| The problem is that charity often does not work.
Take the example you use of famine. Particularly in Africa, most aid attempts in Africa are futile because they wind up diverted to corrupt governments. What would help those people more than anything are definitive property rights and an overhaul of their systems of law so that they can put down stakes and develop businesses.
One of the few types of charity that works in this situation are business incubation grants. Many poor people have great business ideas but no seed money. There exist charities that give grants and loans.
Don't forget... Lawyers were writing the Constitution while doctors were still bleeding people with leeches... |