One of the first signs that someone is suffering from ‘academia-induced’ stupidity is when they say that we should be more like Europe. Europe is falling apart because of socialism. Anyone who truly believes that Marx and socialism are anything more than a failed footnote in history needs to seriously rethink why they think what they think. I have relatives in Europe. They are suffering, and the economic outlook for their lives is not hopeful. These are good hard working people, just like those out of work in all corners of America, and they can hardly make ends meet.
Charity comes from the heart, is a choice, and is sacred and divine. Socialism is forced upon those who don't support it, is anything but sacred, and steals from some while making many into slaves.