I would counter that the US gives billions away in humanitarian causes. Do you consider that foreign aid to be a cynical effort to advance US interests, and not charity?
Originally Posted by DSK
Yes. Our aid goes to governments. After it is stolen from the American people through taxes. We are running enormous deficits, which means our "charity" is coming out of the pockets of generations yet unborn. Where does our charity lie? The American people rose up en masse to assist the Haitians when they needed it. With little or no government action. If our government would return to its Constitutionally defined limits, we'd see much more charity from the people. It's not the duty of the US government to provide financial assistance to foreign countries especially when we have to print or borrow money to do so. The best thing America can do for the world is to get back to a sound economic footing at home. We can't help others by crippling ourselves. Why do you think the world is mouthing off to us? They know we're on the brink of collapse. They are lining up to get their share of the spoils. Charity begins at home. Let's get our house in order so we can be effective around the world.