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.

You know perfectly well that I meant that no one ever gave me any free money. And since Uncle Sam takes 50% of my income, I am the tax payer. BTW, I never attended a community college. Let me guess. The next thing you are going to tell me is that Andy and I didn't build Tightline Computers. Someone else did that for us.

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.

Then your memory is faulty. I worked my way through school tending bar. I took classes when I could. Sometimes at night and sometimes during the day depending on what my work schedule was. Don't get me started about any opportunities that individuals in my life gave me. As you may know, I had a terrible childhood and I am surprised that I didn't grow up top be an axe murderer.