Moral Calculus

I just did a some rudimentary arithmetic. The United States is now pledging $350 million in tsunami-related aid. I'm giving a tiny donation through the charitable foundation operated by my employer. I computed the percentage of my donation in relation to my annual salary and the government's pledge in relation to the U.S. GDP ($10.99 trillion). If the government were to give an amount proportional to my own, such amount would total approximately $1.75 billion. What does this mean? Well, first and foremost it means that I'm much more generous than I thought – it's a wonder that my lungs can even function with a heart so big. Or…maybe it just means that individual and private contributions will fully eclipse whatever the government ultimately ponies up. This would be a fantastic scenario for libertarians and conservatives alike. What better indicator that "do-gooders" have no place in government? Private charities (including "faith based initiatives") will continue to be paraded about by the President as proof positive that less government is the answer; particularly in cases where children and the poor suffer most. How can we possibly counter such arguments? Who cares. Just donate.

ADDENDUM: It appears that I overestimated government resources; I'm more generous that I thought! (Here's another fun chart).