Liberty Pen: Firing Line With William F. Buckley- Thomas Sowell: 'Poverty & Dependence (1981)'

Source:Liberty Pen- Conservative columnist Thomas Sowell, on Firing Line With William F. Buckley, in 1981.

"Professor Sowell discusses realities of income disparities, poverty and dependence. Liberty Pen." 

From Liberty Pen

Thomas Sowell on Firing Line With William F. Buckley, essentially arguing that Americans and the immigrants who've done well in America, have done well in America because they're well-educated and because of that have marketable skills that allow for them to be successful in this country. And he used the examples of the Germans, Irish, and Jews, as Americans who came to America already having the skills that they need to be successful in this country. 

Mr. Sowell then went onto say that African-Americans (who he calls Blacks) haven't been as successful as their European-American counterparts, because of lack of education and opportunity in America. And pointed out that slavery was a big cause for that. During slavery, the African slaves weren't even allowed to get an education in America, other than learning English so they would be able to communicate with their slave masters. 

No offense to Tom Sowell, but I believe he's stating the obvious here. Unless you are a great athlete or entertainer, you inherited a lot of money or have wealthy parents who are simply willing to bankroll indefinitely, you are not going to make it in America. Everyday for you once you are an adult, at least, is going to be very hard for you, regardless of your ethnicity or race. 

The real debate and discussion here is how we as a country educate and empower as many Americans as possible, to get themselves the skills and education that they need to make it in America and live in freedom on their own.