Suppose you can spend X amount of money to help starving people. You can pay the amount you have set aside for this and save 2 people, but those two people live in America. Or you can save 10 people for the same amount of money, but those people are live in foreign countries. Who do you spend your money on?
3 comments:
If the question had any connection with reality, you would help the greatest amount of people. People take care of themselves and (usually) their families first, which they should, so as not to be a burden on others. They bargain for what's best for themselves (example--public sector unions). If there is anything left over after they have taken all they can, they get philosophical.
You can spend $100 to save people in dire need in a really bad country. Suppose five dollars of that ends up going to the people you want to help. The other $95 goes to a tyrant socialist to build his personal thug bodyguards, his harem and palace. Or, you can give your money to a local youth pastor who is reaching out locally (for real world example) to a kid whose mother was on drugs when he was conceived and is really mentally screwed up. The youth pastor you know, the young man struggling with mental issues you know. Both have a much better life than many non-Americans, but you at least know what your money is being used for.
Mrs. P. and I give to both, but prefer to give willingly (not a fan of public sector unions taking the people's taxes) and try to track where the money goes. But, who knows! You make the best choices you can. I do believe in the concept that each country should make the best choices for its own citizens, including Japan, Austria, Mongolia, and the United States.
The OP seems to be manipulative. It only compares the number of people helped and their location. Based on the number of people, the solution is manipulated toward the 10 rather than the 2. The location disfavors privilege and tugs toward helping those in poverty. Are you purposely avoiding the moral aspects of the question? Where does one's duty lie? Who is giving an individual, a government, a non-profit? What is the nature of the opportunity? Are there other options or is it a false dichotomy of choices?
oozzielionel,
Good observations. This is how propaganda is done.
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