of opportunity is guaranteed, equality of outcomes is not. Why must i subsidize others if they will not provide for themselves, given the same opportunities?