Before You Tear It Down, Look at What It Built - Michael Smith

From the Moon landing to modern living standards, the American system has delivered results no rival ideology can match—despite every effort to discredit it. - Michael Smith

• Despite the contemporary left’s view, America at 250 has a lot going for it.

I’m not sure why people continue trying to resurrect failed social and economic systems that have already been tested—and failed—elsewhere. 

It’s not as if we lack evidence...

• Now consider how we define “poverty” in America.

According to government data, a large majority of households classified as “poor” have access to amenities that were luxuries—or outright unavailable—to prior generations:

• 80% have air conditioning (compared to 36% of all Americans in 1970)
• 92% have a microwave
• Nearly three-fourths have a car or truck; 31% have two or more
• Nearly two-thirds have cable or satellite TV
• About half have a personal computer
• Over 40% have internet access
• Most report consistent access to food, with very low rates of hunger due to inability to afford it

Housing data tells a similar story:

• Only 4% experience temporary homelessness in a given year
• Roughly half live in single-family homes or townhouses
• 42% own their homes
• Overcrowding is rare
• The average poor American has more living space than many non-poor Europeans
• Most housing is in good repair

America isn’t perfect. 

• But judged against history, not slogans or mass produced protest signs, it is remarkably successful.
• And it is worth protecting.

Happy 250 America!