On the other side, the extremes of individualism result in the exclusive focusing on self. The glorification of private greed and the corruption of capitalism to the enrichment of a few barons is the tyranny of the "I's." Hubris is the result. In turn, this "I" mentality leads to financial and military excesses. The obscenely wealthy bonused rich are our modern aristocrats who tell the starving masses to eat cake when they are informed the hungry have no bread. "I" politics corrupted is everyone for themselves without the honorable behavior to lose oneself for another. The movement toward more governmental involvement, or the greater employment of "we," is a direct reaction to the excesses and arrogance of the "I" mongers.

Either preservation style to the exclusion of the other is flawed and will fail if there are no values and ethics of self-restraint and stewardship. Now government steps in where Integrity used to patrol. Rules and regulations are the "we" answer to the misdeeds of "I's." Neither would be necessary if morality and self-restraint prevailed. Personal conscience should be more powerful than a congressional investigation.

In Newsweek's recent "Manifesto of Capitalism," there is this prediction: "No matter what reforms we put in place, without common sense, judgment and an ethical standard, they will prove inadequate."

Therefore we need the moral interaction between "I" and "we" to create the correct solution of survival.

Joseph Cramer, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, practicing pediatrician for more than 25 years and an adjunct professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah. He can be reached at jgcramermd@yahoo.com.