To the degree that you need to cooperate with other Americans, you are both responsible for them and dependent on them. Of course, it doesn’t stop there. For we also need to cooperate with others who aren’t Americans. America is no more independent of the actions of other nations than your mythical “rugged individualist” is independent of others in his community.
Of course, we are all responsible for ourselves. We are also responsible for those we choose to be responsible for, such as children or others who can not survive on their own.
However, on a larger, less tangible level, we are all responsible for each other. It is our agreement that we will all watch out for each other, and if one gets into trouble, we’ll help out. Some of our helping out is directly in our own interest, too. Like putting out the fire in your neighbor’s house. Other forms of helping out are like insurance—helping out the disabled person is not just altruism. It helps make it more likely that if we ever become disabled, people will take care of us, too.
As to becoming aware of others’ needs—all you can do is get to know others. You walk the streets and attend the meetings and find out what people are thinking and what they want and what ideas they have for getting what they want. You learn where those ideas can complement each other and where they clash. You learn who has power and who doesn’t.
You can not, on your own, know what is best for everyone. You can’t be a dictator. This is why we elect representatives and leaders. No decision you can make will be right for everyone. No decision. Almost all your decisions will be right only for a small minority of people. People’s interests are too varied.
To enlighten and inform people, you should become a teacher. Or a writer. Maybe a movie maker. Certainly not a politician.
Do I have your best interest at heart? Of course I do! You, however, may not agree. I assure you that I know better than you, and you are merely ignorant or misguided. However you don’t have to worry. I know what’s best for you—and everyone else. Yes. I do.
So give me a break. You can’t have everyone’s best interest at heart. Where did you get such an idea? Think about it for a second. Think about how many different interests there are in America (or any other nation) and think about how many clashes there are. You are dreaming if you think it is possible to act in everyone’s best interest. It’s all about compromise. It’s all about making sausage (legislation). If you want to see something really disgusting, go to a sausage factory—or to a House or Senate back room where they are cutting deals to get some law passed.
What can you do for your country? You can pursue your interests honestly without seeking to cheat anyone else. You can be empathetic with other and more concerned with the community’s need than your own personal need. You can provide service to the county in any number of ways. You don’t have to serve in the armed forces or work for government. Starting a business and employing people is service. Going to your elderly neighbor’s house to check on her each day is service. Bringing up your children to be kind and smart and hard workers is service. All of these things serve others and help build the cooperative society we need in order to survive into the future.
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