We’ve forgotten how to share

Traveling through the U.S. is a unique experience, one that mixes cultures, languages and types of folks who — until recently — shared a common interest in the livelihood of one another. Our history shows we’ve had our differences, but we’ve managed to live together and thrive.

But in my last four years at UNC, it would seem that we have lost the American exceptionalism, the unyielding belief in the unity that built the Hoover Dam during the worst economic climate in history. This determined quality inspired the creation of this great public institution in 1789.

But the American populous has lost the basic empathy for their fellow patriot — the empathy necessary to end unyielding political stalemate.

The proposals to perpetuate the Bush tax cuts for the most prosperous Americans give life to the blind, isolated selfishness and greed that has held us back. This should be plain to see.

Many of us can remember our first experience with “sharing.” And whether we stomached the thought of passing the plate of cookies or letting someone else have a chance on our favorite swing set, we learned our lessons along the way.

The rhetoric in Washington today would lead most to believe that many on both sides of the aisle fail in the sharing department. The notion that giving tax breaks to America’s most affluent will somehow alleviate the burdens of swelling poverty, urban homelessness and educational inequity makes no sense.

Certainly some would give their monetary gains toward charities and small business ventures. But, I say the federal government is a better arbitrator of this solution than the moral consciousness of America’s gentry elite.

It’s as if we are back in that kindergarten classroom, giving the entire cake to the greedy kid with the overactive sweet tooth, expecting to get a slice of the pie. Nothing about this makes sense.

Still, our poor track record of caring for the “other” in our midst continues. Just this month, not a single Republican — in an overwhelmingly male Senate — voted for a bill that would have ensured equal pay for men and women. And even now, as the wealth gap between the rich and the poor is greater than ever before, many are calling for the defunding of life-saving social programs and vital public schools.

Of course, the private sector isn’t all bad. Private businesses feed and clothe our nation. But allowing private, profit-driven industry to hold the keys to education and health care seems a bit too far.

Private insurance companies deny coverage to thousands of Americans each year for a litany of ridiculous “pre-existing conditions,” all the while charging us more.

It would be utopian to think a growing American elite would raise all boats when — since the 1980s — so many of our ships and livelihoods have gone under. But this simply isn’t the case.

There are people of all income levels who abuse the law, acting to protect their own interests. But, for many, the American dream really isn’t a possibility. The demonization of government and its programs has only taken attention away from an obstructionist Congress and reality of inequity in almost every social institution. Voting aside, we have lost our common denominator, we are losing our identity and we — the youth — are certainly losing hope.

I want and need a president ready to invest in my future. And giving the reigns to private enterprise alone isn’t a guarantee of equity and prosperity for all. Without a check, there is no balance. Without investment, there simply is no future.