There is no question that failure without evidence of effort has been rewarded as courageous and inspiring as long as they proclaim their victimhood on the most high profile forums available.
Here's an anecdotal story. Back in 1980 I lived in South Padre Island and worked for a sporting goods store (catering to marine sportsmen and women). I was 24 years old. In our shop was a woman who could wrap deep sea fishing rods. She was probably 20 years older than me. She was very artful in the colorful threads she used along with the varnish. She was known all over the valley as the best at what she did. This woman was missing her left arm up to her elbow. One day she stopped by place on the bay for a visit with her girlfriend (yes, they were gay) and we drank some beer and smoked a joint. As I got to know them better her disability came up. I can't remember if she was born that way or what. So we were discussing the challenges of her craft given her disability. It was clear she wasn't making much money. So I asked her if there was money available from the government. You know what she said?
"I make my own way."
Wow. I was blown away by this and never forgot her words.
But that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.
It's the same with my late Father, a Cuban who came to America in because he was a world class gymnast. Once he was done with his collegiate career, he suddenly became an immigrant with a heavy accent and no money in the bank. Ultimately, he earned his Ph. D. and made a good life for himself and our family. We lived in Florida and believe me, they didn't think much of Cubans so he suffered at the hands of discrimination. But he never talked about it unless I brought it up and all he would say was, "What can you do but try your best." He never cried about it. It wasn't a legacy to pass except to know that life is not fair and it's up to you to do something about it. He understood activism and greatly admired Doctor King. But he didn't wait around for the scraps from the government and he certainly didn't take any pride in his failures.
I know there are many people like that around but they are not welcome in the political world.
Why?
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Last edited: Mar 26, 2021