Debra,

There is a conflict between the way an individual behaves towards individual humans, and the social/political/economic systems they subscribe to.

I work with charities that work with people with disabilities (physical and learning)and have seen many individual acts of benevolence, but they are often carried out by those who uphold the conditions that make benevolence required in the first place.

I don't believe we can detach ourselves from 'left and right' as it is this distinction which shapes the extent to which those who are most disadvantaged are in need of individual acts of kindness.

It all sounds pessimistic, but if you haven't read it already, read 'Join Me' by Danny Wallace - to see how people can be capable of good.