>Unless you're really lucky, the American dream died a long time ago...
>
>I suppose that luck might have something to do with it if you are Paris Hilton or the children of Sam Walton. However, if you work hard, you can achieve the American dream even if you do not have inherited wealth. Andy and I have. No one ever gave us anything.

So you didn't go to public schools? You don't use public roads? You never attended a community college? If you did any of those, then someone (US taxpayers) gave you something.

>I never even inherited $1 when my parents died. I did it all on my own by working hard, saving for my retirement, and not living beyond my means. The same is true for Andy.
>

I agree that, short of being born to rich parents, hard work is a necessary component of success, but I reject the notion that it's sufficient. Opportunity is also required, and you were given opportunities, both by the taxpayers and by individuals in your life. (For example, ISTR you having mentioned a boss who let you set up a work schedule that allowed you to go to school. A lot of people working service jobs today don't have that, but basically find out at the end of one week what their schedule will be for the next week.)

I absolutely believed that you worked hard for your success. I absolutely do not believe that you "did it all on your own." No one does.

Tamar