Reader’s view: Only capitalism offers all a chance at real success

Up from abject poverty to middle-class prosperity, and then out on the street after a 31-year career (at age 58) when my company went bankrupt: that’s the short story of my life. Cold, cruel capitalism at work, right? Yes — and no.

I next refinanced my house and borrowed $150,000 to start a new, successful company. That’s the rest of the story.

The moral? Capitalism can give you a first and a second chance at success. Socialism gives you few chances but a great deal of mediocrity.

My point is this: If you’d prefer your children and grandchildren to ever have a chance at real success, capitalism is the name of the game. If you’d prefer a future in which their highest aspiration will be to attain a GS-14 rating in some civil-service position, socialism will work until the money runs out.

That’s really what this election is about. My opinion and experience are very clear. What’s yours? Think clearly. It’s an important decision.

Lars Fladmark

Duluth

Tags: readers views, opinion, editorials, politics, elections, money