Reflections on a Serendipitous Career and Ambitions for Tomorrow

Obama’s speech

David Brooks critique (The Other Obama) and note the damning comments from readers on this

The Stone responds more deeply

“Without enormous support, access to inspiring teachers and skillful doctors, the backing of self-sacrificing relatives and a broader community, and without a fair bit of luck, the vast majority of people, not only in the United States but throughout the world, would never achieve the things of which they are, in principle, capable. In short, Horatio Alger needs lots of help, and a large thrust of contemporary Republican policy is dedicated to making sure he doesn’t get it.”