Just Say “No” to class warfare
Posted on July 29, 2008
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Today on The Simple Dollar, a letter from one of his readers was posted, basically complaining that Trent (the owner of the blog) was “rich,” and “can’t relate to (the reader’s) situation. I will have to find another web site to read.”
I find such an attitude to be condescending as well as pathetic. Who is this reader to judge Trent for making some good choices and reversing years of bad economic decisions? Wouldn’t it be better to read The Simple Dollar and try to learn good money habits, instead of finding “another web site to read,” maybe one by someone who doesn’t yet understand how to turn a bad financial situation around?
When I first read the letter posted, I thought it could have been written to me. Like Trent, I overcame around $17,000 in credit card debt in about a year. For someone to say that I can’t relate to what it’s like to be “poor” is an insult. When I first moved to Reno, my take home pay was about $625/month, I paid $425/month for an apartment, leaving only around $200 for food, gas, insurance, entertainment, etc. In short, I’ve been there, done that.
I really love this country (USA), and I truly believe it offers more and better economic opportunities than any other country on the planet. It’s not a zero-sum game either; ANYONE can get ahead economically by applying themselves and adopting good spending habits. For those that are currently “poor,” developing good habits can have a bigger impact than it would for someone who is “rich.”
You can stay “poor,” or you can get ahead. Playing the “class warfare” card doesn’t help anyone get ahead, and just reinforces attitudes that may in fact help ensure that they stay poor. And remember this…
“The choices you make, not the chances you take, shape your destiny”
Cheers,
Ken
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