Responsibility

The crux of any personal practice for good is taking responsibility for oneself and one's actions in the context of society and community.

The current libertarian movements in the U.S., which tend toward survivalist individualism, miss the reality that human beings are social animals by nature and evolution. Their motivation, as I see it, is based in gun possession and personal wealth, unimpeded by taxes and regulation. This seems more than a little regressive.

Responsibility to the community and society is the basis of civilization. Taxes are a crucial part of maintaining that civilization and its life-improving benefits. No matter how inefficient or corrupt government may be, the maintenance of infrastructure, public health and education must still be supported by the public for civilization to progress.

If those who despise corruption and 'big government' focused their rage on improving the quality of social programs by improving the tax and regulatory codes instead of ranting against the very programs which will improve their quality of life, then we can move as united citizens to improve our country for everyone.