@:

I think all of us Canadians consider ourselves lucky, lol.

@bellpickle:

I figured that was the case, I run into that sentiment a lot and I always have to object since though my family isn't poor and yet not quite well off to be considered middle class - I always object since we've always been heavily involved in charity work. So I know for a fact that plenty of people do care about those less fortunate.

I find it ironic since though I am no longer a member of the LDS church, this area is known for participating in humanitarian aid for not only the USA but other countries as well. I live less than a five miles from several centers that do nothing but collect both food and clothing and supplies to help out others.

So from that standpoint... Though I think our government and the people have a long way to go, I also see the other side of those who do care, and what I mentioned goes beyond just simple aid, from schooling assistance, job assistance, etc. The list is pretty long. ^_^

It's not that I don't care or anything, but like I've said many times the past few months . . .

. . . SO GLAD I don't have to vote in your politics.

@SunfallE:

Nah, it's fine... I know that I honestly disagree with that generalization too. I think it's just that my being a generally optimistic, tree-hugging person makes it dangerously easy to become the complete opposite sometimes.

In all honesty, even though our system has it's issues and is corrupt, I can't agree with the sweeping generalization that nobody cares. You lost me with that blanket statement right there.

That's doing those who do care a disservice, yes I know you're ranting, but still, I refuse to jump on the bandwagon of that statement since I know it's incorrect.

I really like Michael Moore movies. I know he's biased, but really, who isn't? And what he's doing is extremely important. He's getting people to think differently about things they just accept.

But yeah, basically, I'm never, ever, going to live in the US. I'm staying in Canada. Though work might take me to Europe, but I'm definitely never going to move to the US.

@:

Well, it's true that American policies keep poor people poor... but I suppose this was a "society sucks" rant more than anything. Because even though it's the government who sets up these policies, it's our society that not only allows it, but even supports the horrid conditions of the needy when it's to our benefit.

And this apathy shows even on an individual-to-individual basis; it's become the standard for people to refuse to even acknowledge homeless people on the street, just as we ignore them on a larger scale. It's as if we as a society are saying, "We don't care as long as it's not us who are poor." And that sort of attitude is just disgusting.

I've often wondered about the arrangements of various institutions. It's almost laughable that one needs proper identification to get proper identification. Of course, to get the initial identification one needs money to purchase a verified "identity" (e.g., written on a pamphlet for a Canadian Birth Certificate are the words, "YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS YOUR IDENTITY"). Even if one tries to start small, the small steps require money. And this is only a one part of the problem.

It also doesn't help when we have a goverment in power that is only looking our for #1, and their wealthy friends and cronies.

And really, it saddens me to say it, and while this doesn't apply to everyone it's still true: America is one of the biggest hypocrisies ever. This country has yet to fully live up to the ideals it is supposed to stand for.