Entitled To Fail

The American dream is failure.

That is not to say that the American dream is a failure, rather that Americans dream of failure. Failure is the backbone of our society. Failure keeps us honest. Failure wins us gold medals.

As President Obama reshapes our society he will seek to protect much about our way of life. He will safeguard your savings. He will preserve your job. And he will shield you from foreclosure. While well intentioned, these prophylactic measures are nothing short of tragedy. For with each government-backed program President Obama signs into law, he undermines the American people’s ability to fail. It is this right of failure that grew America strong, and by taking it away President Obama erodes the fabric of our society.

Failure defines America because without it we cannot define success. What do Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan have in common? All three missed more shots than they made in their respective careers. What experience do Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin share? They both lost political campaigns on a national stage. What is a common thread in the life of all five? Success. Indeed, failure breeds success. For in failing one learns the value of succeeding. Yes, failure educates. You correct mistakes, modify strategies, and start over. Thus, if there is one thing to be defended it is the right of failure. Sadly, it is that right that is being sacrificed as President Obama guards our success.

The right of failure is critical to American society because without it there is no incentive to succeed.* If President Obama punishes success to prevent failure, he will soon find a dearth of success from which to draw. Will millions of immigrants still call America home when they encounter a limit to their dreams? Will American workers maintain their appetite for elbow grease when their peers work less and don’t suffer the consequences? No. Preventing failure prevents success because the fear of failure drives success. Diminishing that fear inevitably decreases the allure of success. That allure, and the freedom to pursue it, is what distinguishes America from all the rest.

In short, America is built on a foundation of failure. We are not entitled to two cars. We are not entitled to homeownership. We are not entitled to a hypoallergenic dog.

We are Entitled To Fail.











*Idea courtesy of Mr. Owen Handy