The profit motive IS obscene, but we are stuck with it. At best we can manage it, to mitigate its excesses, prevent it from taking advantage of those unable to protect themselves, while exploiting its virtues as best we can.

It cannot be legislated away, or driven off by sermons and shame, but neither should we assuage our consciences and justify its rapacity (or our participation in it) by elevating it into a noble quest, a holy sacrament. Every person is entitled to increase his prosperity and his security. But no one is entitled to do so at the expense of others.

I salute your volunteer time at the hospice.