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Highlands Today

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The Most Fortunate

Mike Lee

Published: December 23, 2008

Your lead editorial on Sunday used the term, "the most fortunate," making an obvious reference to those who many would consider wealthy.
Although I am not one of those (I teach high school math,) I would like to bring up a few points just for the fun of it.
The term "fortunate" seems to imply that these people just happen to win life's lottery...well, this couldn't be further from the truth. Most of these individuals and families have become "the most fortunate" because they have worked long hours, sacrificed many of life's pleasures, and were focused on achieving goals.
Very few inherited their "most fortunate" tag due to the efforts of others; it's been their own hard work. Admittedly, it's much easier for us as a society to refer to them as "the most fortunate" because then we can avoid any self-examination and we can lay the blame for our condition at someone else's feet.
And here's another thing. Over the 20 years that I've been involved with public education (as a teacher and coach,) it has been this group of people, "the most fortunate," who have donated their time, resources, employees, and yes, their money, to every conceivable cause and group in our county.
Even when times are hard, this group of people unselfishly gives and gives and gives. All of us, from schools to the United Way to the Salvation Army to the Red Cross (and on and on and on,) would be in big trouble if it wasn't for "the most fortunate."
Finally, during the times that I have been looking for work, I have yet to find it from someone other than "the most fortunate."
Come on, people, we know better. Instead of demonizing "the most fortunate," let's be thankful and appreciative not just for their generosity, but also for what they have achieved.
Here's a little secret: If you work really, really hard and are willing to make some sacrifices, you too have a chance to be one.
Mike Lee
Lake Placid