Newbee
I think the only reason the posters are being deliberately thick on this issue, is because they are all rationalizing. You have articulated your point quite well. Your point is obvious and true.
Bottom line
If you are a baal mussar, you choose to work on yourself and one main area that all people need to work on themselves in , is limiting the gashmius in their life.
But we are a spoiled society and we are americans who have succumbed to the pursuit of liberty and happiness.
Look at the mansions in Brooklyn, Lakewood etc. Ask someone why they feel it is necessary to live in a mansion and you get all sorts of rationalization. “I have a big family, I give a lot to tzedukah, its not an aveirah.”
Same goes for all the lexus’s and acura’s being driven. “It was a good lease” “its a business car” etc.
We are mostly not balei mussar and its a big problem.
So I agree with you 100%. And every day I daven to Hashem that I should not be swayed by gashmius.
I do not go to tzedukah events that are big productions. I don’t go to charity events that are excuses to make a big BBQ.
Do I like a good chulent on Shabbos, yes. But baruch hashem my tefillos are being answered and food is having less of a hold over me.
Unfortunately, you and I seem to be the minority.