John Wooden - What we need to realize about "winners"

Arguably the greatest coach America ever produced in any sport John Wooden was truly puzzled by society when he asked this question: "Why is it so hard to realize that winners are usually the ones who work harder, work longer, and as a result, perform better?"

Indeed. Why is this so hard to realize? American society seems happier in most instances for the one fool who winds up buying a winning lottery ticket than it is appreciative of people who work harder and longer so they will perform better.

Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens line up against Houston

In American politics the majority demonizes citizens who work harder and longer so they can perform better. And anyone caught defending those who perform better, especially defending their right to keep the fruits of their efforts must choose his or her words carefully. The U.S. media loves to crucify winners.

We are surrounded by voters and leaders who quickly label the results of working harder and longer "inequality" when they foolishly compare only the results and not the depth of the efforts.

The ultimate puzzler is the fact that a smaller and smaller portion of the population in America is actually composed of those who work harder and longer. Ironically those who work longer and harder are the same people who actually pay 87% of all federal income taxes. Even more shocking is the fact that 47% of all American households pay no federal income tax. Those who pay no federal income tax, and those who claim to represent them, routinely point an accusing finger at those who work harder and longer. Indignantly these fools suggest winners do not "pay their fair share."

Here is the consequence of not realizing the essential nature of winning: In any country where the good habits of winners are characterized as "bad" by the majority, the nation is destined to eventually become dominated by losers.