Private U.S. citizens are very generous; and we do help other countries, and citizens.

In fact, if The Federal Government would stop trying to be the end all, more people would, likely, step up, and do more to help their fellow citizens!

“It’s a complex issue, isn’t it”?

Imho, Jeff, it is not complex at all! In fact, it is totally cut and dry:

If you have a fiduciary responsiblity to people; and, you have been given explicit directions as to what those tax dollars, or dues, depending on the circumstance, are to be used for – and, you take it into your own hands to spend that money elsewhere – it is tantamount to theft!

In regards to our Federalist system:
Our states have more latitude, by consent of the voters, to use tax-dollars for certain social programs etc. But, The Federal Government was never given the ‘Constitutional’ authority to give away your money, for any other purpose, other then what is explicitly enumerated in The Federal Constitution.

And, sadly, this is why our Federal Government is loosing the consent of the people! They, no longer can be trusted with anymore tax-dollars! Hell, we can’t even trust them to fight a war without rebuilding foreign nations, and remaining there forever! Not to mention: putting all of this on The Federal credit cards.

I see nothing compassionate about spending other people’s money! And, as the saying goes:
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

“Americans need to quit "laying down on the job” and get busy helping other people"

Jackie,
In this Grover Cleveland quote, he mentioned the exact same thing you are saying:

"…while it prevents the indulgence among our people of that kindly sentiment and conduct which strengthens the bonds of a common brotherhood.”

The more government intervenes, the less incentive and motivation people have. As you know, we see this in many areas of government interventionism – At home and abroad!

If our government would have followed it’s Constitutional mandate, and used The Public Treasury ONLY for what they were given the legal rights for which to do so, we would not likely have the current mess we have today… with unfunded liabilities etc.

Incidentally, The American people have already donated 10′s of millions of dollars to the people of Haiti… We DO NOT need the government to decide which charities are the best investments with the general tax-revenues. The American people always have, and always will, step up to the plate, to help those in need, here and abroad.