I'm happy to read this comment! I have leaned libertarian (and still do to an extent) when it comes to many things, but I've never quite identified with the mo

I'm happy to read this comment! I have leaned libertarian (and still do to an extent) when it comes to many things, but I've never quite identified with the more right-wing 'individual responsibility' / 'poor people are a result of their own choices' perspective. my personal experiences and having had many close friends who grew up poor or in otherwise very shitty situations make it so clear to me that a lot of the good choices I make are profoundly influenced by my direct surroundings (both physical and social), as well as an upbringing that, while poverty-line, was excellent. My parents and extended family were great role models, and much as I might grumble about problems in our educational system, it was still pretty good. I was 'funneled' into having friends that also were more of a good than bad influence. As I entered my twenties and explored the world, I met many people who weren't so fortunate. And as frustrating as it was at times to observe their 'bad choices', knowing the full and often painful story of all the stuff they didn't have growing up (role-models, time to just self-learn, a safe environment, etc.) made me more empathic than judgmental. That's not to say that I believe nobody has their own responsibilities, or that bad behavior can just be excused by blaming parents or whatnot. Rather, it's complicated and I've been lucky enough to not be able to fully understand (many of the) the complications.