*"but perhaps it is at least time to reevaluate whether we still deserve the back-patting reputation we so often award ourselves as a land that values second chances and mobility for all. That lowest rung on America’s socioeconomic ladder is looking awfully sticky these days."<p>When have Americans ever had such a reputation, even amongst ourselves? No, we're the land that inspired Hawthorne to write _The Scarlett Letter_, the land initially settled by stuck-up, nosy religious prigs because England had had enough of their type. It could be argued that America is a land of opportunity, of which you get one, and after that it transforms to a vengeful and vindictive lot who will make sure your transgressions aren't soon forgotten.<p>The U. S. has a lot of things going for it. Tolerance of mistakes among the lower classes is not one of them.