It is one of the difficulties a group, any group human or otherwise, must face. Some important research in Evolutionary Psychology (there is not agreement for sure) suggests that a cohesive social unit must include two important social sub-categories — the free riders and the altruists. Altruists make sure that the group survives by giving whatever they can, including their own survival, to make sure the group is safe and prosperous. The free riders take from the altruists when they need something, but otherwise ignore them and the needs of the group. In order for the group to survive there must be a balance between the two, one sub-category cannot become dominant. If the altruists become dominant everybody winds up sacrificing themselves and the community dwindles. If the free riders dominate the group loses its ability to act as a cohesive, caring group and therefore its power. It is the constant bargaining of nature.
What has occurred in our society as it currently stands is that the free riders have become dominant, in total control. They believe they are Randian heroes but are actually taking temporary advantage of the natural bargain — you can always take advantage of altruists. Temporary because a society cannot survive for long like this. Hurricane Harvey brings this into start relief. The politicians from Texas have acted as free riders to this point, refusing to support or sacrifice for those in need. Today they stand in need of support from the altruists. It is the natural inclination of the altruists to sacrifice themselves for their fellow group members in need no matter what the costs. There will be altruists reading this who will become furious at even the mention of conditions to help those in their group who are in need. All that must be put aside in order to help. But if you do this you are simply supporting free ridership and the end of our community as a whole in the long run.
How to solve this problem because it must be addressed if our society is going to survive for the long term. I believe one way to do it is to have free riders publicly ask for help, acknowledge the importance of the altruists to society, admit that they cannot survive without altruism. There was a time when I thought shame, supposed another mechanism developed through evolution, would help ameliorate the uneven balance. Obviously free riders have found a way to circumvent shame (see Trump). But at least make free riders admit that critical role altruism plays in society.
Have Cronyn and Cruz go to the well of the Senate. Have then ask their colleagues for help and admit that they cannot survive without the help of others. Possibly even have them explain why they held back help when they could have given it. Let them acknowledge the important role altruism plays in our society. Make this a condition of support. We need to bring our society back into balance.