By Danielle Charney Santa Monica
While I understand Mr. Shopay’s anger and frustration (SMDP, April 15, page 4), I think there are other situations to consider. If we are to have a society where the wealthy pay little or no taxes, where corporations avoid tax and receive huge subsidies for screwing up (GM) etc., where an education and basic health care are unaffordable for huge segments of society, than we will all pay the price of those who cannot, for one reason or another, thrive in a cold and hardened society of competition and greed. The wealthy I know get many things for free, while those who need it go without. Countries that have sponsored health care, housing and education have far fewer problems than we do with the homeless and crime.
It’s easy to kick someone who is down and out. It’s much harder to put anger where it belongs — the power structure that doesn’t care about your needs or anger.
Let’s not all be so greedy, scared and cowardly. What happened to heart?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 19, 2005. Read the original PDF.