Jon Kyl: “Governor Romney suggested on a recent trip to Israel that the culture of a society plays a role in its prosperity. Some…”

“Governor Romney suggested on a recent trip to Israel that the culture of a society plays a role in its prosperity. Some took offense to these remarks, and others disagreed with his premise. During the last few days, a debate has ensued about how culture promotes prosperity. I believe Governor Romney made an important point. In a National Review piece entitled, ``Culture Does Matter,'' he asks, ``What exactly accounts for prosperity if not culture?'' After all, U.S. culture emphasizes freedom, equality, hard work, meritocratic excellence, upward mobility, the rule of law, and a devotion to family, education, and a purpose higher than oneself. These cultural values, and others, have made America the world's leading superpower--a beacon of prosperity, freedom, and strength. Millions of people have left their homes over the centuries to come to America and be part of our way of life. As Governor Romney writes, Israel is also a telling example of the role of culture and prosperity. Like the United States, Israel's culture is based on freedom and the rule of law. He writes that Israel's embrace of political and economic freedom: . . . has created conditions that have enabled innovators and entrepreneurs to make the desert bloom. . . . In the face of improbable odds, Israel today is a world leader in fields ranging from medicine to information technology. Of course other factors, such as economic policies, contribute to a country's prosperity.…”