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Scott is telling Black Americans, and all Americans, that you are not defined by others. Others do not define your personal destiny. You do.

And he presents himself to show that being Black, let alone being born Black and poor to a single mother, is not a recipe for failure. Despite coming into this world under tough circumstances, he now is a United States senator and has been a candidate for the nation’s highest office.

It is also important to note that Scott is a humble man. He does not say he made it because he is so special. What he says is special is our country and the values that allow even an ordinary guy under the worst of circumstances to succeed. The essence of Scott’s message was once conveyed by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, which subsequently was used by President John F. Kennedy in an address to the Irish parliament and then by Robert F. Kennedy in his presidential campaign in 1968.

“You see things as they are and ask, ‘why?’ I dream things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?’” A more prosaic version says some see a glass half full and some see a glass half empty.

Of course, it is the nature of things that work always must be done to make things better. So, despite the truth that America is a free country, and that anyone with character, determination and the right values can make it, things can always be improved.

So, Scott’s Opportunity Policy program targets institutional improvements that can be made in the country to make the path to success even smoother and more accessible.

He is an advocate of giving parents choice and control over where to send their child to school.

And he supports the Opportunity Zone program, which provides tax incentives for business investment in our nation’s most troubled ZIP codes.

There is no freedom without law, so Scott supports rigorous law enforcement both in our cities and on our border. Black Americans are making it in America. Twenty-two percent of Blacks earn over $100,000 a year, and 33% earn over $75,000.

Scott’s vitally important message to all Americans, of every background, is this is a land of opportunity.

Taking advantage of it means taking responsibility for your life.

The more individuals take control of their personal destiny, the less they believe that others control their lives, the greater our country will become.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS. COM