....and where do you get your mis-information? Americans are generous:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Most_charitable_countries
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-25-charitable_N.htm
Sorry if it doesn't hit the 30+% mark you seem to want.
I've been where you are, maybe worse, living off 1$ cans of Hormel chili and a pack of
crackers. Because I've been there I don't wanna go back. I've worked hard to get whatever
little slice of success I have and I appreciate being blessed enough to be born in the time
and place to have that opportunity, cuz very few are.
I bust my hump in the salt mines 40+ a week. If I don't treat myself to a $10+ steak
dinner and a booster box here and there, it'll suck the life outta me. Maybe you'll
understand that in another 20 years.
I already carry burdens. Ya, I know it could be worse. Know what? It can always be worse,
get consolation out of that. The gov't skims a quick 1/3 off me. I need another 1/3. You're
asking for the other 1/3? Good luck, not looking to carry the burden of the world. It would be
irresponsible (to my family) for me to do so. Maybe you'll understand that in another 20 years.
Helping the nearby vs. helping the unknown halfway across the planet? Get real. If I help
my neighbor, it helps my environment, I see it. Maybe I pass him on the street, he tells me
about his new job, about the guy he helped, drops a Shaymin X on me. Beats shovelling cash
off into the great unknown.
pat460 has a valid, practical point. When you save 50,000 souls today, you have not solved
the problem, you have only delayed/compounded it. Populations will adjust to account for the
resources available to support them.
But why do I sense this is all academic, fodder for your next Philosophy class paper?
Judging intents is difficult, especially with e-words, but I'm not feeling real passion here,
brother. Seems like another stir-the-pot exercise. You're on a Pokemon forum. How can
you, with any good conscience buy a booster pack? How can you possibly ever level-up
again without being dragged down by the weight of how much rice and beans that X could buy?