First, let me say I would think I'm in the +90% percentile of people who are angry about fraud corruption, and taxation in this country. I'll follow that up with. I don't understand how somebody thinks we should not send any aid to help these people with numbers of casualties possibly going to 100,000. It has been less than a year since Texas suffered the flood tragedy and lost just over 100 people and it was gut wrenching. Holding out hope that they would find us one person out of less than 150 and we have a country with possibly 10 to 100,000 casualties!?! How fortunate that we were financially able to go through rescue efforts with little or no need from foreign governments but I can promise you that if Texas suffered any disaster with 10,000+ casualties we would be taking help from foreign countries search and rescue groups, etc. it's just unfathomable to me right now that something so recent as those floods that gripped our whole state and nation that personally affected so few of us and now a whole region is affected with possibly 1000x more casualties and we don't think we should lend any help. It sickens me

Rapier108 said:

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Your point?

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Yeah I admit that was clear as mud.

I was replying to someone who said that we basically shouldn't send govt aid. I recalled and confirmed that we sent lots of aid to Indonesia when they had the tsunami in 2004-2005. AI included the note that it was led by USAID (didn't know that) and military assets including carriers and hospital ships. My only point prior to knowing about USAID was while private charity is great from churches and stuff like that, military assets can and have been deployed at a rapid pace when time is critical to help fellow man. And Indonesia is half a world away with a culture way different than ours. The amount of trauma rooms we have on these ships and supplies we can use to help an already impoverished country experiencing a massive natural disaster. We can use our power for good even if it costs some money. Time is critical and we have the logistics as a country to deploy aid quickly.


I bolder the USAID part because I didn't know that one of the major entities that aided Indonesia is the same entity that was basically closed… so the amt of non military aid may not be as significant as it was with Indonesia. But our increased capability military and logistics may make up for it.

pacecar02 said:

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what hasn't fallen will need to be torn down

So many people are gonna be displaced

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This is one of the major issues here. We can not allow this to become a mass immigration catalyst.

This is absolutely wild as well.

Google fue muy listo; usan los acelerómetros de miles de teléfonos Android cómo una red global de sismos, toda esa data se envía y Google logró una forma de detectar esas ondas a tiempo y enviar las alertas. https://t.co/hNqgdenN1Z pic.twitter.com/U7VFGxTCQ5

— Enrique (@enriqdev) June 24, 2026

cheeky said:

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Ag with kids said:

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P.H. Dexippus said:

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Ag with kids said:

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File5 said:

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Opportunity for US to come and help? Would be good to build the relationship and good will. Would love to see that as a joint effort of all Latin America but not likely. We have no money though so would ideally be driven by non-profits (with actual private donations). Horrible situation, wish them the best.

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Umm...

a) I hope we come to help
b) We HAVE the money

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It's called "charity"…you know, individuals and organizations giving voluntarily. Not government taking and redistributing tax dollars.

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Charity won't solve a problem where 10-100K people are dead...at least not initially.

And since we just changed our relationship with VZ, this would also be a good way to cement our relationship with the people there.

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The American taxpayer cannot always be the answer to the world's calamities.

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Maybe not but I think an exception can be made to help our fellow man experiencing a massive natural disaster in our global backyard, sphere of influence, and neighbor that we have said has been kept down by a dictator getting cozy with china (an enemy) and us wanting stop that. Well if we remove the influence that's bad it doesn't hurt to show with action an influence that's is good.



To rephrase,

from a humanitarian standpoint it is good to help our fellow man and global neighbor, our assets can deploy in a time critical moment.

Politically we removed the dictatorship that threatened the US, was not good to its people, and was being influenced by one of our enemies in our backyard. This is our chance to put instill our influence. Show that we are different than their dictatorship that was cozying up to china. It'll pay dividends in the long run

YouBet said:

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Helping out VZ is actually aid I don't mind giving. It's in our hemisphere so they touch us. It's cheaper than taking displaced immigrants that the left will want to immediately do to get votes.

Anything we can do to help bolster free, capitalist societies in the Western Hemisphere is good policy. Cut all foreign aid to countries that don't share a land mass with us.

And cut out anything to Canada just because.

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This is an horrific tragedy.

I revert back to an earlier post about how our government has been holding all VZ oil sales in trust. And Rubio has repeatedly said that money should directly benefit the Venezuelan people.

Moments like this test regimes. Happened to the PRI after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. I think it will happen now with the remainder of the Chavistas still running the government.

All aid going toward Venezuela should be the billions of Venezuelan oil dollars held under United States control.

Unfortunately it takes a tragedy to pull the veil off.

YouBet said:

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Helping out VZ is actually aid I don't mind giving. It's in our hemisphere so they touch us. It's cheaper than taking displaced immigrants that the left will want to immediately do to get votes.

Anything we can do to help bolster free, capitalist societies in the Western Hemisphere is good policy. Cut all foreign aid to countries that don't share a land mass with us.

And cut out anything to Canada just because.

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Agreed. We were very adamant about removing Chinese influence from Venezuela and it started with removing the dictatorship that was in bed with china and was hurting its own country and its peoples. Not just from a basic humanitarian standpoint but politically this is a chance to show our good as a nation. We have the assets that can deploy quickly in a time critical need at the very least. Venezuela has been in turmoil for a long time and now especially. We can show our side that their dictatorship said didn't exist. It'll pay dividends in so many ways

zag213004 said:

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YouBet said:

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Helping out VZ is actually aid I don't mind giving. It's in our hemisphere so they touch us. It's cheaper than taking displaced immigrants that the left will want to immediately do to get votes.

Anything we can do to help bolster free, capitalist societies in the Western Hemisphere is good policy. Cut all foreign aid to countries that don't share a land mass with us.

And cut out anything to Canada just because.

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Agreed. We were very adamant about removing Chinese influence from Venezuela and it started with removing the dictatorship that was in bed with china and was hurting its own country and its peoples. Not just from a basic humanitarian standpoint but politically this is a chance to show our good as a nation. We have the assets that can deploy quickly in a time critical need at the very least. Venezuela has been in turmoil for a long time and now especially. We can show our side that their dictatorship said didn't exist. It'll pay dividends in so many ways

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China can't do anything either.. there biggest customer would cut them off immediately

zag213004 said:

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In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the United States government deployed one of the largest international humanitarian aid efforts in history, contributing over $400 million in emergency assistance and coordinating rapid military and civilian relief operations. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led the civilian response, providing food, water, shelter, and medical aid to over 580,000 affected Indonesians...

Quote:

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Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.

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I suggest a look at the reports of corruption, particularly in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Everyone who doesn't understand that every penny "spent" by USAID was tarnished, with much ending back in the pockets of bad actors, who then funneled money back to politicians (almost all democrats) and their constituents.

zag213004 said:

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In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the United States government deployed one of the largest international humanitarian aid efforts in history, contributing over $400 million in emergency assistance and coordinating rapid military and civilian relief operations. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led the civilian response, providing food, water, shelter, and medical aid to over 580,000 affected Indonesians, while the U.S. Department of Defense deployed naval assets like the USS Bonhomme Richard and Marine Expeditionary Units including the hospital ship uss mercy to establish logistical support and deliver supplies to remote areas in Aceh Province within 72 hours. This comprehensive intervention not only addressed immediate survival needs but also facilitated long-term reconstruction, significantly improving bilateral relations and disaster preparedness frameworks between the two nations.



https://www.usaid.gov/

Quote:

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Notification of Administrative Leave
As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally…..

Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.

---

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You conveniently left out this part:

" The U.S. State Department took over USAID's global disaster relief and foreign assistance programs. Following the dismantling of USAID, the State Department officially assumed control of all operations and established the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response to oversee international emergencies"

NSAID money spent in Indonesia:

" NGO Bureaucracy: Rather than outright theft, a massive chunk of aid "disappeared" into complex logistical waste. A high percentage of funds went toward paying for an expensive web of international experts, expatriate volunteers, and administrative overhead rather than direct ground relief."

JUST IN🚨: Six powerful earthquakes happened in less than 24 hours pic.twitter.com/O4z3cmwKBE

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) June 25, 2026

TyHolden said:

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JUST IN🚨: Six powerful earthquakes happened in less than 24 hours pic.twitter.com/O4z3cmwKBE

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) June 25, 2026

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Okay, we have TexAgs seismologists around here? What does that mean? The ring of fire ( that is what it is called, correct?) having that much activity? Tectonic plates shifting?

TyHolden said:

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JUST IN🚨: Six powerful earthquakes happened in less than 24 hours pic.twitter.com/O4z3cmwKBE

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) June 25, 2026

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Interesting that the VZ ones weren't on the "Ring of Fire"...

Ag with kids said:

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TyHolden said:

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JUST IN🚨: Six powerful earthquakes happened in less than 24 hours pic.twitter.com/O4z3cmwKBE

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) June 25, 2026

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Interesting that the VZ ones weren't on the "Ring of Fire"...

