Cheap In America

John Stossel takes a look at what some people consider the "cheapness" of Americans. People like Jimmy Carter complain because we don't give enough in aid to the world. But Jimmy's definition of giving only includes tax money confiscated from Americans that can be glad-handed out by politicians. Hollywood types and other limousine liberals feel the same way. Stossel dismembers that idea.

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.

….

Jolie could look to herself as an example of the generous American. She gives weeks of her time and millions of her own dollars to charities. America is 300 million private individuals, and their contributions far exceed what government gives. When you include those, America is anything but cheap.

After the Asian Tsunami two years ago, the U.S. government pledged $900 million to tsunami relief. American individuals donated $2 billion — three times what government gave — in food, clothing, and cash. Private charities could barely keep up with the donations.

Americans' preference for voluntary contributions over forced giving through government is one way in which Americans differ from other people. (Don't think it's forced? See what happens if you don't pay your taxes.)

Syracuse University professor Arthur Brooks's new book, "Who Really Cares", points out that Americans give more than the citizens of any other country. Individually, Americans give seven times more money than people in Germany and 14 times more than Italians give. We also volunteer more.

Stossel has the astonishing figures. The American government gave away $20 billion in aid last year. Private American citizens gave $260 billion. Who you calling cheap, Jimmy? 

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  By Luther McLeod, November 29, 2006 @ 7:09 pm

  Fantasy, but wish this would be in my local fish wrap in the morning. Carter really needs to stick to peanuts…or some sort of legume. As far as I am concerned he is an embarrassment to this country.

Other Links to this Post

1. Blue Crab Boulevard » Cheap In America, Part Two — November 30, 2006 @ 2:49 pm