The myth of the self-made man

Over the last few weeks we’ve been regaled with the wit and wisdom of several of America’s billionaires trying to defend the .01%. In every case, they’ve managed to put their $2,000 Berluti loafers in their mouths. Tom Perkins likened critics of the very wealthy to Nazis. Another said the rich were rich because they simply work harder. And then there’s Donald Trump, who’s every utterance is coated with disdain for the everyday man and woman.

What you don’t hear is humility. Not an ounce. Their message to the world is I got what I got by my own sweat and blood, so leave me alone. The reality is quite different. My tax dollars, and yours, helped these “self-made men” all through their lives, whether they admit it or not. And do we get a thank you? Hey, Mr. Billionaire, Let me ask you a question:

Did you go to public school?

Did you attend college?

Do you drive on roads and highways and bridges?

Does your business rely on the nations highways, railways, waterways or airways?
Have you ever flown in an airplane?

Do you eat food?

Do you go to the bathroom?

Do you live in a secure neighborhood?

Have you ever had to call the police, firefighters or EMTs?

Do you take any medications?

Have you ever been to the hospital?

Do you drink water?

Do you live in a state where the roads are plowed in the winter?

Is the air that you breath relatively clean?

You’re welcome, you ungrateful bastards.