I think it is imperative to the continuation of the human race as a whole to start thinking and feeling on a global scale. This age old argument that "we must fix our problems at home before we look abroad" is both immature and irresponsible. The current financial crisis should help illustrate how intertwined we are on a global scale. Each countries actions effects every other country in turn. The more we turn a blind eye, the more the atrocities around the globe continue. Get Involved. Educate. Illustrate. Communicate. And change will come.

http://notphilsnotions.blogspot.com/2008/07/free-markets-and-freedom.html

The bottom line is, the problems in the world while a lot of having to do with resource alocation is also intrinsicaly and inimatley linked to the way people conceptualize many things like the environment and education. No policy can truly change anything, only by changing the way people of the world view and value these issues.

How do we change peoples hearts and minds, this is the fundamental question of all cultural scholars, which from what I've read doesn't have the largest amount of agreement. yet.

Although, by making such organizations easier to form and fund, you will see abuse of the system, but everytime you take a rulle away or add a rule you will have those who will find a way to use it to their ends.

So in the end, I ask my self what's utilitarian.

sounds good, will do later today, got to head to work a bit. As for global problems I never said to not help or that countries in poverty should be expected to pull themselves out of their problems. I do understand the ffects of colonialism and how it has set back many nations from such a capability. I just think the the global community of citizens is much more that a global community of governments, and governments should around the world should instead facilitate volunteering more, than rely every problem on a multi-government effort.

There are lot of Non-Profit groups and volunteers groups that have people participating all around the world that cover things governments can't whether in for political reasons or other ones. Like this groups that illegally distributes medical supplies in areas of Burma that need it, they can't get support from the government, nor can governments help for political reasons.

Though I think by be freeing up some of the red tape on such organizations you'll get more global aid from citizens of nations all over.

good idea, md