Damn, Skippy.... I couldn't have said it better myself....even if I were Roget!
Seriously, you expressed a lot of my sentiments quite eloquently. I agree with your analysis. Hunger (in whatever form you use the word) is a great motivator.

MFIllini5;
I DO work for a Government Agency - on a State level. I'm not a philanthropist, nor am I trying to earn myself notoriety or a prestigious award for "giving back to the community/taxpayers". I am not trying to hide my need to provide for my family under the guise of repaying anything to anyone. I work for a State Government agency because they provide me (and my family) income, for which I, in turn, provide the taxpayers with valuable and tangible services. The liklihood that the State will go bankrupt (and leave me unemployed) is remote. While I (and everyone on my staff) feels our monetary compensation is not nearly what it would be in the private sector, we accept that since our overall "compensation package" covers more than just a paycheck. We enjoy job security, a solid and stable pension plan, decent medical / dental / optical insurance plans/options, a liberal number of paid holidays, and a substantial amount of "leave" time - which increases with our service time (these benefits are VERY rare in private industry). I'm sure you enjoy similar "perks" in your job, and I didn't see in your post where you refuse your paycheck to more effectively "give back to others".

We never get everything we want. We have to compromise. The most sensible answers lie in doing what achieves the most good for the most people.....which includes those who haven't been born yet.

BTW - I'm under the impression that the disposal of batteries and un-recyclable materials from some of the "green" vehicles being made now causes more damage to the environment (excessive landfill) than buying, fueling and driving a Hummer (the anti-green vehicle, right?). That's something to think about.