"In particular, we have failed to build capacity or increase opportunities to learn." This sentence is a good example of why people feel so strongly about fixing opportunity gaps in education and supports their claims that some kids have an unfair disadvantage. Education, in years past, has been thought of as the equalizer, giving opportunities to learn to all kids, no matter their background. Today, people argue that children do not receive the same benefits as a reflection of many issues, not just teaching staff. While in many cases I agree that America is facing an opportunity gap in education driven by child poverty as well as economic and family struggles, I feel that people neglect to notice the strides we have made in education. In Henrico, for example, kids have a chance to attend a high school with a specific 'specialty center' in which the curriculum revolves around a more definitive subject, prepping them for future job or college opportunities. This is something that would never have been available years ago. This article directly relates to my opinion on the discussion question, but in some ways, contradicts it. I do not agree that we have failed to increase opportunities to learn, for instance. The main idea behind this article was that child poverty and poor teaching was the root of opportunity gaps in education. I feel that this is a poor reflection of our school systems because of the many programs we have created to further the education of our children.

"other economists warn that a minimum wage hike to $10.10 - the level Obama and Congressional Democrats are calling for - would be bad for business. The CBO estimates that the $10.10 option would reduce total employment by 500,000 workers once fully implemented in the second half of 2016." This excerpt does a good job of highlighting just how debilitating income inequality can be. With an addition of as little as $3.00 to minimum wage payments, total employment would reduce by 500,000 workers. I agree with the article that income inequality is a major struggle faced in America. President Obama said, "[income inequality] jeopardized middle class America's basic bargain- that if you work hard you get ahead." This defines the effect income inequality has on America. The rich get richer and the poor fall deeper into poverty. For that reason and to answer the discussion question, if I were running for president I would make it clear that this income problem would be solved because it is "the root of all social evil." Similar to the Romans, income inequality is what prompts social division in America. This article directly relates my answer to the discussion question because it gives detailed analysis of the negative role income inequality plays on our lives today.