I know that in Peru distribution of wealth is way more skewed in favour of the wealthy than we can ever understand here in Australia. So to me, it’s not surprising that Peru, or Brazil, or even Argentina (where the above photo is from) have such high rates of poverty. Awful, but not surprising. These are also catholic countries, so the birthrate is a whole other issue. But I digress.

I come from a background that strongly values social justice and community. I find it incredible that in a nation with so few living in absolute poverty, any of us live in relative poverty at all. I don’t feel like it is just up to those in poverty to remedy their situation – we need systematic change.

And I guess I fundamentally disagree with the buddhist idea you hold to be true – I don’t see how one person can be wholly responsible for his or herself, not in the sense that we should blame the victim, not in the sense that the community is not even partially responsible.

I think the point is that people like Luci can survive through all this, even, dare I say it, thrive. And you and I can disagree on philosophy, and still agree that experiencing poverty, even for a little while, can teach us a lesson.

Sure, we could all stand to make more sustainable choices, but at the same time, you can make a choice (like having kids, buying a house, deciding to go on a massive holiday, going out for an expensive meal) while you have the means to do so and then suddenly, the rug can be pulled out from under you.

You can’t un-have your kids. It may not be financially viable to sell your house tomorrow. That holiday may be booked and paid for.

So sure, personal responsibility is important, but the point for me is that we are systematically overlooking 2.2 million people in this country who need help. And whatever choices they have made, they deserve our support just like anyone. The fact that they have had the rug pulled out from under them is hardly their fault.