http://www.alternet.org/story/146196/

Are We Selfish Individuals or an Empathic Society?
The Answer Could Determine Whether We Have a Future

The industrial age built on and propelled by fossil fuels is coming to an end. What replaces it is at the center of our fight for survival.

Jeremy Rifkin / Tarcher/Penguin

... adapted excerpt from Jeremy Rifkin’s new book, ‘The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis’

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http://www.alternet.org/story/146196/

It was recently pointed out by Thom Hartmann on his program that we were an “I” society in the 1920s, then Roosevelt converted us to a “We” society in the 1930s, but Reagan converted us back to an “I” society in the 1980’s.  I’m afraid it will take a depression much worse than the one we have just experienced to convert us back to working together and empathy rather than everyone for him/herself and greed.

Occam

Occam - 27 March 2010 12:13 PM

It was recently pointed out by Thom Hartmann on his program that we were an “I” society in the 1920s, then Roosevelt converted us to a “We” society in the 1930s, but Reagan converted us back to an “I” society in the 1980’s.  I’m afraid it will take a depression much worse than the one we have just experienced to convert us back to working together and empathy rather than everyone for him/herself and greed.

Occam

Oh, I used to be an Ayn Rand fan. Seems to be the philosophy of youth.
A simple solution to this is the installment of some basic social programs (not socialism) where all have to contribute to the overall welfare of the nation’s citizenry. Social Security and Medicare for All (single payer) will ensure that no matter the circumstances, there is a safety net for all, while also encouraging and maintaining the capitalist freedoms to engage in “legitimate” business.