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As I See It

Americans are failing each other

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When did we become so selfish? The United States of America, not that long ago, was a country of shared ideals. We united, when necessary, for the common good. We believed in shared sacrifice. Americans bought war bonds and often went out of their way to help their fellow man and woman. Helping a neighbor bale hay or even just plain being kind. These days, it seems like many are caring less and less about others. The pandemic has made that painfully clear. These days we see meltdowns from people on planes or in stores who go ballistic when told to wear a mask to help slow the spread of germs. These “Karens” stomp their feet, yell, and often intentionally cough on others as they demand to speak to a manager. They say this is America, and they have the right to breathe. People flaunt rules on indoor gatherings, whether at weddings, holiday parties or bars. They ridicule governments for suggesting families limit the number of people at this year’s Thanksgiving table even though doing so can help prevent others from getting sick. This virus is proving to be a real test of our character. A test that too often, we seem to be failing.

Scott Robert Shaw serves as WIZM Program Director and News Director, and delivers the morning news on WKTY, Z-93 and 95.7 The Rock. Scott has been at Mid-West Family La Crosse since 1989, and authors Wisconsin's only daily radio editorial, "As I See It" heard on WIZM each weekday morning and afternoon.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Tom Fitzpatrick

    October 29, 2020 at 10:13 am

    Scott, you are correct. Led by our political leaders who have put their narrow political interests first, and passed laws to benefit their big money donors, we have been taught to be selfish. Politicians are no longer interested in problem solving. Their only interest is political self preservation. So we see extreme gerry mandering; tax breaks to help the wealthy and further aggravate the economic inequality in the U.S. We have some of the lowest income tax rates in history, and greedy wealthy people want more tax cuts. Wages for low income people are ridiculously low. The minimum wage in 1960 was $1.00 per hour. If that minimum had kept up with inflation, it would be over $17 per hour. But despite increased productivity, and increased corporate profits, the wealthy class and their political cronies continue with policies to help the rich. Any wonder people are “selfish”?

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