Paul:  When I use the term "we" I'm referencing all of us as a community.  The actual actions might occur at various levels; likely they need to.  PTSD/concussive brain injured vets, for example, need assistance from the government which sent them to war.  Some of the other issues are, likely, more appropriately addressed at the state or local level.  

We may all agree "to improve the lives of others who are in need", but, we don't even start to have any concensus regarding just who is DESERVING of our assistance and whether providing assistance is "best" for them.  You mention "who, what, when, where, how?" Those are all key questions.  However, IMO, we haven't gotten by "if"....regards, Gary Crum