Why do we care?

I saw Bruce Springsteen in Ypsilanti on Monday. I was on the cover of the Ann Arbor News. Cool.

Although, when Bruce talked about why the crowd should vote for Obama he spoke of those people in our country who are at their worst: those who don’t have healthcare, have trouble affording childcare, can’t buy reliable transportation, and even those who budget for cheap food.
The crowd was somber, and mostly in agreement. But then it struck me—on a Monday afternoon those who are struggling the most don’t have the time, inclination, or the opportunity to be at a Springsteen concert.

Those of us in attendance weren’t in desperate need; most of us looked just fine. So then why do us liberal elites, us who own houses, have jobs, have educations, and share relative security—why do we care so deeply about those who don’t? It’s a fundamental difference—we believe that in the wealthiest most developed nation on Earth it is a shame that hardworking able bodied individuals can’t afford basic needs (i.e. health care, childcare).

We care about each other, and we care for justice—often more than our own self interest.

Think about it.