Having a grand ol’ time: An “Occupy Wall Street” protester dressed up as Queen Marie “Let them eat cake” Antoinette yesterday. (AFP/Getty Images)
Visiting New York this week, I found the organized street protests against Wall Street were the talk of the town. But I’m sorry — they lost me at hello.
Their rants to the media and those unfortunate enough to cross their paths have been all over the map — from tirades over big business, to 9/11 conspiracy theories, to admitting not even knowing why they’re there — but a common theme is that they’ve set their sights on rich people.
It’s ironic that protesters who have uniformly attacked the rich and corporate CEOs happen to sport iPods, iPhones and other innovative technological tools that entrepreneurs have worked so hard to invent, build and distribute to consumers.
Capitalism — from Wall Street to Main Street — is the economic engine that’s made the United States the superpower it is. It’s what allows us to enjoy all the comforts of modern life — from electricity, to the automobile, to commercial airliners, to putting food on the table, to the latest high-tech gadgets.
I have a hard time imagining what these protesters think will come of this — that Wall Street execs will come running out of their offices to write them a check?
Rather than protest against Wall Street, those camped out in the streets should examine their own failures and take a hard look in the mirror.
When I grew up in the South during the era of segregation, my family had little money. But my father Luther and mother Lenora were rich in ideas, faith and love. They were hard workers and family oriented, and instilled those same values in their children.
My father worked three jobs to fulfill his dreams — a house for our family and a Cadillac. My mother was a maid. They both believed in the American dream, and made their dreams come true. Though their circumstances were tough, they never played the victim card. They never made excuses.
From what I’ve seen of these protesters — including one news clip of a young man shouting at an elderly passerby that he wouldn’t work a $7-an-hour job — it seems they would rather have a handout than work.
What they should learn is that you don’t help the poor by hurting the rich. That’s not America — and not how American dreams are made. Empowerment is the key to success, not entitlement.
So to those asking for a handout on Wall Street, my message is this: “If you’re not rich, don’t blame the rich — get out there and work for it. You have to earn it.”
Herman Cain, a Republican running for president, is past president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and the former chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza.