Since I started tutoring SAT, I've realized how ineffective my writing can be. I'm not sure where it happened, but my writing has gotten quite bloated as of late. I love reading Hemingway and Carver's stuff because of the simplicity of the language; perhaps I need to experiment a bit with my writing style. Well, it's not like I'm an English major or anything... or I do any professional-level writing, but I do need to work on making my essays more persuasive. Then everybody can be a Repubrican-loving moran like me! Just kidding.

You ever notice how I'll go on a "hot" streak of posts? In my mind, I sometimes get in the "zone" and write a batch of pretty solid quality entries (quality not necessarily being anything of importance, of course) which you guys seem to find enjoyable (I make this assumption based on the number of comments). Then I'll go on a two-week period where each entry is more of a filler because I won't be feeling too humorous. I feel bad for columnists who have to be funny every week. Must be tough.

Anyway, the only purpose for this post is for me to express my frustration regarding people's supposed perceptions that American foreign aid has been 'stingy.' I even created a new Xanga account simply to respond to someone who posted an editorial that Americans are not generous enough (based on $$$). I wholeheartedly disagree ... that's the problem with these "dollar" foreign aid packages. They're so deceptive. The EU loves to boast the fact they give a higher percentage of their GDP ... but then again, the US donates more than any other national in real dollars.

America is a nation that is based upon the idea of a small government. We, as citizens, do not expect the government to spend our money for us; we'd like for them to take what is necessary to regulate commerce and protect our way of living and leave the charitable donations to ourselves. The real value of how "charitable" a nation should take into account private donations. Given just this tsunami disaster, by some accounts, there are close to $127 million in donations from the private sector and individual Americans. A bulk of this comes from companies like Pfizer ($35 million), but it still shows how caring American companies are (of course to the cynical this indicates companies trying to buy good PR by using tax loopholes). Even on an individual level, the Amazon Red Cross link is amazing to visit and watch. So, Mr. Jan Egeland, talking about the initial $15mil aid from the US as being "stingy" was shortsighted. The numbers speak for themselves, although I wish that I didn't have to actually research them and waste my time...

Note: This is in no way attacking the generosity of citizens of other nations; I have no clue what the numbers are. I'm simply responding to comments that Americans are "stingy' with relief aid. (Edit: a great article on the outpouring of support from around the world)

The New Years is coming up soon. And what does this mean? Probably a bunch of "New Years Resolution" posts coming up soon.... ho hum.