True strength is defined by the empathy shown to the weakest. We long ago discovered that Sparta's version of survival of the fittest would not be our philosophy. Good for 24/7 warriors maybe, but not a great fit for a civilization that values individual rights and freedoms.
The US graciously sends more money around the world than any other nation. Not tax payer dollars, personal dollars. We practice what we preach (most of the time). I fear that as the government takes over more and more Americans will care less and less. Already, I see too many people that assume someone else will take care of it - whatever it is.
An international college student from a Scandinavian country commented during a recent community service project, "My dad would not believe I'm painting this elementary school wall. We don't do this where I am from". Yeah, because you pay high taxes and you assume the government will take care of everything.
Someone recently asked my opinion about the public option for health care. I said that there should be a "safety net" in the country so someone isn't forced to choose between satisfying basic needs and sacrificing their health. However, government is notoriously bad at delivering services. And the more they take control of the more that gets wasted. Government should be in the limited regulation business. The "market" will determine what is needed and some entrepreneur will develop a way to deliver it. Then we (the community) will monitor its effectiveness and efficiency. Now I know free markets should be tempered with Government oversight to keep us safe, but I don't want them taking over the delivery.
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