There are certain basic needs, such as food, shelter, education, and health care, which a moral society should meet for all of its people. When that society is the wealthiest in the world, the obligation to fulfill this requirement is even more compelling. Political and other social forces, however, often exacerbate the fears and greed of a country's citizens, resulting in policies that benefit a few at the expense of many. Such policies can exist for long periods of time, but may ultimately give way when the conscience of society finds its voice and demands otherwise. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.