In America, we have a bit of a judgement habit. We're often very quick to point out everything that's wrong with other regions and their laws.
But Mark Weisbrot, writing for The Guardian, raises a very important point:
Who are we to judge?
American society is far from perfect. The challenge is that many of our problems exist under the surface, where they're met with complacency and outright denial.
Many Americans pride themselves on the country's justice system, hailing it as an example for the rest of the world to follow.
In reality, the American justice system is incredibly flawed.
Just last year, White House Republicans revealed legislation that would decriminalize a slew of corporate crimes, from financial fraud to environmental damage.
It's not like business moguls need much more help getting away with their crimes in this country. Prosecution of white collar crime has hit a new 20-year-low thanks to shady Justice Department agreements that prevent corporations and their executives from being prosecuted.
Meanwhile, more and more non-violent offenders in the working class are being thrown in prison under harsh sentences. Their crimes affect their communities – but white collar crime affects the world.
In America, we often speak about the need to repair things like our education system.
Such discussions are often followed up by questions such as "Where's the money for that change supposed to come from?"
Well, Fortune 500 companies hold more than $2 trillion offshore for the purpose of avoiding taxes that would equate to over $600 billion.
Meanwhile, ordinary Americans like you and I get hit repeatedly with tax hikes – and there are more coming.
When new hepatitis C cure Sovaldi was released to the public, many health experts labelled it "a godsend."
And it is – The drug has the potential to save millions of lives across the country.
But when potential for good meets greed, guess what comes out on top?
The production cost of Sovaldi for the 12-week treatment course ranges from $68-$136.
The cost for patients? $94,000 – roughly $1,000 per pill.
India – a third world country – refused to grant a patent for the drug. There, treatment costs a mere $300.
Sadly, that's just one example of how greed in America trumps concern for human life.
An AARP study looked at the cost of 115 specialty drugs used to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
The average cost of each was $53,384 annually, nearly $20,000 higher than the average American salary.
25% of all Americans suffer from mental illness.
Roughly one third of all homeless people suffer from some sort of severe mental illness, and may find themselves sleeping on subways and in alleyways.
Why don't they get help, you ask? Because there isn't enough.
Between 1970 and 2002, the number of public mental health hospital beds fell from 200 per 100,000 individuals to 20 per 100,000.
This number continues to drop with recession-fueled state cutbacks.
Here are 5 such issues that signify great trouble within our society.
1. White Collar Crime
Many Americans pride themselves on the country's justice system, hailing it as an example for the rest of the world to follow.
In reality, the American justice system is incredibly flawed.
Just last year, White House Republicans revealed legislation that would decriminalize a slew of corporate crimes, from financial fraud to environmental damage.
It's not like business moguls need much more help getting away with their crimes in this country. Prosecution of white collar crime has hit a new 20-year-low thanks to shady Justice Department agreements that prevent corporations and their executives from being prosecuted.
Meanwhile, more and more non-violent offenders in the working class are being thrown in prison under harsh sentences. Their crimes affect their communities – but white collar crime affects the world.
2. The Tax System
In America, we often speak about the need to repair things like our education system.
Such discussions are often followed up by questions such as "Where's the money for that change supposed to come from?"
Well, Fortune 500 companies hold more than $2 trillion offshore for the purpose of avoiding taxes that would equate to over $600 billion.
Meanwhile, ordinary Americans like you and I get hit repeatedly with tax hikes – and there are more coming.
3. Greed vs. Humanity
When new hepatitis C cure Sovaldi was released to the public, many health experts labelled it "a godsend."
And it is – The drug has the potential to save millions of lives across the country.
But when potential for good meets greed, guess what comes out on top?
The production cost of Sovaldi for the 12-week treatment course ranges from $68-$136.
The cost for patients? $94,000 – roughly $1,000 per pill.
India – a third world country – refused to grant a patent for the drug. There, treatment costs a mere $300.
Sadly, that's just one example of how greed in America trumps concern for human life.
An AARP study looked at the cost of 115 specialty drugs used to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
The average cost of each was $53,384 annually, nearly $20,000 higher than the average American salary.
4. Treatment of Mental Illness
25% of all Americans suffer from mental illness.
Roughly one third of all homeless people suffer from some sort of severe mental illness, and may find themselves sleeping on subways and in alleyways.
Why don't they get help, you ask? Because there isn't enough.
Between 1970 and 2002, the number of public mental health hospital beds fell from 200 per 100,000 individuals to 20 per 100,000.
This number continues to drop with recession-fueled state cutbacks.
