The 'me' ethic

In November 2009 a large percentage of people voted for a man who advocated a change for health care. Now, Rep. Jason Altmire tells us that in meetings, when he asked people if they were interested in insuring 31 million more, the answer was NO! So what changed? Last November the country was sliding into a depression, and visions of people losing everything ravaged our subconscious.

For many, maybe most, this was the first time a substantial threat was posed to them. My, how that changes one's outlook! Then the stimulus packages by Presidents Bush and Obama rescued us from the brink, and many of us felt safe again.

"To hell with others less fortunate. We've got ours and we're not supporting those other lazy bastards! Get the damned government out of health care and let my Medicare alone! Who needs government interference; we know we can trust corporations to do what's right."

What is most interesting is that many who hold such beliefs flaunt their religion. All religions teach love, generosity and support for the poor and the underdog. How do we rationalize our spiritual beliefs with our blatant selfishness?

Can we as a nation survive with the ethic of me rather than we?

 

JOHN BROBST
Bradford Woods