I feel like this is a narrative for which I am nostalgic despite being too young to have ever really experienced even though I grew up in a small town. I wish that those in my community who serve their neighbors in an important way were more respected socially. Sure, the local paramedic - Sam - doesn't make a lot of money, but everyone knows he's a good guy you can rely on. Everything feels so transactional.
many paramedics work for a private company for peanuts.
Public figures are still respected. I suppose it's less so because education is more common. The Gulf between a medical doctor and your average citizen was huge
