Stingy or generous? Yes.

The numbers are there to be twisted in any fashion--to make the U.S. look arrogant/uncaring/stingy (the percentage of our GDP that goes to aid--minuate), or caring/helpful/generous. One thing I hadn't considered--until I read this--is how much aid the U.S. gives to the world in forms other than monetary.

...the U.S. government gives all kind of aid that doesn't show up on the balance sheet. How much piracy in international waters is prevented by the U.S. Navy around the world? How much does the tracking of hurricanes help other nations in the Caribbean? How much economic activity in low income areas do U.S. military bases around the world spur?

Patrick observes, "another example that I always use is GPS. The U.S. developed it and operates it, and gives it away free to the whole world. Citizens around the world use GPS capabilities for navigation, fishing, hiking, driving, etc..... yet there is no "tax" (the GPS devices don't pay any initial, nor a recurring fee). So this is an annual multibillion dollar gift to the world."

I am proud to live in a country that gives so much to the world in so many ways.