[seeking1tim611]

You're right, most of the countries are doing that and are reacting to each other that way, but I hope they keep doing it. These people need our help, so some competition could help get them the money they really need.

[commonguymd]

Unfortunately the global picture of American generosity will never be reported now or at any time.

Here is an interesting tidbit of information on how the USA works. Here is an exerpt:

When other official government and private assistance are added to this $44.5 billion, the United States moves far ahead in the total amount of resources provided to developing countries. So Americans have not given up on foreign aid. They have simply found new channels through which they can express their compassion for less fortunate people abroad. Official government aid has been displaced by a rising tide of private giving with significantly lower transaction costs, more client-directed services, and more willingness to cede ownership to recipients.

http://www.usaid.gov/fani/ch06/usassistance.htm

And here is the total contributions to private charities form an article I found:

Gifts to the top 400 charities accounted for nearly a fifth of the $241 billion given to all U.S. charities last year. Nearly 90 percent of donations come from individuals, Palmer said, with the rest from foundations and companies.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/24/national/main560206.shtml