Michele, I agree that much of this lies within the control of the individual. However, I note Rummler's adage that if you put a good person in a bad system, the system usually wins. It's like blaming people who live in poverty. Yes, some exceptional ones may have the self-confidence, motivation and skills to raise their standard of living, but many others have lost hope fighting the system.

In making real change, you have to work both ends, which makes your DIY work quite important, but the organisation has to change as well.