"Ownership Society" vs. "Opportunity Society"
The other day I caught John Edwards on TV discussing the "opportunity society." Unlike the "ownership society," which favors people who own money, property and businesses, the "opportunity society" favors no one. The "opportunity society" offers opportunity to each citizen, rich or not-rich, white or not-white, religious or not-religious, college-grad or not-college-grad, male or not-male, businessperson or not-businessperson, to paint a personal vision and to live this vision in his or her own way. Unlike the "ownership society" where each citizen is on his own, in the "opportunity society" each citizen is part of a community.
John Edwards spoke in New Hampshire. He stressed the need for getting rid of poverty:
"It may seem like an impossible task to end poverty, but that's what skeptics have always said about the great struggles we have faced. If we can put a man on the moon, cure polio, and put a library on a little chip, then we can end poverty."
Of course, getting rid of poverty is a high priority task in achieving an "opportunity society," since an "opportunity society" must offer opportunity to all.
Opportunity to a child born of poor parents for good health. Without a foundation of health, how could the child develop properly and become a good citizen?
Opportunity to black and white alike for a decent primary education. Without a good education, how can the differing viewpoints of kids with different backgrounds be meshed?
Opportunity to each citizen to obtain a job for which he or she is paid a living - above the poverty level - wage. Without such jobs, how can we keep these citizens out of poverty and crime?
Opportunity to each citizen who is intellectually capable, for a college education. Without college degrees, how can these young people achieve their dreams?
Opportunity to each citizen who has the proper education and experience to create and build a business. Without such businesses, how can these men and women achieve their potential?
Opportunity to each citizen who has the intelligence and inclination, to run for political office. Without such leaders, our society would be less harmonious.
In an "opportunity society," businesspeople have a different orientation from what they have in an "ownership society." In an "ownership society" they seek to own more and more, an attitude that drives them to exploit others; business is a form of war. In an "opportunity society," they seek to offer more and opportunities, an attitude that drives them to help others; business is a form of service.
This aspect of the "opportunity society" is of great importance in America's interactions with the rest of the world. We talk so much of development of the third world, and we have so many projects. But in the end, American businesses make money, while the poor countries being helped do not. This is because of the "ownership society" mentality. Those thinking in "opportunity society" terms, however, would do their best to find opportunities for poor countries while making money for themselves.
An "opportunity society" seeks opportunities for other countries as well as for America.
An "ownership society" produces conflicts and may lead to terrorism. An "opportunity society" produces harmony and may lead to both domestic and international peace.
