Right now 4% of their country is without power. MILLIONS of people are homeless. Nobody's saying we should write a check to cover their expenses, but what we're doing, like a lot of other countries, is offering some humanitarian aid, since a lot of their infrastructure that would otherwise provide it is gone. Yes, they're a rich country, but right now, they've pretty devastated by the most powerful earthquake in their history (and THAT's saying something!), and they could use some logistical help feeding a few million people. And a lot of that help that comes from the US will come from our charitable organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc. But is that such a crime? It's not like we're going to support these people for life! Speaking only for myself, I support our local food banks right here in Louisville, but I also don't have a problem with a few bucks that I may have previously given to some other agency going to help feed somebody in Japan whose whole city just got washed out to sea.

If a rich man falls down on the sidewalk in front of you, are you going to ask him to write you a check before you offer to help him up?

DJ, I hope you're able to contact your family soon.