Ben,

As in all things in life, ethics can be situational. In my case my kids are grown and live apart from me and the DW. I might be more likely to support the little kids on my block at some degradation to my well being because they will be around a lot longer than I will.

But I see the validity of your question. Twenty years ago I might have taken the your approach to ensure the well being of my children. Thank God that situation never arose.

At this stage in my life I'm not sure I'd be all that happy about surviving a situtation that would call for such extreme measures. Especially if it meant that others, that I could have helped, suffered to enable that survival. But obviously I have some interest in self-preservation or I wouldn't be spouting off here!

It was my beloved third grade teacher who read us the story about "Stone Soup" who shaped my point of view of community.

Take care, stay safe.