Americans, does this make you ashamed?

Question

America is one of the worst of in the industrialised world for providing foreign aid RELATIVE TO WEALTH.

The link below gives the figures for aid as a PERCENTAGE OF GNP
http://www.godweb.org/stingy2.htm
(OECD figures)

If you include PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS the US only moves up to 15th in the ranking.

Although in purely numerical terms the total given by America may be high, should a millionaire give the same amount to charity as someone living under a bridge?

Answer 1

Is it our problem and duty to help the poor? That wasn't what America was built on, it was hard labor and sweat.

Answer 2

Do these figures take into account the money we spend on defence and the trickle down effects of that. How do you think we can send an aircraft carrier group to Indonesia to clean up after the Tsunami?

What about all of the money the US gives to Egypt every year so they will leave Israel alone? There is no figure for that. The American taxpayer pays for enough. For a country that never had a "empire" we seem to be looked to an awful lot to clean up after the countries that did legitimately have ones. France, Spain and England should be paying far more than us most of the problems in the poor nations of the world. The problems in those poorer nations can be traced back to them.

Keep in mind that this country suffers from more economically devastating natural disasters than any of the ones listed above it on your list. Charity begins at home.

These numbers are flawed. If the US stopped spending money on anything that was outside this countries own borders the rest of the world would come to a screeching halt.

Answer 3

We have a different system. We have less faith in the government, and are more inclined to donate privately. You say that we only move up to 15th when including private donations. Average citizens are not the wealthiest people in the world, so that may be about appropriate. Also, much of our contributing in recent years has gone to victims of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, which would not count as foreign aid. Americans as a rule learn to contribute to charities as young children. I remember walking from door to door with my mother collecting for the March of Dimes. Most adults I know include charitable giving with the monthly budget. I am not proud of everything my country had done, but we are not stingy.

Answer 4

There isn't much proof throughout the brief history of the US to suggest that Americans are particularly capable of feeling ashamed of anything their country has done. Whenever one points out the continuing problems of race and class and how they negatively impact so many Americans, wealthy Americans almost always choose to blame the victims. The United States is such an incredibly prosperous nation that promotes itself as a beacon of hope for the world, much in the same manner that Rome proclaimed itself the eternal city even as it enslaved most of the peoples of Europe.

The fact is, most nations in Europe have a greatly higher per capita level of foreign aid. And, it would appear that most Americans do not care if "AMERICA IS NUMBER ONE" doesn't really mean number one in anything particular, including assistance to those in crisis.

Answer 5

What is not considered in these figures is the unbelievable amount of money the U.S. government spends militarily to ensure that the countries on the list above us have the freedom to generate the funds that they send overseas as charity. Of the countries on that list, only the UK, Germany, and to a limited extent France, have the realistic ability to defend themselves against other nations who would do them harm. The rest depend on the military defense of the United States to ensure their security. We spend billions of dollars every year on the maintenance and upkeep of military bases in all of these countries.

How much money do you think these countries woul have to give as aid if they were required to develop and maintain a serious military to keep their country safe.

So to answer your question, no I am not ashamed.

Answer 6

Hold on ,all I ever hear is.... "We want the USA to stop this or that and America should be ashamed" but let there be a crisis and who do other nations call on for help and support...... that's right .... The Good Ole' USA. not only do other countries Expect American blood to be shed on their behalf but you also think we should give you more money......How much money was offered the US after Katrina- I remember France sent a few cots and tents..have you questioned them about their charity???

Answer 7

It isn't the job of the United States to play babysitter for every country in the world. Honestly, I'm happy that we're not the greatest contributor. I'm glad that my taxes aren't going to non-Americans. I don't work to feed Africans.

Answer 8

Your question has a false premmis... It is not the responsibility of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to provide for the world. YOU own a computer, YOU have internet access, what are YOU trying to say?!

Answer 9

And what surprises you about this?

The only reason the wealthy give anything is for tax write-offs!!

They think everyone is inferior to them and the only reason they remain poor is a character defect!

I think most of the rich have personality disorders myself!!

Answer 10

Call yourself Christians? Some of these replies are shameful. You are spouting god in one breath and in the next breath you are saying "it isn't your job to provide aid" Well that isn't very Christian is it? What happened to love thy neighbor and all that other sh*t you are taught at your Sunday schools?