Why do we celebrate the mean, the self-centered, the selfish, the win-at-all-costs, those who lack empathy , compassion and concern of others? Is it the false power? Is it the lack of self-esteem? Is their self-esteem dependent on self-centeredness and on being or on the appearance of being wealthy and powerful? This article does not answer these questions directly. It just puts forth thoughts that may shed light on why we admire and allow destructive greed in our country.
True strength is stepping outside yourself and recognizing the struggle of others. Guess what? It is much tougher to help others than to blindly help yourself all the time. You are missing out on what is really important. It is important, as a country, to provide opportunity for all based on their ability.
From my perspective, I don’t see the need for a bigger house or a fancier car, or a fancier address or fancy clothes and fancy things. I am very content with my 1000 square foot 1950s rancher located in a proud working class neighborhood and the sub-compact Chevy sitting in the driveway. My self-esteem is not attached to conspicuous consumption.
All things get old and decrease in value. The only thing that remains or grows is love. Love even transcends death. The love I’ve experienced by those who have gone before me sustains me and fills me. This love cannot be bought or acquired by force. It becomes manifest through sharing life together. Legislation that takes the country’s wealth and gives most to the top portion of the population lacks in love.
When someone makes hundred’s of millions of dollars, they may feel that it’s unfair that they have to pay millions of dollars in taxes. They forget that average Americans are part of the infrastructure that provides the opportunity for someone to make that much money. We are in this together and each must pay their share. As an average American, the amount of money I pay in federal income taxes, if I were able to keep it, would enable me to buy a house two to three times bigger than I have now and to buy an expensive luxury car, but I am proud to pay my share based on a percentage of my income. I would consider doing otherwise as highly selfish.
I imagine that it must be really hard for those American’s who strive to be super wealthy to see oligarchs in authoritarian countries walking away with their country,s wealth while their average citizens suffer. This should not occur in a democracy… greed steals from all. Greedy people like to believe that they have worked harder than everyone else and are deserving. They fail to acknowledge their blessings and how their greed hurts others. In the long run super wealth is not worth it. When you’re willing to sell your country down the road so you can be like heartless Russian oligarchs you are engaging in selfish, un-American behavior. It is shameful that our President is one of these “wannabe’s” and he’s willing to lie, cheat and steal our democracy to achieve it. It is sad that some people’s sense of self-worth is seemingly based on how much they can acquire rather how much they can help and love others.
One would think that the older a person got, they would realize how little value excess money has in life compared to the love of fellow human beings.
reilly m gray 