Charity Tourney for Hurricane Victims?

[Duckstabber]

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but we are also the most charitable nation in the world.

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That's a lie and you know it!! Jeezz...

[hardinda]

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That's a lie and you know it!! Jeezz...

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Sorry, despite your feelings for the US, that is not a lie.

[Duckstabber]

"Sorry, despite your feelings for the US, that is not a lie."

You don't know anything about my feeling for the US... I have family in Houston, Chicago and Seattle and I've just returned from a 3 week vacation in the US - great country.

But please take a look at this:

Map & Graph: Economy: Economic aid - Donor (per $ GDP)

Definition: The net official development assistance (ODA) from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations to developing countries and multilateral organizations. ODA is defined as financial assistance that is concessional in character, has the main objective to promote economic development and welfare of the less developed countries (LDCs), and contains a grant element of at least 25%. The entry does not cover other official flows (OOF) or private flows. Per $ GDP figures expressed per $100 of Gross Domestic Product.


Country Description Amount
1. Denmark $0.93 per $100
2. Netherlands $0.83 per $100
3. Norway $0.76 per $100
4. Sweden $0.66 per $100
5. Luxembourg $0.53 per $100
6. Switzerland $0.43 per $100
7. Belgium $0.33 per $100
8. France $0.31 per $100
9. Finland $0.25 per $100
10. Germany $0.23 per $100
11. United Kingdom $0.23 per $100
12. Ireland $0.22 per $100
13. Japan $0.21 per $100
14. Austria $0.20 per $100
15. Canada $0.19 per $100
16. Australia $0.14 per $100
17. Portugal $0.14 per $100
18. Spain $0.14 per $100
19. New Zealand $0.10 per $100
20. Italy $0.06 per $100
21. United States $0.05 per $100

Link

[Cubswin]

I agree the nordic countries give more then their fair share to charitable causes but the figures you present are skewed by the narrow definition of what constitutes "economic aid". So much of US charitable giving goes unrecognized by these figures because they are handed out by our churches and schools (in the form of grants/schloarships).

[OrangeKing]

That statistic, which is mentioned a lot, still doesn't disprove what you think it does; actually, I'm sure that even the OECD would be happy to tell you that in real dollar amounts, more foreign aid comes from the US than any other country (even though it's a relatively small portion of our GDP). Not only that, but quoting directly from the source you gave:

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The entry does not cover other official flows (OOF) or private flows.

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Private donations make up a large percentage of aid from the US.

[hardinda]

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The entry does not cover other official flows (OOF) or private flows.

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You must have forgot this part of that link. Your numbers are so skewed it's not even funny.

[4_2_it]

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"Sorry, despite your feelings for the US, that is not a lie."

You don't know anything about my feeling for the US... I have family in Houston, Chicago and Seattle and I've just returned from a 3 week vacation in the US - great country.

But please take a look at this:

Map & Graph: Economy: Economic aid - Donor (per $ GDP)

Definition: The net official development assistance (ODA) from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations to developing countries and multilateral organizations. ODA is defined as financial assistance that is concessional in character, has the main objective to promote economic development and welfare of the less developed countries (LDCs), and contains a grant element of at least 25%. The entry does not cover other official flows (OOF) or private flows. Per $ GDP figures expressed per $100 of Gross Domestic Product.


Country Description Amount
1. Denmark $0.93 per $100
2. Netherlands $0.83 per $100
3. Norway $0.76 per $100
4. Sweden $0.66 per $100
5. Luxembourg $0.53 per $100
6. Switzerland $0.43 per $100
7. Belgium $0.33 per $100
8. France $0.31 per $100
9. Finland $0.25 per $100
10. Germany $0.23 per $100
11. United Kingdom $0.23 per $100
12. Ireland $0.22 per $100
13. Japan $0.21 per $100
14. Austria $0.20 per $100
15. Canada $0.19 per $100
16. Australia $0.14 per $100
17. Portugal $0.14 per $100
18. Spain $0.14 per $100
19. New Zealand $0.10 per $100
20. Italy $0.06 per $100
21. United States $0.05 per $100

Link

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Wow, this chart is the worst propaganda I seen in a while. It only includes what governments donate. Of course, the socialist governments have a higher contribution rate. The chart leaves out all private donations which is what makes America great.

Americans help those less fortunate because we CHOOSE to, not because our government forces us to pay a tax and then reallocates our money and calls it a donation to the needy! Sorry, to be harsh, but the truth is sometimes painful.

Actual US Contributions

The United States is also currently the world's largest contributor of official development assistance (ODA), providing $15.8 billion in 2003, or 23 percent out of the world total of $68.5 billion. U.S. ODA increased 16.9 percent in real terms in 2003, while EU ODA increased 2.2 percent in real terms. (Source: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

So approx. 5% (my estimate) of the world's population giving 23% of the aid isn't enough? Also, add in an additional $250 billion in voluntary donations along with amounts given to churches and other organizations that aren't counted and I think the US stacks up very favorably. Example - Jerry Lewis raises $10's of millions every year to fight MDA. I am certain this is not counted in your 'statistics.'

BTW - The US has never asked for anyone else's help when disaster strikes, but is often the first country to respond when asked. We appreciate help and welcome it, but do not expect it. Unfortunately, many countries have a culture of entitlement that makes them expect help for everything which causes them to look unfavorably at another country's prosperity. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I'm sure this will get flamed, but I cannot tolerate it when someone posts something that is misleading at best and inflammatory at worst.

I have friends who went through Katrina (unharmed thank goodness) and I can tell you the situation they are describing is horrible and they need help. I will gladly play in a tourney and donate my winning. If the entry fee is less than $20, I'll stake a few people as long as they agree to donate the winnings to the Red Cross or another worthy organization.