Investing in the greater good

From the Frank Bruni column in the New York Times this week - - Individualism in Overdrive:

"I'm ceaselessly surprised by how many older people of means push back against necessary changes to Social Security and Medicare.  Some of them are grandparents, maybe even doting ones.  And there's a crucial disconnect between their impulse to safeguard their slice of the American pie and the concern they should feel for the crumbs their grandchildren may be left with.

A few of them are surviving members of the "greatest generation," which we justly lionize for its sacrifices.  Where are our sacrifices today?  Our investments in the greater good?"

As I drive along the potholed streets of Dallas, it is very clear to see (and feel) the "we" of our public infrastructure.  But as I drive along one of our new privately funded toll road and get tagged for $2.25, it all becomes much more about "me." 

It will be interesting to watch - - infrastructure that was defined by "we" 25-years ago to a world of infrastructure much more defined (and paid for) by "me."  The infrastructure transition from "we" to "me" is just one part of the societal shift from "we" to "me" - - I am not sure what the American pie is going to look like when all the slices are "me" slices.