Yet you cite it as an excuse for further government interference. Care to cite the chapter and verse where the Bible directs us to have our government do our charitable works for us? I thought the whole point was for each individual to do good works, not to subordinate the responsibilities to other agents to do it for us.
The monies that you or I individually or collectively could donate to charities for this problem won't even put a dent in solving this problem.
Where do you think the government collects those revenues from? Government doesn't have a dime that it does not take from you and I.
Why would you not feel compassion for these people?
Why do you assume that I don't? Once again, private individuals and charities do the same work FAR more efficiently, with less waste, with less "accounting losses", and with greater effect (since the majority of the large-scale government gifts are hoarded by the receiving governments, and not used as intended). My way, there are FAR greater benefits to the suffering for the same amount of money. With this in mind, should we ask why YOU don't feel compassion for these people?
The AIDS epidemic is not only for charities to tend to b/c it is so monumental in its scope. Millions of people are dying b/c of this.
While monumental in scope, it is also 100% preventable, most especially by following those same Biblical admonitions and suggestions. Why must I feel obligated to help out someone who has intentionally ignores wisdom, engages in a dangerous activity, and sees consequences for it? Should we feel similar obligations towards those who walk into a polar bear's cage? Finally, since Americans can't cure every ill on the planet (although we're doing a rather good job of it anyway), why is it such a bad idea to allow me to decide which causes to support, rather than taking my money and making the decision for me?
You have a nasty habit of putting words in peoples' mouths. Who on this thread has said that they don't feel compassion for African AIDS victims?