Anybody ever heard of the Peter principle?
We're the richest nation on earth, that's true. I've lived in several other countries and visited alot more for short periods and I've seen how government intervention works. Or should I say, DOESN'T work. Higher taxes lead to less productivity. It's simply human nature to do what you have to and no more. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule. Look at the trend, we're getting more socialistic. When does government give power back to the people? Only when forced and that usually takes war on some scale.
The scale as I see it: family - neighbors - community. If you have no family then the neighbors should help and so on. When a major disaster strikes the neighboring community should help. But when government is expected to do it, why should we?
I guess I'm just old fashioned and believe in the principles on which this nation was founded. (and it wasn't socialistic!)
"The government that governs least, governs best." Jefferson
Don't worry, I don't expect a penny for my thoughts. I gotta go to work, getting older as I sit here and type.