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Are Americans Cheap? (John Stossel)
Real Clear Politics ^ | November 29, 2006 | John Stossel

Posted on 11/29/2006 6:15:46 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet

The New York Times and Washington Post editorialize about America's "stinginess." Former President Jimmy Carter says when it comes to helping others, "The rich states don't give a damn." Standing outside the White House, the singer Bono told the press that America doesn't do enough to help the needy:

"It's the crumbs off our tables that we offer these countries."

It seems obvious to Bono and President Carter that America offers "crumbs" because the governments of most other wealthy countries distribute a larger percentage of their nations' wealth in foreign aid. Yes, the U.S. government gave out $20 billion last year, much more than other countries give, but that's only because we are so stupendously wealthy. If you calculate foreign aid as a percentage of our wealth, the United States gives much less than others.

Actress Angelina Jolie calls that "really disgusting" in my new TV special, titled "Cheap in America." "ABC News" will broadcast it tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 10 p.m. -- sorry -- I know some of you are reading this column after that). Jolie goes on to say, "I think most American people, you know, really do think we give more. And I know that they would if they could understand how little they give and how much more we can afford to give, absolutely, without even noticing."

(Excerpt) Read more at realclearpolitics.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Foreign Affairs; Government
KEYWORDS: 2020; blooddonors; charity; cheapdemocrats; fairness; johnstossel; redistribution; taxation
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Liberals want to tax you more to give to their designated "victim classes" and therefore keep them on the plantation (if you know what I mean).
1 posted on 11/29/2006 6:15:47 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

You know, I always thought that Jimmy Carter was a good man - a terrible president, to be sure, but a good man.

Now he's showing himself to be just a hate-filled, vile loser.


2 posted on 11/29/2006 6:19:28 PM PST by D.P.Roberts
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

>U.S. government gave out $20 billion.

Wrong.

The government has no money because it is not a work producing / income generating entity.

The U.S. taxpayers, each of us, gave this money.

End of story.


3 posted on 11/29/2006 6:19:57 PM PST by MindBender26 (Having my own CAR-15 in RVN meant never having to say I was sorry....)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

According to Rush's fill in today, his guest was interviewed for this, and conservatives give more than liberals.


4 posted on 11/29/2006 6:20:12 PM PST by Indy Pendance
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Of course these liberal nitwits only want to count government handouts; Stossel points out that Americans are the most generous people on Earth when you add private charity to the amounts of our money our government gives away.


5 posted on 11/29/2006 6:20:38 PM PST by RebelBanker (It is, however somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps.)
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To: D.P.Roberts

He needs to move on to his next life. He ruined ME relations, and started the mess we're in today.


6 posted on 11/29/2006 6:21:12 PM PST by Indy Pendance
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

When is his show on?


7 posted on 11/29/2006 6:22:13 PM PST by rottndog (WOOF!!!)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
Brangelina, Bono, and Jimmuh the Clueless can all go pound sand.

Yes, the US government gives "only" 20 billion dollars to the poor countries. Now, add to that the NON-GOVERNMENT charity, and what is the total charitable giving of the United States??

8 posted on 11/29/2006 6:22:37 PM PST by Wonder Warthog (The Hog of Steel-NRA)
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To: Wonder Warthog
Now, add to that the NON-GOVERNMENT charity, and what is the total charitable giving of the United States??

Right.

9 posted on 11/29/2006 6:25:34 PM PST by He Rides A White Horse (Unite)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
A liberal's compassion is limited only by the size of someone else's wallet.
10 posted on 11/29/2006 6:26:30 PM PST by Drango (A liberal's compassion is limited only by the size of someone else's wallet.)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

'A giving people'
http://www.taemag.com/issues/articleid.18404/article_detail.asp


11 posted on 11/29/2006 6:26:34 PM PST by traviskicks (http://www.neoperspectives.com/optimism_nov8th.htm)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
I think we give too much personally. I think we could do more for our own people. But thats just me. I think Jolie, Bono and Carter and anyone else who is saying not enough is given should just give more of their own money. I realize Bono and Jolie do give quite a bit to the charities they sponsor which is great. But not all of us can do so.
12 posted on 11/29/2006 6:28:35 PM PST by pandoraou812 ( zero tolerance and dilligaf?)
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To: Wonder Warthog
Somebody posted here at one time that the United States is responsible for 70% of the aid given to the world. If someone has a more accurate figure, I'm open to correction.

Shoot, we were giving aid to Arafat to the tune of 650 million if I'm not mistaken.

13 posted on 11/29/2006 6:28:53 PM PST by He Rides A White Horse (Unite)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Only liberals are cheap.


14 posted on 11/29/2006 6:31:13 PM PST by Brilliant
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To: D.P.Roberts

It's patently obvious, by now at least, that certain elites are trans-national dickheads, who spare no effort to undermine the US and its interests, in order to bring about either the destruction of the US or bring about some sort of fascist/commie/totalitarian new "world order". And, sap our precious bodily fluids. It sounds tin-foil, but it's real and it's been going on for at least 50 years, easily since Korea/China.


15 posted on 11/29/2006 6:32:01 PM PST by Freedom4US (u)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Had a quick look through the constitution, seeking the part where the government is empowered to stick its hand in my pocket and confiscate my hard earned bucks to feed the entire planet; couldn't find it.


16 posted on 11/29/2006 6:33:33 PM PST by Jack Hammer
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To: MindBender26

Everyone is so conditioned to this thinking: the government does this the government does that...and they forget that nothing happens without our giving government our earnings.

I am always reminded by the great Reagan who said:

Government always finds a need for whatever money it gets.


17 posted on 11/29/2006 6:33:58 PM PST by eleni121 ( + En Touto Nika! By this sign conquer! + Constantine the Great))
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

How much are wealthy persons like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are giving away? Why the hell should citizens be taxed to give to corrupt third world rulers who put the majority of the money in thier Swiss bank account?


18 posted on 11/29/2006 6:35:51 PM PST by ca centered
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

One year not too long ago, my family was below the poverty line in terms of income. That year Algore gave something like $350.00 in charitable giving. This working class filth actually gave more to the poor, while living in poverty, than the sitting Vice President of the United States of America. Mr. Carter & Mr. Bono can kiss my gilded @ss.


19 posted on 11/29/2006 6:37:32 PM PST by WorkingClassFilth (Ever learning . . .)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
I believe in giving to charity. Not out of the goodness of my heart but as a mitzvah, a religious obligation. And what I do is showing others far more kindness than the government can. Only people can show human warmth and compassion.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

20 posted on 11/29/2006 6:39:38 PM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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