In a way, due to their less developed economic support structures, many of these countries have a leg up on the US in their support of local merchants. It can be very difficult in the US to be a street vendor when WalMart is on every other block. Maybe the US is overdeveloped, making the barrier to entry too high for individuals, and tough for even peer mega conglomerates?

In any case, we do have many special advantages as Americans that we often take for granted. I’m glad you don’t! Believe me, I see it, and am always impressed by how you guys are going for it, and avoiding the corporate rat race!

People all over the world are enterprising – just to different degrees and within the constraints and opportunities of their local system. But, we have a solid infrastructure and a culture in the U.S. that supports innovation and entrepreneurship…puts it more firmly within our reach.

So, I think that people born in the US may be more likely to pursue innovative activities – whether starting a business or engaging in some other discovery-based process – just because the culture says they can or should.

But, I also think that the reason so many immigrants are successful here is because they individually believe they can or should do something and have the drive to do it, and recognize that the support structure exists here in ways that it doesn’t where they come from.

With regard to cashing in my own lottery ticket: I know its worth and know what to do with it. I can do things in this country that I could not do anywhere else. I value the freedoms, safety, comforts, and control that living here allows me – particularly as a woman. And, I am willing to put in the effort needed to put that ticket to good use.

Sorry for the long post – just something I think about a lot.