Its ironic that the same view you have is also a major driving factor in people going into business for themselves in the first place. Running a business is a risk, you are correct about that. At the same time, it usually takes starting at the bottom to realize if it's not what someone wants out of their life/career. I think there is a measurable difference though between a business that doesn't succeed due to their own shortcomings and the government squeezing the life out it while simultaneously trampling on the rights of the people. There are a lot of people who think they can probably do something like run a successful company that in reality probably can't. Thank God there is a system in place that would still allow them to earn a wage to support themselves and others though. At the same time, props to anyone who takes a risk whether they succeed or fail, at least they faced that risk and took the chance. The experiences I've had in my life have taught me a lot about who I am and what I wanted to do with my life. Had I not started in a less than desirable situation, I would not have been driven to where I am today. Who knows what the future holds for any of us, people face misfortune daily at the drop of a hat. I try not to relish in other people's misfortune as it's very likely one day, I could find myself facing those same challenges. Its all to easy for people to want to rip each other down these days, especially on the internet.