Land of Opportunity?
July 26,2006

"My daughter is four, my boy is one. I'd like them to see America as a toy, a broken toy. Investigate it a little, check it out, get this feeling and then get out,"
- Actor Johnny Depp

It’s wonderful that human diversity creates in us a desire to live differently and love different places. Some love the mountains; others the coast. Childhood memories weigh heavily upon our preferences, though not always for the better.

In the end, it comes down to whether or not you can afford to choose. Johnny Depp makes his fortune in America and then can afford to raise his family in the South of France. Johnny feels France is superior and he is entitled to his opinion.

Meanwhile, the America he hates remains the magnet for millions of immigrants longing for a better life. Poor Mexicans, with a tradition of strong extended families, painfully leave their loved ones for years at a time in order to make money here. To them, America is far superior.

Is it all just relative? Not really. The poor Mexicans would still choose America over Johnny’s France. Why? With 12% unemployment in France – 25% for young workers – the differentiator is economic opportunity. Johnny can afford to make his millions here and move wherever he wishes – most of the world cannot. And increasingly, with the highest personal income taxes in Europe, millionaires can't even live in France.

The irony is that those who vocally advocate the poor are those who also advocate economic principles that harm the poorest among us. Modern-day liberals seek a utopia where the poor not only cast-off their chains, but live peacefully among the birds and trees. They believe government is the savior that can provide both. Unfortunately, this defies reality.

An example. Americans love “best lists.” Sociologists and sociologist wannabes rank cities as the best and worst. My hometown, Columbus, is simultaneously ranked the 8th best U.S. big city to live in, and 50th of the 50 biggest U.S. cities.

Interesting. If you look at these linked studies, you’ll see the difference is all economic. In one study, Columbus is a strong economic power that is growing with good schools and safe neighborhoods. In the other, Columbus is a sprawling ecological disaster in the making – out of touch with the environment around it.

Is one study better than the other? It depends. Are you a spoiled movie star with no need for a connection to the real world? The answer to this question makes all the difference.

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