My goal when I first posted was to ...

1. Question the 20% figure - I'm the guy who sees the bum with the I-pod and encounters cognitive dissonance.

2. Point out that enabling sub-optimal behavior increases its occurrence.

3. To not discuss anecdotal events, the tragic woman in the story, but examine reasons for these sub-optimal behaviors.

I post an important contention and do not hear it accepted or rejected. To me it is quite fundamental to the discussion. --

Who is responsible for me

1. Me
2. My parents
3. My community; defined by shared-values/activities/associations
4. My culture/society
5. My government

Now go through the list from 1 to 5 and determine where the breakdown(s) occurred.

After one address 1 through 4 then come take my money via the government in step 5.