> I'm thankful that my son has turned out as well as he has.

Keep this. You owe yourself a pat on the back. The best parents share this feeling with you.

> I don't understand why the ex has continued to poison his mind against me after 15 years.

The best explanation I can give for this is that we are all, after all, only human. Maybe she had some issues from time before you met and you happened to be the unlucky guy caught in the hurricane. No rhyme, no reason but it is part of the huge human swirl we all inhale in and exhale, day in, day out. You are doing the right thing by taking the high road and not becoming what you can see is the problem. You deserve kudos for this also.

> Its just heavy baggage.

Amen.

> She now makes at least three times what I do, has a house, is getting married again, full benefits, retirement etc.

Try not to measure success by outward appearances. She can keep up the front better, longer. Thats' all.

> in families without a divorce, if parents can't afford college, there are student loans. The law doesn't make them pay the tuition. How can they do that to divorced parents. I just don't get it.

I don't get that either. Can you contact a local government rep on this? Maybe there is an option you're missing?

> How did I ever let myself be so stupid.

You dont sound stupid to me. Not at all.