Before I begin, there are a few things you should know about me. I love history, I love politics, I love to discuss the current political climate in America, and I love to argue. Obviously, I'm able to contain the last part when it comes to differing viewpoints, like any good debater. I respect the opposition's view but am certain that I'm right until I'm proven wrong beyond reasonable doubt. So, I'm also stubborn. These traits have allowed me to connect with this book in ways that I was unable to with Growing A Farmer or Life on the Road. I'm so pleased to say that I'm very much enjoying Born on Third Base and look forward to reading on.
The thing that I immediately loved about Born on Third Base was that author Chuck Collins isn't afraid to shy away from one of the largest problems in America. Economic inequality in America seems to be at an all-time high, with the middle class slowly disappearing as the rich continue to get richer. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to wealth. In fact, I respect it (and those who earn it) and wish to one day be successful enough that I don't have to worry about money issues. However, some who are extremely wealthy and born into that wealth don't understand the privileges and opportunities that are handed to them on a silver platter.
In Collins' introduction, he states, "Never in the history of human suffering and economic conflict have so few been in a position to do so much for so many" (3). For some reason, this statement just really touched me. Maybe it was because he referenced Winston Churchill moments earlier, or maybe it was because of the sheer, undeniable truth to those words. The wealthiest 1% of America holds so much power in their hands and are in possession of more money than they could ever need. They have the option to share a portion of their wealth to better the lives of the less fortunate. They have the option to share a portion of their wealth to assist those that suffer. They have the option to share a portion of their wealth to do. They have that option to do these things, and yet many don't do it. Why?
Being born on third base himself, Collins helped me understand why.
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