when should we officially help another nation?

[nelson]

And when should we keep such aid limited to private donors?

The question is being forced by our economic situation.

The earthquake in Chile follows the earthquake in Haiti and countless other disasters in other nations to which we send official rescue aid directly from the coffers of US taxpayers. More will come.

Prior to the 1920s our government had a strict non-interference policy. Today the US government plays world policeman, fireman, and rescue squad.

Privately, people are free to do as they wish, of course.

But shall we adjust our longstanding policy of taxpayer-funded aid to, essentially, any nation that asks for it?

I think the way I've asked the question reveals my opinion. What is yours?

[Max]

Good question, we are so deep in debt and yet were promising more debt on our children for the sake of every disaster that happens. I have no problem helping people but I think we better start worrying about the US at some point.

[Al the Auto Mechanic]

This is such a sore subject with me.We run out as quick as we possibly can to help other countrys without a minute of delay or 1 inch of red tape,yet I have friends that have died or are dieing because they lost their jobs and cannot afford medical care.It takes years to get special funding because of the red tape.

For the short time of my life I've paid close attention to what really happens in the society around me,the more fucked up I see things.

[coolbreeze]

This is such a sore subject with me.We run out as quick as we possibly can to help other countrys without a minute of delay or 1 inch of red tape,yet I have friends that have died or are dieing because they lost their jobs and cannot afford medical care.It takes years to get special funding because of the red tape.

For the short time of my life I've paid close attention to what really happens in the society around me,the more fucked up I see things.

I fall in to that pre-existing conditions category, and can identify personally with your perspective Al. I know people are dying in America everyday. Many of those with government issued "Medicare" are experiencing many long weeks of delays for treatment, (if they get approved by bureaucrats in charge). And that's before idiot adds his millions to the already burdened system.

That being said, the most important trait we have as both Americans and humans, is our God given belief in a generous heart for humanity. Our moral belief that human life is precious, no matter where on earth such life dwells.
When people are in need, it is natural for us to want to help.

I may be wrong, but I would venture to guess that with a ramp-ping up of the treasury printing presses, the USA gave more money to AIG in 09 then it gave in humanitarian aid around the world since our founding, including all the private charities. That money could have lifted up millions of people in America and around the world. Sure, we didn't have the money, but we spent it. That AIG crime is getting me off topic. Sorry.

As Max said above, and I agree, what about the needs of the USA too? But that begs the question, can government assistance be done without strings attached and becoming slaves to our own government?

[Danv]

I have long held the belief that helping other nations in need or crisis will benefit the US in the long run whether i can see it or not. In our current climate though it might be time for us to step back and fix what needs fixing here so that we may ensure our long term survival.

[TaxmanHog]

I would not mind our government stepping back, which does not mean that individual citizens & elsewhere in the world do not care, I'm sure there are plenty of folks willing to contribute to private relief efforts.

But, the logistics of having a NATION as powerful as ours step up to coordinate when the beneficiary is incapable of self recovery needs to remain an option (Haiti), from what I am seeing of Chile, they appear to be more capable & proud to help themselves, if so stay out of their way.

In the long run our efforts return positive public relation benefits, not to say that pays the bills that we US citizens have to foot, but those intangibles have value.

[Al the Auto Mechanic]

I have long held the belief that helping other nations in need or crisis will benefit the US in the long run whether i can see it or not. In our current climate though it might be time for us to step back and fix what needs fixing here so that we may ensure our long term survival.

We have some serious problems right here at home.Good upstanding God fearing citizens that have fallen victim to what has happened in our society are suffering,suffering in the same way that the Haiti and Chile victims are.I'm not in belief that we should just stand back and watch others,but we need to take care of our home land victims as efficiently and with as much speed as we do these outside catastrophes.
There are people that have fallen victim to the housing and banking problem that weren't part of the problem.There are people out of work that ran a house hold properly and have been tapped out,thousands are on the streets and feet are still dragging for a solution.
We need to stay healthy to remain the strong nation we are so that we can continue to help others.It looks to me if the U.S. stops pitching in,these people that truly need help are going to be in terrible situations.

The aid shouldn't be limited.If the private sector wants to help out,they should be allowed,just as long as corruption doesn't take over.

[Motive]

I believe our our government (we) can help, by awarding contracts to American companies that bid for rebuilding these areas. Employing Americans, while rebuilding these countries. Stipulating X amount of Americans on the contract.

At the same time, these companies would, most likely be hiring local citizens as unskilled labor...thus teaching them some of the trade.

Employing Americans, and training the locals, versus just handing out cash.