PBS: Are Americans a Stingy Lot of People?

[daredtowork]

14. Americans Need to Look at the Problem First

I'm convinced that Americans would fix at least some of this problem on a policy/infrastructure basis if they would just be willing to look at and learn about the problems that are currently going on. It seems to me there is almost a refusal to look at, which is causing real people to tumble into the growing abyss.

Once people look, the political will may follow. But there will be no political will if no one looks.

I don't think people lack charity of spirit, but relying on that has always led to fragmentation and random, inequitable efforts. If allowing a horrific situation to go on repels charity by prompting people to look away, wouldn't laying a more stable foundation for public services make people feel "more comfortable", and thus allow them to look and open up their hearts a bit more? In other words, wouldn't a better infrastructure actually make Americans more charitable?

I also agree it starts with putting some sort of value on the innate value of human beings again instead of always focusing on their utilitarian value, which vanishes the minute they are unemployed.