Mike,
Where do I start?
First, I have a real problem with any government
(U.S., state, local) taking my hard earned money (in the form of taxes) and
redistributing it to others. Now, there are legitimate things that each of
these levels of government can spend taxpayer dollars on, namely, those outlined
in their constitution or charter. In the case of the U.S. Government,
these include national defense (not necessarily offense, though), minting
currency, postal services, etc. When the U.S. Government (or perhaps the
state governments) start spending my money outside the bounds of the
Constitution, it is no longer legit. I would like to see Congress try and
pass an Amendment to allow giving loans to foreign nations and never expecting
repayment of those loans. How much support do you think they would get
from the populace?
Second, some people may consider giving funds or
supplies to help poorer nations or refugee groups as charity, which it
is. But charity is you or I freely donating my money to others for the
purpose of helping those in need. I have given money to help victims of
9-11, I have helped feed the homeless in soup kitchens, I have given my old
clothing and furniture to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. Governments, such
as our federal government, do not own the money they give to others - the money
belongs to the taxpayers (and bond holders) who provide the money. How can
the U.S. Government consider giving money to poor African countries as charity,
when it isn't their money to give? As I mentioned previously, if the U.S.
Government would stop taking my hard earned money and "donating" away, perhaps I
would have more money that I could freely give to organizations like the Red
Cross (this is only one example, there are others) as charity.
Third, the idea of giving for the sake of giving is
lost on most politicians. Inside the "Beltway," a politician's power is
measured by his or her ability to fundraise - accepting money from some
"generous" sole to support some "Cause of the day." Have you ever met a
political donor that didn't expect something in return? The President and
Congress are just as guilty of wanting something in return for helping other
nations. How much money have they pumped into the poorer nations of
the Iraq War Coalition?
Socialism and true communism may have its value to
some and will thrive in some places of the world, but I prefer not to live under
it. Or at least, if I have to, please call it as such - The Socialist
Unoin of America.
The same goes for the United Nations.
Thanks for the opportunity to explain
myself.
Earl.
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