I just had a discussion with my husband about helping people outside our country. He feels that we should "take care of our own" first. I believe that there are no boundries as far as people are concerned. Everyone is "our own" from the US to Africa to everywhere in between, I see no boundries except the ones we draw ourselves (aside from physical boundries). I believe we should help all of humankind through every and all means. How do you feel about this subject? Do you believe that we should help "our own" first?
Interesting question! My sentiments are 2-fold - In terms of living in a country that is not economically or politically entirely stable, with spiralling costs of living and crime, I am the first to make sure all my resources are used to ensure those close to me are looked after. However, as a producer and consumer, I am all for pooling resources and being able to operate without geographical, social and economic boundaries which do unfortunately restrict growth and development in my opinion.
They say there is "plenty" for all. I can see both sides of the discussion and perhaps we just need to find the solutions that allow us to take care of both those closest in proximity and far away.
I don't think it should make any difference where a person is from. By resolving the world into "our own", you create the "us" and "them" mentality that makes things like racism, war, religious persecution bloom. Look around you at the people sat near you as you read this. If they were hurt, would you help them? If they were hungry, would you feed them? Think about the people you see on the street. Do you know where they come from? Does it matter? If you saw them fall, would you help them back up? We all are human, different but equal. "looking after our own" makes some more equal than others.
To our way of thinking, the "us and them" mentality is not helpful. Just do good where ever you are and in whatever capacity you are able, and have a good heart.
My belief is we should simply do what we can where ever we can as every act both positive and negative ripples around the world.
Further, if you believe in collective consciousness and the power of intentions, our thoughts as well as our actions can effect the world on a grand scale, although we are often not aware of these results.
The way I see it is we all came into this world the same way - with nothing. It sickens me that so many live in poverty while others hoard billions. I recently saw the list of the five richest people in the world and they could easily solve world hunger - they have more money than they could spend in a lifetime and they would barely notice the cost if they helped. A world without boundaries would be a wonderful thing - who's to say who owns the land? This is everyone's planet - equally - and that's how we should treat it. There is easily enough money and resources to bring everyone to the same level, it's just that selfish rich minority that is holding us back.