Ruskin Museum and Grave, Conniston

Rush write assignment--"defend something" (2007):

Talking with Mike H., I remembered again (with delight) that in Britain, socialism is not a dirty word--in fact, it's a patriotic attitude. Ruskin's ideals of the duty we have to take care of each other and improve the world we leave behind are too often lost or ignored by American First Worlders in the 21st Century. We have more advantages than nearly anyone else who has ever lived on earth, and with those advantages come responsibilities. We're too eager to embrace the Gospel of Wealth, trickle-down economies, or the generally mistaken idea that a rising tide lifts all boats, and forget that improving the lot of our fellow creatures requires smart thoughtful work and resources--including money. We as professed Christians betray our Christian heritage when we look out only for ourselves.