[hekkle]

Of course, anyone always has the option to volunteer to make the world a better place; but the idea that anyone has a responsibility, or moral obligation to help a society that is actively hostile towards them is insanity.

[jeezfrk]

The important point is what a deserter would use as logic when asked "What if everyone gave up and only responded to selfish fear?"

Then, sir, it would be foolhardy to contribute any part to that service because soon it will all collapse.

That's, in a historically commonplace fashioned see today, is what the top 10% are doing when seeing the top 1% abdicate all responsibility.

Low or no taxes? Sounds good ... but it's going to burn down soon.

[Paracompact]

I feel people failed you in your situation. They had an obligation to help you, and they did not.

[godelski]

I'll add that this is the whole purpose of a society. The social contract is that of a coalition. Our combined utility is greater than the sum of our individual utility.

To not have an obligation to society is to be a drain on it. Even if you don't recognize it you still get a lot of benefit from society. It could be better. It should be better. But that will never happen if you never put in your part.