Cal Thomas‘ latest column reflects on the recent death of Apple’s Steve Jobs and ponders the future of American innovation:

Jobs and fellow computer innovator, Bill Gates, represent if not a vanishing breed, then at least one that might be classified, were it an exotic animal, as endangered.

In a country that used to encourage, promote, honor and reward innovation, why does there now seem to be far fewer innovators? In our past, they propelled us to higher standards of living and made life more enjoyable and comfortable. If you missed them while studying sex education in school, try Googling “inventors and innovators” and see what pops up.

Once we applauded innovation. Now, politicians like President Obama, denounce the successful, maliciously labeling them “millionaires and billionaires,” as if success were a flu virus that we needed an inoculation to protect ourselves from.

If we penalize and stigmatize success we are likely to get less of it. If we promote and encourage the principles that can lead to success, we are certain to get more successful people and the entire world will benefit as a result.

Instead of admiring the principles that propelled people to become successful and encourages others to follow the example of a Steve Jobs, Obama and so many in the liberal political establishment, treat them like shoplifters who have stolen what rightfully belonged to others, even though others may not have worked as hard, taken as many risks or invested as much capital.