John Stossel says it with so much more eloquence ('Good News: The World gets Better', RealClearPolitics.com, July 25, 2007) than I, but I have been saying for years that we are victims of our own success. The deer-in-the-headlights response to this statement generally prods me to continue... Were it not for our capitalist system, and the ability to earn obscene profits, people would not have the time to divert to social causes.
Whether it is the environment, poverty, homelessness, or even anti-capitalist protestations, Americans have the luxury to pursue their convictions because of a free market economy and adherence to the rule of law. We live better than any society has ever lived, anywhere; and we take it for granted.
Those living in 'poverty' in America, typically enjoy decent housing with indoor plumbing, electricity, modern appliances, TV with cable, and often a car. This is somewhat better than the upper middle class in places like Indonesia, Africa, most of China, and even large parts of South America; and better than the affluent in many countries.
We have become the most compassionate and giving society on the earth because we could afford to; and we can afford to because we have it really good!
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