I believe that our founding principles are what made America the greatest nation in the world.

Among these core principles is what the founders called the "pursuit of happiness." We call it opportunity, or the freedom to choose our course in life. That principle is the foundation of a society that is based on ability, not birthright.

In a merit-based society, people achieve their dreams through hard work, education, risk-taking, and even a little luck. An opportunity society produces pioneers and inventors; it inspires its citizens to build and create. As these people exert effort and take risks, they employ and lift others and create prosperity.

Their success does not make others poorer, it makes others better off.

President Obama sees America differently. He believes in an entitlement society.