Bate,

OK...Fair enough...but why do we perpetuate this unecessary (IMO) warfare between the "classes?" We (in the corporate sense) seem to be trying to point fingers at the "rich" say ing it's their fault. Problem I have that, is several-fold:

1) "Rich" is a relative term...Some folks would consider me "rich," while I consider myself "middle class."

2) Climate of "envy" fosters redistributionist policies which end up hurting everyone, and put a drain on economic growth. I challenge anyone to show me how "punishing" success through taxation/redistribution enhances growth and encourages further development. (ie taxing oil companies "excess" profits...like that will help bring down fuel costs).

3) "Rich" has become a pejorative term. Fact is, as I've said in other fora, poor people don't create jobs, "rich" people do.

Most of the "rich" money in America is 1st generation, it's not "Old Money." That says to me, anyone can make it. I'm prood of that...My father had a 3rd grade formal education before he joined the Army in time to fight in Korea. By the time he retired as a Sergeant, he had his GED and a 2-year degree from the Community College under the GI Bill. he gave me a better start than he had...and hopefully, I've given my young'uns a better start that I got. It's all about luck....

Luck being defined as when preparation and opportunity meet...or put another way...a little hard work goes a long way.

Regards,

COL M