PBS: Are Americans a Stingy Lot of People?

[daredtowork]

22. The dollar stolen out of their pocket

Another DU post (perhaps right-wing astroturf, though - I can't remember) posited that the secret GOP theme is they shouldn't have to pay for government services that they don't personally use (whether or not they might use them in the future - or they have ancestors or relatives who have used them, etc.). Anyway, they figure if they get rich now, they will be able to pay for whatever they need when they need it, and to heck with whoever can't.

In short, they do not believe in sharing costs to create an "ecosystem" for the community. They cannot even see the potential of a dollar used to lift someone out of poverty as someone who might one day contribute as a valued employee to their company...because in their mindset they probably see anyone lifted out of poverty as another competitor in the human rat race: they might be enabling their own future boss! Oh no!

I think that's the root of the problem.

There needs to be an emphasis on fairness from childhood up, and that fairness has to include secure food, housing, and basic necessities.