They threat with their family names, resources and connections, but alone they don’t stand a chance. They’re great by association, not worthy.

The rich love to say, “My family built this.”

They proudly inherit the wealth, the properties, the influence, the reputation and the privileges accumulated over generations.

They live off the royalties of the past, taking pride in achievements they did not personally accomplish.

But the moment you ask them to account for the harm their families caused while building that wealth?

Suddenly, “That was before my time.”

How fascinating.

You can inherit the rewards of the past, claim its achievements as your own, and use its legacy to justify your position today. But the consequences of that same past? Those apparently belong to someone else.

So the credit is hereditary, but accountability expires with the previous generation?

Interesting arrangement.

You cannot claim continuity when it benefits you and demand separation when it holds you accountable.

Inheriting responsibility for addressing continuing harm is not the same as inheriting personal guilt.

But if you’re going to live off what your ancestors built, don’t pretend their legacy begins and ends with the parts that made you rich.

— SNW