88. American Sense of Responsibility

Typically, I am impressed by the American sense of responsibility and concern. We take care ourselves and our own and more often than not we take care of others. Whenever we fall into troubles over this sense of responsibility is when we debate about how or if we should take care of something or someone. If you consider our poor healthcare system you would think we were the worst people in the world for being responsible, but in reality we’re too caught up in debating how that care should be done. So in the meantime, while our policy wonks debate this problem, real Americans take up the responsibility by being first responders, doctors, nurses, neighbors who make meals for the sick or bereaved, and neighbors who raise funds to help those in difficult situations. Americans pitch in. We may blunder, make mistakes and stumble like blind people but we try to take care of ourselves and our neighbors. This trait allows us to be both loved and despised. When we are despised it is because sometimes we’re over eager to help the rest of the world and the rest of the world may not really want help. That same thing can happen at home. Sometimes people just want us to mind our own business. Personally, I can forgive a blunder here or there when I know it is out of concern for my wellbeing. I admire the American sense of responsibility, and aspire to it.