Comments on: H is for Hero Worship

By: shrinkrapped

shrinkrapped — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 02:50:28 +0000

In reply to dyannedillon. A really good point, Dyanne. Thanks.

By: dyannedillon

dyannedillon — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:53:30 +0000

We pay an awful lot in taxes in the US for people to have to walk 21 miles to work or children to go hungry or the working poor not to have adequate health coverage. My husband was laid off from his executive-level job and for 9 months, we were on the government “dole.” Not sure we will ever recover financially from that (sorry, kids!). I think very few people choose to take that way of life.

By: shrinkrapped

shrinkrapped — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:29:21 +0000

In reply to raesquiggles.

It’s interesting to get the perspective of people living in Europe. It’s always astonishing to compare the tax systems of Europe and the U.S. We have a long way to go here. I think–too much tax support of the military, not enough for the social good of ordinary people in everyday life. But I guess “The Little Engine that Could” is universal–and a good motivator for climbing steep hills, literal and metaphorical. Thanks for writing.

By: shrinkrapped

shrinkrapped — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:24:59 +0000

In reply to hbksloss. Yes, it's a complex balance. Individualism is deeply ingrained in America's narrative about itself. Thanks for writing, Heidi.

By: shrinkrapped

shrinkrapped — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:23:26 +0000

In reply to Wendy. You are so right--it's a very tricky balance. It's interesting to hear the perspective from someone in Europe. Thanks for writing, Wendy.

By: shrinkrapped

shrinkrapped — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:22:10 +0000

In reply to Susan Brody. Thanks! I always wanted a sister!

By: Susan Brody

Susan Brody — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:11:50 +0000

Again you score. I have this weird feeling that you and I are twins separated at birth. (I also have an artist daughter, by the way.)

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:36:33 +0000

Good post. I think it’s hard to get the balance right. Especially somewhere as huge and diverse as the USA. Here in the UK things are far from perfect. Yes we need to look after those who can’t look after themselves and support those who are in areas where unemployment is high and prospects low but sometimes we do make it too easy for people to get used to being on benefits and make it hard for them to transition back into employment. Walking 21 miles a day for a job shouldn’t be the expectation but total support from the state when things go wrong shouldn’t be to the point where the desire to get back on your feet even if that means walking on them for a bit is outweighed by the ease of just letting the state take the strain.

By: hbksloss

hbksloss — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:37:48 +0000

It was great that so many people came to admire and then help Mr Robertson, but this is not a sustainable model for how the haves help the have-nots. Mr Robertson’s work ethic is admirable, but there is also nothing wrong with also asking for help. None of us exists alone; most of us are where we are due to the help we have had along the way. Why do we value the stoic loner over someone who asks for and uses a hand up?

By: raesquiggles

raesquiggles — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:20:54 +0000

Hi Lorrie – living in a European country, my attitude towards taxes is different to the sentiment of your letter writer. I pay taxes in the expectation I would never have to walk 21 miles to work. I expect a decent public transport system, or at least bicycle routes and a living wage which would allow me to pay for a bus ticket. If a tax system isn’t providing these services, then what is it doing?
I often hum the little engine to myself when I’m walking up a hill – it does help, but I’m fit and healthy.
Rae