We are afraid that unworthy Americans will receive entitlements they don’t deserve. Food, perhaps. Or medical care. Or housing.

In my own life, I have received many good things that I did not, in fact, do anything to earn.

I was born into a loving household. We were healthy and needed no unusual medical care. I was born at a time when unemployment was low. Both my parents were able to work and afford comfortable housing for their family.

At the time, a college education was still possible for those of ordinary means. My brother and I profited from four years of college.

Again, I came of age in boom economic times and never wanted for employment—with health insurance—whenever I needed to work.

Thus, I’m not bothered by the fact that in a wealthy country no one would go hungry. I’m not thinking of steak dinners—just basic food for all who are hungry.

I wish all working Americans had access to affordable housing, including janitors and home health aides. I’d like to see adequate resources for the mentally ill and help for the drug addicted to recover meaningful lives. I wish no child to suffer homelessness.

I wish all America’s children had access to adequate education, no matter their parents’ standing in life.

I wish all Americans could receive basic health care.

I’d like to see a fairer tax system—one that taxes wealth as well income—to underpin meeting these basic needs.

Of course, these views are selfish. Healthy, educated, well-housed Americans ultimately benefit the entire country, including me.