Reader comments
There are no government 'solutions' to 'disparities,' 'inequities'

People need to wake up and listen to Dr. Sowell and others who are raising the warning voice. Obama and the Demoncratic party are stealing our liberties.

I always thought the Patrick Henry was being melodramatic when he said, "Give me liberty or give me death!" Now I understand that he was serious and wholeheartedly agree with his cry.

There will never be equity and economic equality because people are all different. Some people work harder than others. Some people are brighter than others and some make more responsible choices than others. If there were no consequences for bad choices, there would be no advantage whatsoever to trying to make good choices. There in lies the problem with socialism. It eliminates any need to work, achieve or reward good choices in life. Thus it is always unsustainable and results in massive poverty,suffering and eventually it breeds dictatorships (to enforce it). America is well on it's way to this!

If Thomas Sowell ran for president with Walter Williams as his running mate and chief advisor, not only would I spend what little money I have remaining (after Uncle Sam robbed me) on their campaign, I would be actively campaigning for them until years after the election was over.

Sowell sells himself short by suggesting the gov't would waste more money on him improving his bball game than most of the other things that Washington does. You see, Sowell, I would have the confidence that--successful or not--you would actually try and improve your game. The same certainly cannot be said by many who receive welfare, education and healthcare on the gov't (read: taxpayers) dime.

You'll always find a few exceptions here and there, but I assure you: every time you give gifts to your children without requiring work from them, they will never learn the principle of hard work. Ever.

How many in utah would receive any education at all if not for a government supported education? I would venture that many, most even, would not. I'm glad the government requires us to get at least some education, even if so many post here and prove they haven't made use of it.

it's NOT about equity of outcomes (true, i nor you are jordan, einstein, da vinci) but equity of opportunity. it's not about handouts but handups... the recognition that some are born better off than others thru no fault or decision of their own. as my parents told me from early on, no one choose their parents... what kind of parents and family situation you come from has a huge bearing later on in life. the idea that is America -- strive, sweat, work hard and pull yourself up by the bootstraps and you'll do well (succeed) -- only goes so far. meritocracy, pushed by some many Rs and conservatives, rings hollow on occasion, too easily leading too many to see callously the bum on the street corner w 10c in his pocket as deservingly there regardless of what may have actually led to his predicament. the role of govt is to structure societal relationships between the me and the we (yes, work to level the proverbial playing field), after all, we no longer live in tribes separated by geography. by definition society is interdependent and interconnected. us liberals champion opportunity not equality.

Solutions? Perhaps not. But that does not mean that government can make our lives better and enhance opportunity for its citizens. I'm sorry, I don't believe in survival of the fittest in our human interaction, in part because it betrays my Christian beliefs.

To "Stalwart? | 7:18 a.m." if you look at the growing trend of homeschooling, I would dare say that a large portion of Utah would get educated if it wasn't for government support.

My school aged child has learned more about reading, math, and science at home than at school.

To "slowdive | 7:51 a.m." you said that "liberals champion opportunity not equality" Yet, it is because of liberal policies that we have more racism than ever. Did you know that because of the anti-discrimination laws that the California University system has seen a DECREASE in minority admittance.

If liberals are champions of equal opportunity, why did Sotomayor rule against the Firefighters?

If liberals want equal opportunity, why is it that Democrats constantly tell minorities they can't make it without the government's help, then blame a non-minority group for their problems? Aren't all men (people) equal?

How does keeping and storing racial data ensure that people are treated equally? Isn't it used to give (a.k.a. favor) one group over another?

Brilliant, Mr. Sowell. Thank you.

If not for Gov't you'd have no education?

Yea, so take that, and enjoy your crappy education.

It's not the government's job to, "Level the playing field", by putting artificial handicaps on some people to insure they don't succeed more than those who don't have the natural ability to succeed in business, etc.

It's not the government's job to take the income from some people and give it to those who don't earn as much.

It's not the government's job to decide WHO deserves that income more than the person who earned it.

The government should PROTECT us all equally (militarily, police, fire, enforcing the law, etc). Not steal from some to benefit others.

The government forces us to take college courses that are basically a lack of education, and an excess of liberal values. Wonderful! I'm glad we have THAT opportunity.

Tommy:

What exactly do you produce?

Musings that support your perspective?

Government is not the only thing that fails to provide solutions,

If you don't see the truth in this article and recognize that the equalization of Americans through lowering standards in just about every aspect of our lives is going on full throttle, then you have your head buried in the sand of liberal dogma. How can you claim to be openminded?

The government ruling spectate but equal was inherently unequal didn't start improving opportunities for blacks? US troops enforcing segregation didn't open up universities for blacks? The military desegregation of units had no effect of our nation?

To "Oh Please" | 2:14 p.m You're a lair! I've know businessman would wouldn't hire blacks. I have seen incompetent kids, son and laws and friends get hired and promoted not because they were the bast and brightest.

We all saw that George Bush got in to Yale, not because of academic excellence but because of family wealth and connections.

Being a son beat out being a Harvard MBA when in came to managing your Jazz. It's funny how in Hollywood, acting follows linage.

Without government, blacks would be slaves.

Can't tell you how many times I've had job interviews where the interviewer would ask these coded questions to see if I was mormon. Never got a single job from these people. Discrimination is alive an well in Utah.

"My school aged child has learned more about reading, math, and science at home than at school."

Then take them out. I'm sick of paying for them!

You had 'em. You pay for them.

The ALL WOULD be educated WITHOUT government

before government took over Utah and it was just the mormons,

they educated their children just fine, and even started several universities,

I believe we would be able to educate our children quite easily WITHOUT government.

Government is NOT a neccessity for everything, and in fact, government is needed for every little.

Mr. Sowell, you are RIGHT ON TARGET here. Thank you for continuing to speak the truth that so many can't or won't see.

Anon says that without government all the blacks would be slaves. What do you think those who depend on government for support are? This is a new form of slavery. Conform to the Govt rules or your cut off. Depend on anyone other than yourself for support and you are a defacto slave.