By Randy Rossi -
The new buzz word in the biased liberal media and with Democrats is “equity” and they are just thrilled with that concept and don’t understand how it conflicts with history and happiness. Sadly, they have no clue about the difference between equity and equality which was a gift our Founding Fathers gave us when they signed the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The difference centers around the concept of everybody having the same opportunities with the outcome being determined by how hard a person works and what results they deliver which is the definition of equality.
Benjamin Franklin explained it best when he said “The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself”. That is equality! I just saw another simple explanation of the difference between equality and equity, “Equality is everybody being equal at the starting line of a race. Equity is everybody being equal at the finish line”. While everybody raised in the “Good old days” knew that difference, young people today don’t. Those of us in the older generation were taught that lesson every day in sports, school, and in life. That made us stronger, more disciplined, and made everybody better. Back in those days the saying was “In America everybody can reach up for the brass ring”. You controlled your destiny. And that concept of equality made America the most prosperous nation in the world.
Sadly, we have spoiled the younger generations and they don’t understand the idea of intense competition and exceptional results. Why is anybody surprised? We have eliminated real competition in schools giving everybody “Trophies for breathing” so nobody’s feelings are hurt. Many schools have eliminated dodgeball because it can be too stressful! The number of As given out has risen by roughly 25% while Ds and Cs have declined dramatically to make everybody feel good. Yet less than 50% of our 12K kids are proficient in reading, math, and science today. While America was number 1 in the world in PISA scores in reading, science, and math in the 60s; today our kids are 22nd on the average in reading, science, and math together in the world despite the fact that we spend more money per student than any other nation on Earth. Guess who rates #1? China which puts discipline, hard work, and excellent results as their top priorities in their schools, not “equity”. That is one of many reasons that China’s economy has rapidly risen to #2 in the world and they have a goal of beating America by 2050.
The tough real world has no tolerance or patience for poor results. In order to be successful in a competitive world, people have to work hard, have discipline, and deliver outstanding results. Sadly, the concept of equity will destroy the futures of our kids and our nation. Going from a great nation in which “everybody reaches up to grab the brass ring” which is the definition of equality to a nation in which “everybody reaches down to the lowest common denominator” which is the definition of equity will insure that our kids, grandkids, and our great republic will decline in the world hurting all Americans.
