Obviously we need to use the U.S. government’s resources to provide aid to Haiti, especially given the vast military capability that we have built up that is well-suited to the task. But can we feel morally superior for having done so?
Sandra Bullock has given $1 million of the money that she has earned from her talent and hard work. She is certainly entitled to feel better about herself and I sincerely hope that it helps her bid for the Nobel Peace Prize. (Note that Bullock’s donation is a comparable sum to what many foreign countries have pledged (source).)
How about adult Americans and American politicians? Can we feel better about ourselves because we have authorized government aid for Haiti? I don’t think so. Prior to the earthquake, the U.S. government was spending approximately 12 percent more than it was taking in (source). Therefore, as with any other new federal program, all of the billions of dollars that the U.S. government is spending are being borrowed from children, the yet-to-be-born, and the yet-to-immigrate. So moral credit is due, but not to any current politicians or adults. Our children and their children are the ones being generous with their future earnings.
An alternative formulation: If I borrow your car and donate it to charity, does that make me a charitable person?
Apart from your point, I found it interesting that waaay down the list are the huge countries China and India, each of which have pledged the same amount as Sandra Bullock.
I noticed, http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/gm-and-nissan-each-donate-over-100k-to-haiti-relief-effort/ GM gave $100,000 to Haiti. So Phil, If a US Gov’t owned car company borrows my money and donates it to charity, does that make us charitable people?
One thing that has frustrated me is all the different charities that you can donate for the same cause. Given the extent of financial need, wouldn’t it make more sense to designate one source of donation and thereby minimize the overhead cost. I’m not naive that each charity must maintain its own sense of status. I would hope their wise enough to share costs somewhere in the chain.
Michael: I believe that I have seen it stated that there are more non-profit organizations operating in Haiti than in any other country on the planet. So your confusion is understandable!
Your question “if I borrow your car and donate it to charity, does that make me a charitable person?” reminded me of this recent opinion piece, well worth reading:
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Opinion/062806-2009-12-16-please-enslave-me.htm
Guy A: “Hey buddy, isn’t that your car over there?”
Guy B: “Yeah. So?”
Guy A: “So someone’s breaking into it! Look!”
Guy B: “Well, that’s the price I pay to live in a civilized country.”
Guy A: “Huh? Now he’s hot-wiring it. You just gonna stand there?”
Guy B: “I’m willing to contribute to this great society we live in.”
Guy A: “What are you talking about? You’re being robbed!”
Guy B: “Don’t be silly. It’s not robbery. It’s the will of the people.”
Guy A: “What people? Aren’t you the one who paid for the car?”
Guy B: “Yeah, but the guy who’s taking it is serving the common good.”
Guy A: “How does that guy stealing your car help the common good?”
Guy B: “Well, I trust he’ll do useful things with my car.”
Guy A: “Weren’t you going to do useful things with it?”
Guy B: “Yes, but if we each just used our own stuff, there would be chaos!”