Born on Third Base Blogpost

My impression of Born on Third Base was intriguing in how Chucks Collin dissects the major issues of income inequality. I was not hooked right away after reading the first chapter. However, my impression quickly changed as I read further into his discussion about income equality and the source of where it comes from. The chapter “I didn’t do it alone” is one of my favorite chapters from the book because it provides a deeper perspective of how successful people did not achieve their goals all by themselves. Collins makes a great point about how it is a necessary requirement to pay taxes including estate and income taxes because it bolsters the success of many people. The tax laws and bills that required people to contribute to society played a major role in stimulating our economy. I enjoyed reading this chapter because it makes you think twice when you hear people complaining about paying taxes. Collins makes a strong argument that without taxes these wealthy people would not be where they are today.

“The Greatest Subsidized Generation” is another interesting chapter from the book. Collin’s took us back in time and explained the impact of the GI Bill after World War II. The GI Bills of Rights of 1944 gave returning World War II servicemen and women scholarships, loans for homes, farms, or businesses, unemployment pay for a year, and job training assistance. I found it amazing to hear how many veterans received debt-free college compared to society today where the majority of current college students graduate with large amounts of student loans. In addition, I was surprised to hear how purchasing homes back then played a major role in helping the next generation’s income and wealth. A jump from 44 percent to 62 percent in home owning Americans is a devastating increase. This sparks interest because it plays a big root cause in increasing the wage gap for minorities who faced a lot of segregation and were not given equal subsidies after the war. In my perspective, this bill accelerated the economy into hyperextension.