Teribus misunderstands the unspeakable greed that is merely the extreme representation of that that is present in all human nature. The majority can exhibit restraint, given the mores to follow. But put a few grabbers in the pack and the trickle down effect is swift. If there is little reward in being used as fodder - you might as well be holding the cannon. And society then assumes a new norm.
Look at litter (ignore the disease laden vermin), look at borrowing (ref Credit crunch), look at the standard of driving (in the UK anyway) and "community" is no longer based on geography - where it exists now.

Until it hits their pockets, little will change.

And water is a far more serious commodity in short supply. How full is Lake Mead?