The FOX News business analyst and conservative in New York opines: "The origin of the term 'born with a silver spoon' is debated with some saying the earliest citation in prints occurred in the United States: 'It was a common proverb that few lawyers were born with silver spoons in their mouths.' Perhaps it was once a testament but now it is a derogatory term meant to belittle the accomplishments of some or excuse boorish behavior of others. I think when it's used to belittle success achieved through hard work it is the person uttering the phrase that is boorish. Indeed, in an effort to appear more the common man, President Obama brought up that he and his wife were not born with silver spoons."
He continues his commentary: "Despite being president of the United States, a lot of the Obama's background is sketchy but it would seem atypical as most Americans do not grow up attending private schools or have the privilege to go to Harvard. I say God bless him. The sad part of such talk, however, is it is yet another backhanded swipe at the American Dream. Some historians believe the term evolved from the habit of grandparents giving their grandchildren silver spoons rather than have them use wooden spoons or pieces of bark. That's a noble gesture and certainly worth pursuing."
More commentary from Mr. Payne: "Overwhelmingly, most successful and rich people in America attain their status through hard work and sacrifice, but we are all born with a special gift. Arriving into the world as an American is like having a silver, gold, and platinum spoon, fork and knife versus almost anywhere else on the planet. It should be a source of pride not shame. Sometimes, I wonder if President Obama will not be happy unless all grandchildren are relegated to begin life with wooden spoons. Would that represent some kind of cosmic justice? Would it change the plight of those not fully participating in the riches of this great country?"
He ain't done just yet: "President Obama hinted that those without silver spoons are shut out of opportunities in America. The path is harder if you don't have the right connections, but that path actually makes the person better and stronger and sooner or later the person that got the job or break through family will lose it through merit. But that is not the issue. The issue is suggesting the only way to get a break is to allow the executive branch the power to snatch those silver spoons. Sort of like making everyone move their pieces back to 'GO' in Monopoly with the same amount of money. That would deter a lot of grandparents from working hard for those silver spoons."
Charles Payne Op-ed: Silver Spoons & Class Warfare
