This post is in response to the question, “Do we, as a economically prosperous developed nation, have a moral duty to help citizens of countries in need? If so, how and to what extent?” by @leighwelch
There is no doubt that Americans (even those in poverty) are far better off than most people around the world. We have so many opportunities, assistance programs, and generous people seemingly at every corner. I believe that because we are so “rich” compared to the rest of the world, we do have a moral duty to help others; however, this should not be a job left to our government. I understand that NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are technically separate from the government, but they are still using government funds. I am strictly opposed to this because all Americans have to pay the taxes that are then being funneled into NGOs. We should help foreign countries, but not in the way it is currently being done. The efforts should be private and they should focus on empowering the foreign communities to support themselves. The current NGOs that send supplies abroad are only resulting in damaged economic systems.