[HennepinPrisoner]

There is no excuse for people not be a success in the year 2003 in America.

After having read the autobiography of Frederick Douglass (an early 19th century slave), I concur.

This was a man that, through clever tactics, taught himself how to read at age of 8 behind his master's back.

If anyone tells you that they can't succeed or are disadvantaged because of the color of their skin, give them a copy of Frederick Douglass's autobiography...and then tell them to stop whining!

[cyborg]

I agree with both of you. There are too many examples from around the world of people succeeding under unbearable circumstances. It is easier to blame someone else instead of looking at yourself.