Bad parenting, not capitalism, is the main cause of “income inequality” in America. The left, including liberal educators, media, and politicians will never admit that, but it’s absolutely true.

We begin with education. If a young child is not exposed to learning by age two, that innocent, helpless person is already at risk in a competitive society. If there are no books in the home, no awareness-building games, no fun dialogue with the parents, the child may not develop a curiosity about life.

As the child gets older, parents must participate in the learning process - emphasizing the tremendous importance of academic discipline and monitor school work on a daily basis.

Millions of American parents simply refuse to do that.

Now the environment. If the home is full of conflict, loud noise, unpredictable behavior by one parent or both, the young child may not develop intellectual skills and will likely be unsteady and insecure.

Then there is the work ethic: if a child does not understand that accomplishment is based on performance, doom is nearby. Hard work must be taught, it is not inherited or casually acquired. The word “hard” is there for a reason.

Many parents are irresponsible, lazy, apathetic and self-absorbed. They intoxicate themselves in front of their children, they use inappropriate language the kid will also use, they avoid attention-giving to their precious offspring.

And then there are parents who abandon their children - surely reserving a prime spot for themselves in hell.

As a high school teacher in the 1970’s, I dealt with derelict parents and they always had a basket full of excuses. But they all had one thing in common: their gratification was more important than the success of the child. Educators, no matter how skilled, usually cannot overcome bad home environments.

And then there is the social aspect in America. Parents failing to teach their kids proper grammar, table manners, polite behavior. Permissive mothers and fathers who allow children to be tattooed and pay for skin-piercings. Does anyone really think those things will lead to more economic opportunity?

Parents who set no boundaries, who embrace crude behavior in the home, who fail to supervise smart phones and computers, are now legion in the USA.

Add all that up and the heavy odds are the neglected child will not become well educated or be able to command much money in the marketplace.

Charlatans like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren tell us that the federal government will provide for children who are mistreated by their parents. That is a false promise. But republicans are misleading the country too, by failing to actively promote good parenting and self-reliance based on smart, disciplined behavior.

When was the last time the GOP put that in their platform? How about never.

It is too risky for politicians to call out bad parents, even though they are the primary source of generational failure. Too many judgements have to be made and, hey, it’s none of our business!

Income inequality will get worse in this country because parenting is getting worse. That is the cold truth that the presidential debates will never reveal. No political system can nurture individuals so they can achieve success if the basics of personal responsibility and education are absent.

And only parents can instill those basics.