Why it's so hard to get out of poverty

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/sep/21/linda-tirado-poverty-hand-to-mouth-extract?CMP=fb_gu

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/07/14/330434597/this-is-your-stressed-out-brain-on-scarcity

The situations and constraints that the poor find themselves in often lead to short-term thinking and counter-productive behaviors. They don't do it because they're irrational and/or like being poor. Even the "self-made Masters of the Universe" (conservatives like Romney, Ryan, Hannity, Trump, etc. who blame the poor for being poor) would likely do no better in their shoes.

Also, the ludicrous propaganda that the poor somehow live large off the rest of us and strategically exploit social programs when they could be working is really backed by no statistical evidence (but of course anecdotes exist). But stereotypes like that make it easier for society to ignore/dismiss/hate the poor, against our compassionate tendencies and the teachings of virtually every religious/moral code known to man.

Ethics and young people

NPR had some good stories about this today.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/07/14/331346884/for-most-kids-nice-finishes-last

Should universities consider student EQ in admissions, not just the typical achievements? Those skills can be important for career and life success too, not to mention better leaders and a healthier society. As my favorite president Teddy R said, "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" (emphasis mine).

This comes on the heels of a $7B federal fine on Citi for all sorts of professional/ethical violations associated with its MBS business (as usual, no one goes to jail). The fine is a tax-write off and about 7 months of profits to Citi - hardly a trip to the woodshed.

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What should it mean to "be a man"?

http://www.npr.org/2014/07/14/330183987/the-3-scariest-words-a-boy-can-hear