Past Vs. Present: United Colonies; United People; United States

Our ancestors started this nation helping each other. Except for a small percentage, everyone knew each other; everyone was friendly with each other; everyone helped each other in difficult situations, or at least offered; everyone was honorable, and had integrity; everyone respected everyone else; everyone handled agreements on their 'word' and a handshake. People were very different then.

This country's government stayed out of personal / family affairs, and rarely helped individuals out of hardship. They didn't tell you how to raise your kids; they didn't tell you how to be a parent; they didn't tell you that you had to have a certain number of bedrooms or sized house to keep your family or you would lose them; they didn't intrude on your life at all - except for the military. I believe that every young man should do at least one term in one of the branches of military.

The military are our physical protectors, our freedom protectors, and our leaders. The military went from being the backbone of this country to being on the back burner; it's not right, and it's not fair to them, to us, or to the memory of every fallen military hero. Help our troops; help our country, help fight for our rights, freedoms, and peaceful living - protect those who protect us. Their protecting our 'six' (backs), who's got theirs?

Why is the United States helping other countries as much as they are? Are we not in the biggest deficit ever? Do we not have one of the biggest unemployment rates ever? Do we not have hungry and homeless people here? Why are we not helping ourselves, or helping other Americans? A wise man once told me that you cannot help others if you cannot help yourself. If you do not have a car, you cannot help your neighbor with a ride. If you do not have a home, you cannot help a family member with a (temporary) roof over their head.

There are many rich people in this country alone, by that I mean million and billionaires. Instead of giving a million dollars to a charity that always receives donations, why not have someone research low-income people, find out who needs financial help, and send them a letter and a check. Alternatively, take them out for a shopping spree for clothes for the whole family or new furniture - maybe they don't have any or it looks like the dogs ate it. Maybe, a small donation from them could keep someone out of foreclosure. They could also read letters of people requesting help and then someone research them, not everyone will be honest - unfortunately. They will still be giving the same amount of money each year, just disbursing it a different way and they will have a sense of pride knowing the people they actually helped.

The rich helping the poor - that sounds like something our ancestors did. I read an article in Fortune magazine where several of the 'elite' were discussing (and some have vowed) to donate half of their net value by the time they die or upon their death to charity. Why not participate in this - Poverty Line Pick-up? Not everyone is worth helping, unfortunately- they don't want to help themselves; they only want a handout, but many are worth the trouble and would appreciate it beyond belief. That donor would make that recipient the happiest person on Earth. You cannot possibly please everyone, but you can please yourself, the recipient, and your family and peers for your selfless and generous act.