I have noticed that the culture in US (based on people I know, which may not be a representative sample) are very hardworking, and they need to make money. Discipline is good, but some people exceed that and become either workaholics or they work extra to pay many bills or debts. A few exceptional ones were materialistic freaks who made money to pretend.
One sad case I found once was a retired american old lady I met personally. Her daughter had lupus and she didn't have the money to get medical attention. Her husband also was retired and they did not make enough money.
The last emails I have sent were not replied, so I hope she is still alive and her family is Ok. Considering the horrible things I heard about health coverage from her, something we do not suffer in our country, I realized that healthcare reform comes in due time.
