"A factor driving our society is consumerism related to economics. In order to keep ones business running, they need to hire people, they need to properly function... and its all related, in this endless cycle. It's based upon the core fact in our society that people get a job in order to make money. There are those who can't prosper due to situations they were born in, definitely, that's a symptom.
For me, I understand and accept the situation I was born into. I'm lucky where I am - to be born in Sparta, one parent able to not work - I understand and accept it. Of course, theres a certain responsibility. It's the idea of the social contract. It's not about me taking advantage of my situation by driving a fancy car or going to lavish places. I know in some districts in the inner city there are some schools where they actually have a system in which they send kids off to the Ivy Leagues, all run by an organization by a man whose name I cannot remember, but he is very wealthy and well off. One of the things significant figures in this world such as 'that man' and Andrew Carnegie in the 19th century definitely believed in was the gospel of wealth. It is the duty of those at the top, the most elite, to provide opportunity (and handouts) to those who are struggling at the bottom. People like this make this world a better place, aiding for those struggling in this society that is not easy for some as it is for others.
There's also a heavier responsibility to those who don't have what I may be able to have access to. Those who, like women born in Afghanistan under the Taliban, born and unable to attend school. These poor kids in the inner city who are born and sometimes, the truth is they are stuck in that cycle of poverty that we never see. It can turn into sex and...violence and drugs. There isn't the best system in place to care for them and the unfortunate truth? There is nothing there for them sometimes except that vicious cycle that they are reliant upon. I feel an obligation, if anything, to give back to the best of my ability in any way possible. And there's no specific reason to it for me. I stay very committed to my beliefs, and religiously, code of conduct which has shaped who I am. My parents have been a support system, but they have never forced me into anything - the choices I make have been all my decision. I try as much as I can currently to just do good, you know? I try to do it through all I'm involved in. I try to do it through Wounded Warrior Project. I try to do it by making several contributions to a wide array of different organizations through our DECA chapter projects... and through Columbian Squires, a youth group that helps youth receive their diplomas through economically difficult times.
There's always gonna be some crappy people out there. But those are the people who won't be remembered, those who won't matter, or the people that will go down as selfish and ungodly. It is those that built into the needy, those who handed over their fortunes several times in the name of philanthropy that are the ones who define and demonstrate what is needed to be a good person. In this 'envy situation' many in this town find themselves in, there's always the people to give back. I'm a co-leader for Antioch retreat this year. It is in that place and places similar that I find that's where my morals are."
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