I do charity in my community, but if this was for some kind of send aid to Africa thing, I have to say I'm one of the highly considered assholes who thinks we should fix our own country up first. Locally? i'm all over it

but in all truth, if we're talking about giving to people so hey can stay alive, eventually we start to push towards collectivism, and thus the argument of Equality vs Competition, then thus Legacy vs Opportunity and finally 80s Val Kilmer vs 70s Sean Connery

It's almost as if.... Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

Not at all - but you are a damned fool if you neglected the suffering right around you in favor of spending resources far away that have historically a very low chance of success in making a difference due to the extreme corruption of the local governments, warlords, etc

"neglected the suffering right around you"

Unfortunately, this happens far too often. Dismantling of social safety net programs, cuts in welfare and unemployment, passing local legislation making it illegal to feed the homeless in public. You don't need to be corrupt for a government to be unable to help those who have the greatest need.

At least warlords have the guts to slaughter their people in the open, for the world to see, rather than let their poor die off through attrition and "conservative values".

krellin, I see your corruption and I raise you this http://www.givewell.org/international/top-charities/give-directly

This is a good time to say that Peter singer's almost completely accord with my own, and so I'm very thankful for the fame he has managed to get an exposure for ethical thinking he has garnered. Applied ethics is a lifelong calling

"neglected the suffering right around you"

This is what you accuse me of? That is some badly disingenuous bullshit

Espi, the fact that you're familiar with Givewell makes me really happy.

Are you a member of GWWC too?

Nope, I only discovered Givewell when reading a article a few weeks ago, just happened to recall hearing about it and remember what it was called when reading this thread. This is the first I have heard about GWWC but I will have to look into it. Sorry if I just made you a little less happy.