BLOG NUMBER 52, NOV, 2, 2012

 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS OR DOES IT?

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. -Niccolo Machiavelli

Is economic inequality directly related to opportunity?  Children from wealthy families growing up in crime free neighborhoods with good schools have a huge advantage in opportunity over children from poor families in violent neighborhoods with inferior schools.  This seems to be an obvious conclusion.

A more relevant discussion would center around a  comparison of children of single parent households to those of  two parent families. Statistics show that  the former have a greater likelihood of ending up in poverty as a result of a lack of opportunity.

Opportunity is restricted

A) By not enough money to get to  the opportunity

B) Goals that are not set high enough due to:

1. Lack of role models and guidance
2. Misplaced values
3. Limited motivation
4. Limited resources
5. Attractive distractions
6. Parental neglect or abuse

Kids at the top of the social ladder are widening the gap and even at an early age, the 'bottom feeders’ are truly disadvantaged when it comes to BEING EXPOSED  to opportunity.

Margaret Wente refers to the Canadian ‘Meritocratic system’ as a remarkable reality. Where children with ‘talent’ can overcome parental limitations, race, religion and gender to become productive and happy citizens. Because they have risen to the challenge they are more likely to marry a successful person as well and raise children who have  opportunities and a better chance of  success. TRUE ENOUGH.

In Canada, this is not a rare phenomenon. We certainly have our share of broken relationships, fatherless children, teen violence and criminal adults.  Our Educational and Social Systems, in many cases are not working. But opportunity abounds.

IDEAS TO IMPROVE PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN:

1. Reform Education to create opportunity in High School: 6 year technical programs that train individuals to perform jobs that society needs filled. 6 year arts programs that teach values, relationships,  love of reading, parenting, leadership, creativity and develop Canadian Pride. 
2. Hire teachers that care and are highly effective and pay them well!
3. Make our Social Programs accountable. If they are not producing results then scrap them and start over. Social Housing in Toronto is a disaster. 
4. Istitute a Guaranteed Income Level for 2 parent, working families. No work; no subsidy!  

WHAT SAY YOU?

DO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEIZED OPPORTUNITY SLAM THE DOOR BEHIND THEM?

GOOD ADVICE:

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." 

-Mark Twain

LEMONS TO:

TEACHERS WHO HOLD THEIR STUDENTS HOSTAGE BY WITHDRAWING SERVICES

HARD TO SAY ANY BETTER: