Am I unpatriotic? (thoughts on protectionism, American unemployment and Christianity)

[cch5432]

Normally, when in arguments with those who support protectionism (use of tariffs, quotas, and other programs that supposedly save "American" jobs), I rely on a few arguments. First of all, the costs of these programs often destroy jobs in other sectors; i.e. a sugar quota kills the American candy industry. Secondly, I say that the outsourcing of jobs provides a less expensive product for American consumers, freeing up money to be spent in other sectors, and creating more jobs.

 

However, I've been pondering a new perspective. I got back from a mission trip to El Salvador and saw real poverty. What I have come to realize is that, in addition to the terrible effects of protectionism at home, it destroys lives overseas- people literally starve to death. And to be honest, as a Christian, I have a responsibility to care for the poor- Jesus said, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my bretheren, you do unto me."

 

So dare I say it, but I literally don't care about American unemployment. The social services in this country provide exponentially better lives than the lives of the middle class of half the world's country.

 

Why should I care about the American so-called poor as opposed to those living in 3rd-world countries? Am I a terrible American for saying these things? Do we have a Christian responsibility to take care of the poorest of the poor, rather than just those at our doorstep?

[sportsfan41]

Tough question, I'm going to sit back and watch before I weigh in on this one.

[cch5432]

Tough question, I'm going to sit back and watch before I weigh in on this one.

I figure if no solid discussion comes from it, at least it will be funny- last time I philosophized out loud on homosexuality and libertarianism, HHSDad gave me this gem:

Whew! When I read the title, I thought we were going to get a little too much info about you cch. I thought you were going to tell us that you were a religious libertarian gay who can't get health benefits.

 

:lol: Hopefully no Freudian slips in this one.

[PepRock01]

For what it's worth I actually think most of what you say makes sense. Not that I care about quality of life outside of the U.S. but if you have a true free market around the world eventually you will reach true equilibrium and thus raise all. :thumb:

[halfback20]

What's wrong with caring about both?

[oldonetechnique]

Well I thinking caring about both makes sense, but I personally am a bit of a nationalists I want to be on the winning team with the most stuff!

[Habib]

Your position sounds a lot like mine.

[cch5432]

What's wrong with caring about both?

 

Nothing, but I have to give preference to those who really need it- and unemployed auto workers in Detroit with social services available that would make most of the world look wealthy don't need it as much. And I don't think that I should give them dibs because they are in my country.

[Dlbdonn]

Charity begins at home .

[mcpapa]

Charity begins at home .

 

I tend to agree. That's why I have always had a hard time understanding why many folks will give oodles of money to televangelists, when there are in all likelihood neighborhood churches that could put the money to good use.

[mcpapa]

And, cch, I understand that there are varying degrees of poverty and want. I also support those who happen to have disposable income and time who wish to make the type of choice that you are making.

 

But I am much more likely to invite a neighbor who just got laid off over for a cookout than I am to send a few bucks to a third-world country. Just my personal preference.

[Mr.Network]

Normally, when in arguments with those who support protectionism (use of tariffs, quotas, and other programs that supposedly save "American" jobs), I rely on a few arguments. First of all, the costs of these programs often destroy jobs in other sectors; i.e. a sugar quota kills the American candy industry. Secondly, I say that the outsourcing of jobs provides a less expensive product for American consumers, freeing up money to be spent in other sectors, and creating more jobs.

 

However, I've been pondering a new perspective. I got back from a mission trip to El Salvador and saw real poverty. What I have come to realize is that, in addition to the terrible effects of protectionism at home, it destroys lives overseas- people literally starve to death. And to be honest, as a Christian, I have a responsibility to care for the poor- Jesus said, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my bretheren, you do unto me."

 

So dare I say it, but I literally don't care about American unemployment. The social services in this country provide exponentially better lives than the lives of the middle class of half the world's country.

 

Why should I care about the American so-called poor as opposed to those living in 3rd-world countries? Am I a terrible American for saying these things? Do we have a Christian responsibility to take care of the poorest of the poor, rather than just those at our doorstep?

 

I started thinking about this on a strictly US basis when I met a young man from suburban Chicago who told me that his church group goes to Harlan, KY every year to fix up homes for the needy. I know people who live in Kentucky who go to Mississippi to build homes. There are plenty of needy people in Chicago, too.

 

Why don't the Chicago people stay and help the people in Chicago? Why don't the Kentucky people stay and help the people in Kentucky?

 

The only reason I can think of is that it is less of an adventure to stay home.

 

Which then leads to the issues of the missionaries who go overseas to help the less fortunate and win souls. There are plenty of unfortunate people and lost souls here. But, it isn't as much fun to go to Detriot as it is Africa.

 

Just my opinion.

[Hatz]

I started thinking about this on a strictly US basis when I met a young man from suburban Chicago who told me that his church group goes to Harlan, KY every year to fix up homes for the needy. I know people who live in Kentucky who go to Mississippi to build homes. There are plenty of needy people in Chicago, too.

 

Why don't the Chicago people stay and help the people in Chicago? Why don't the Kentucky people stay and help the people in Kentucky?

 

The only reason I can think of is that it is less of an adventure to stay home.

 

Which then leads to the issues of the missionaries who go overseas to help the less fortunate and win souls. There are plenty of unfortunate people and lost souls here. But, it isn't as much fun to go to Detriot as it is Africa.

 

Just my opinion.

 

 

You are correct Network. :thumb:

 

A few years ago we had 30 youth and leaders go to Inner City Charleston, SC to do a mission trip known as MFUGE. The next year we were involved with a project that was right here in Henry County called Impact VA. We had 12 people (counting adults) was all. It's because it wasn't "sexy" to work locally on 13 homes that needed help, upgrade and repair.

[rockmom]

cch...I don't think you are unpatriotic any more than I think that people who belive the opposite of what you believe are unpatriotic.

 

Patriotism isn't everyone believing all the exact same things. Patriotism is a love for one's country, and wanting the best for everyone who lives here. Some of the most historically patriotic people were dissenters in their time.

[UKMustangFan]

I agree with you to an extent cch. The so called "poor" people in America are the most well off poor people in the world. Heck, in most countries they'd be considered middle class at worst.

 

However, to me, taking care of oneself and ones immediate family trumps all else. Once you have secured a comfortable living for yourself, then I feel you should feel free to do with the "excess" wealth what you will. If that means helping the poor in the US, or those around the globe, or doing neither, then so be it. It's all looked at the same IMO.