People are hurting out there

[bhikkhu]

53. That is the nature of society, even without a profit motive

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, but I don't think I would equate the limitations or formative effects upon our values, aspirations, hopes and dreams with "the dole". Its not that we are powerless and ineffective in the face of some great determining system...its rather that there has never been a system that does not in some way form, limit, and guide our directions. People are inherently social, and the first desperate hope of any young person in the world is to find their place, to play some part and adopt a role in society. Most hope for an important role, and most settle with less, of simply what is possible, but the same basic rules apply whether one is a bushman on the Kalahari or a mechanic's son in Ohio.

I wouldn't argue at all, however, that changes over the last few decades have made that finding of a part to play more difficult and less hopeful than it should be, and that we could do a great deal better in social mobility and the providing of opportunities. As we speak, enrollment in college among 19-25 year olds is at a record high. I hope those who are learning in hopes of better lives, and in hopes of making a difference and having the opportunity, have all the chances they deserve.

The best and most immediate thing we can do for them is (though it may sound trite and simplistic) to elect a democratic congress in 2014, as there has been so much good legislation that could make real differences stalled and shuffled aside by the do-nothing republican congress. A positive progressive agenda is there, and capable people are ready to get to work, they just don't have the votes yet.