Businessman Foster Friess penned an open letter to freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., asking that she attend Friday’s Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans induction ceremony as his guest.
Friess, who was backed by President Trump and lost in Wyoming’s Republican gubernatorial primary, asked Ocasio-Cortez in the letter: “Why must we punish success?”
Ocasio-Cortez, a self-described democratic socialist, says she supports measures that would redistribute wealth in the country by increasing taxes on the rich, including supporting a 70% marginal tax on individuals making more than $10 million a year.
Friess, an ardent capitalist, said Ocasio-Cortez would see how people can become successful despite the difficult obstacles in their lives.
According to its website, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans “is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles.”
The association, which is named after the 19th century author known for his “rags-to-riches” novels, has awarded millions in need-based scholarships over the years, and gives out Horatio Alger Awards each year. Some famous recipients include former President Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, and Condoleezza Rice.
“In achieving the American dream, ‘Income Inequality’ is an unavoidable result. It’s created by the stunning success of companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, and their wealth creation should be applauded, not cursed,” he writes in his letter. “Why scorn their success?”
Friess notes that he comes from humble beginnings, too. He said that his mother dropped out of school in the eighth grade and that he only had $800 to his name when he began his career.
“When we meet, I hope you will sense that I love this country as much as you do,” Friess writes. “… You, also have accomplished much from your humble beginnings.”
