Common Good: A Thing of the Past?

It is been hard for me to contemplate that our world's grasp of the common good may be trending downward. Even in Europe where their national ethos is more grounded in the common good, there are signs that the fiscal realities are forcing nations to ratchet down their system. In our nation, the individual has a history of priority since its foundation. However, over time, we did develop programs that were designed to help all at the expense of some.

In the past year, hopes that our better selves would emerge with the election of Obama have floundered badly. Hopes that we would see the national benefits to universal healthcare have been frustrated because so many see that "their" benefits would decrease in order to support access for all.

Today's column by Roger Cohen captures a glimpse of what is needed. Our world could be so much better, safer, productive, if we could see that helping all benefits all.