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I think that's still a plate boundary, the Caribbean plate

several plates come together right there

aggiehawg said:

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TyHolden said:

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JUST IN🚨: Six powerful earthquakes happened in less than 24 hours pic.twitter.com/O4z3cmwKBE

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) June 25, 2026

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Okay, we have TexAgs seismologists around here? What does that mean? The ring of fire ( that is what it is called, correct?) having that much activity? Tectonic plates shifting?

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Tectonic plates shift continually.

It basically means three big and one moderate earthquake happened in a short period of time.

Not common, but not unheard of either. Lots of people on social media love to try to make more out of everything for clicks.

And as pacecar02 noted, Venezuela sits on a plate boundary.

I think if we want to be regionally dominant in influence and benefit from good economic relationships long term, we should be compassionate neighbors with capabilities we have that others may not.

We are going to help, whether yall like it or not. Catastrophic events such as this, the victims are out on a string in developing nations or ones going through strife or major change political shifts. Such as Venezuela. We will lend a hand. It is what sane humans do. Charity will also be helping to offset our costs for those up in their pearls.

pacecar02 said:

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Ag with kids said:

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TyHolden said:

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JUST IN🚨: Six powerful earthquakes happened in less than 24 hours pic.twitter.com/O4z3cmwKBE

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) June 25, 2026

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Interesting that the VZ ones weren't on the "Ring of Fire"...

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I think that's still a plate boundary, the Caribbean plate

several plates come together right there

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Thanks. I was thinking the same although it has been a long time since I learned about plate tectonics at A&M.

Eliminatus said:

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We are going to help, whether yall like it or not. Catastrophic events such as this, the victims are out on a string in developing nations or ones going through strife or major change political shifts. Such as Venezuela. We will lend a hand. It is what sane humans do. Charity will also be helping to offset our costs for those up in their pearls.

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Yep, if only we could limit the foreign aid wo then it was truly needsed, like this. And reserve welfare/entitlements for those who genuinely are mentally or physically incapable of providing for themselves or living on their own. That is how a Christian nation should behave.

Hardcore Greg said:

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Eliminatus said:

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We are going to help, whether yall like it or not. Catastrophic events such as this, the victims are out on a string in developing nations or ones going through strife or major change political shifts. Such as Venezuela. We will lend a hand. It is what sane humans do. Charity will also be helping to offset our costs for those up in their pearls.

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Yep, if only we could limit the foreign aid wo then it was truly needsed, like this. And reserve welfare/entitlements for those who genuinely are mentally or physically incapable of providing for themselves or living on their own. That is how a Christian nation should be have.

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Aye. You will never, ever hear me not advocating for more financial accountability from our government. To say nah and just look away from events like this because of it though is the worst argument I have heard in a long time.

Doh, error, disgregard

Gaeilge said:

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Personally, I think churches are the best for distribution aid in my opinion. They're not nearly as greedy with their theft.

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Heck, HEB probably already has trucks set up there for aid.

Their "FEMA" type responses here are Legend.

Several of those buildings, while technically "still standing" , CANNOT be safe and are going to have to be brought down in a controlled manner before they just collapse on their own timeline or due to an aftershock. Terrible situation !

zag213004 said:

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In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the United States government deployed one of the largest international humanitarian aid efforts in history, contributing over $400 million in emergency assistance and coordinating rapid military and civilian relief operations. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led the civilian response, providing food, water, shelter, and medical aid to over 580,000 affected Indonesians, while the U.S. Department of Defense deployed naval assets like the USS Bonhomme Richard and Marine Expeditionary Units including the hospital ship uss mercy to establish logistical support and deliver supplies to remote areas in Aceh Province within 72 hours. This comprehensive intervention not only addressed immediate survival needs but also facilitated long-term reconstruction, significantly improving bilateral relations and disaster preparedness frameworks between the two nations.



https://www.usaid.gov/

Quote:

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Notification of Administrative Leave
As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally…..

Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.

---

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Your post is spot on. In 22 years lefties complete ruined what might have been a decent or good thing.

Maybe look at your own party before you put the blame on Trump.

