I guess you're not understanding what I said. First off I said education is only half the battle. Some of the other people in this thread are the ones saying education is the main driver.
I didn't post the UES article to talk about how difficult it is for people there. I posted it to prove the competition that is out there that we're battling with. While people are using up all their energy for low level shyt, people with money are spending their capital investing in their children from day one. Is it fair that these kids get such a head start? Probably not, but this is life and it is what it is.
With that said, I still think this is the best country to be able to make something of ones self. 90% of what stops people is getting caught up in propaganda that is just there to make you waste time and make other people rich.