B-1 83 said:

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zag213004 said:

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In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the United States government deployed one of the largest international humanitarian aid efforts in history, contributing over $400 million in emergency assistance and coordinating rapid military and civilian relief operations. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led the civilian response, providing food, water, shelter, and medical aid to over 580,000 affected Indonesians, while the U.S. Department of Defense deployed naval assets like the USS Bonhomme Richard and Marine Expeditionary Units including the hospital ship uss mercy to establish logistical support and deliver supplies to remote areas in Aceh Province within 72 hours. This comprehensive intervention not only addressed immediate survival needs but also facilitated long-term reconstruction, significantly improving bilateral relations and disaster preparedness frameworks between the two nations.



https://www.usaid.gov/

Quote:

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Notification of Administrative Leave
As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally…..

Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.

---

---

You conveniently left out this part:

" The U.S. State Department took over USAID's global disaster relief and foreign assistance programs. Following the dismantling of USAID, the State Department officially assumed control of all operations and established the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response to oversee international emergencies"

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Even if prev poster was right, it would be a drop in the bucket compared to all the death and misery caused by the USAID regime change machine over the decades.

He's just mad that Trump took away their taxpayer funded democrat party proxy.

We thinking deaths from this one going over 10,000?

Aust Ag said:

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We thinking deaths from this one going over 10,000?

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Last I heard was over 50k missing.

Aust Ag said:

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We thinking deaths from this one going over 10,000?

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I have a tendency to not believe the first announcements. Yeah, Mexico City in 1980s was bad. Tens of thousands killed. But more recent earthquakes have not had the same fatalities as originally predicted.

Even the World Trade Centers were said to have 50,000 people there and possibly dead. Watching the Towers fall on live TV, hard to disbelieve that one. But it too was incorrect.

Mourning every loss of life and need to await updates.

B-1 83 said:

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zag213004 said:

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In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the United States government deployed one of the largest international humanitarian aid efforts in history, contributing over $400 million in emergency assistance and coordinating rapid military and civilian relief operations. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led the civilian response, providing food, water, shelter, and medical aid to over 580,000 affected Indonesians, while the U.S. Department of Defense deployed naval assets like the USS Bonhomme Richard and Marine Expeditionary Units including the hospital ship uss mercy to establish logistical support and deliver supplies to remote areas in Aceh Province within 72 hours. This comprehensive intervention not only addressed immediate survival needs but also facilitated long-term reconstruction, significantly improving bilateral relations and disaster preparedness frameworks between the two nations.



https://www.usaid.gov/

Quote:

---

Notification of Administrative Leave
As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally…..

Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.

---

---

You conveniently left out this part:

" The U.S. State Department took over USAID's global disaster relief and foreign assistance programs. Following the dismantling of USAID, the State Department officially assumed control of all operations and established the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response to oversee international emergencies"

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Well the Christians in Action probably have a lower fraud , waste, & abuse rate than usaid and they probably have a regular hand in humanitarian causes like these.

Prayers for those grieving and prayers more survivors are rescued.

Ag with kids said:

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File5 said:

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Opportunity for US to come and help? Would be good to build the relationship and good will. Would love to see that as a joint effort of all Latin America but not likely. We have no money though so would ideally be driven by non-profits (with actual private donations). Horrible situation, wish them the best.

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Umm...

a) I hope we come to help
b) We HAVE the money

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We are trillions of dollars in debt. That's no money to most of us.

"Good intentions do not grant authority. Moral urgency does not expand jurisdiction. And when compassion is exercised through force rather than choice, something essential is lost. This is not a rejection of care. It is a warning about structure.

Governments are powerful precisely because they can compel. That power requires constraint - not to prevent kindness, but to protect agency. When compassion bypasses those constraints, it does not remain compassionate for long.

The hardest part of ethical governance is not knowing when to help.

It is knowing when helping requires refusing to use power that does not belong to you."

From an article about Davey Crockett's refusal to support government offering charity to a naval widow. We have certainly strayed a long way from where we started.

Ag87H2O said:

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"Good intentions do not grant authority. Moral urgency does not expand jurisdiction. And when compassion is exercised through force rather than choice, something essential is lost. This is not a rejection of care. It is a warning about structure.

Governments are powerful precisely because they can compel. That power requires constraint - not to prevent kindness, but to protect agency. When compassion bypasses those constraints, it does not remain compassionate for long.

The hardest part of ethical governance is not knowing when to help.

It is knowing when helping requires refusing to use power that does not belong to you."

From an article about Davey Crockett's refusal to support government offering charity to a naval widow. We have certainly strayed a long way from where we started.

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Thanks for sharing. A tsip friend of mine who I have great respect for shared this with me 20 yrs ago. The truth and wisdom in this should be consistently taught and shared at all age levels.