Looking for a Challenge.

Again I must apologize to the reader and to my opponent for "forfeiting" that round. Thanks, Logician, for agreeing to continue. Splendid first argument, and I hope we shall thoroughly enjoy the following. Firstly, I contend that my opponent, being Pro, bear the onus of proof, and I merely have to disprove that, "We, as individuals, have a moral duty to give a significant amount of our income to charity." I affirm the definitions that my opponent has provided, and also that both he and I have the right to introduce further arguments as the debate progresses. Also, I believe that charity is of utmost importance to our civilization, but I do not believe that we have a moral responsibility to regularly proffer our hard earned revenue to those who may or may not deserve it. My opponent has defined "charity," and I agree with the definition, but I believe that charity can be divided into three categories: 1. "Development Assistance", 2. "Humanitarian Assistance" and 3. "Emergency Assistance." I think that all can agree that the most annually is donated by individuals to "Humanitarian assistance" organizations. The first proposition I raise regards the question, "Are the people to whom we give deserving of our money?" Many of us view daily those who sleep in parks, on sidewalks or hunker in buildings. At home, one is forced to face the fact that money directly given will, more often than not, be spent frivolously (on illicit substances, cigarettes or alcohol rather than food, clothing or housing). "I noticed a lot of these people "working it"... One gal would start to cry as soon as people would cross in the crosswalk...then the tears would dry up till the next crowd. " (Your Conscience, 1)(2) In Mexico and other impoverished nations, swarms of people and children crowd rich tourists and attempt to pawn off cheap, worthless objects in return for an exorbitant amount of money. Or perhaps they will simply request money, candy, objects etc. and then hand it over to a superior, so that s/he may profit. This superior certainly doesn't deserve any portion of our hard earned income. Therefore, we can reason that it isn't a moral responsibility to offer funds to these people. Secondly, the more of one's income one donates, the less one has available for one's future, retirement, education, children, vehicle upkeep, bills, household expenditures etc. By regularly donating "a significant portion" of one's income (perhaps fifteen percent of the paycheck each week), one will be forced to neglect essential needs for one's self. A middle aged couple who donate a sizable portion of their income will not be able to afford a comfortable retirement, as they won't have much money saved. How is a student to pay for his/her education when much of his/her income falls to charity? The household must be in order and financially before one can consider donating any quantity on a regular basis. For one to neglect financial stability would be a moral irresponsibility to the family. Thirdly, what do certain charities do with the money? Many Not for Profit organizations are run like a profit business - including executives and a board of directors who may receive a sizable income. Therefore, much of your money isn't help the impoverished, ill or chronically hungry at all - it's lining the pockets of corporate businessmen. (Plan Canada Board of Directors, 3.). It is unlawful in Canada for directors to be compensated, but they may receive fabulous bonuses that certainly cost a great deal but may not count as "wages" (for example, a "corporate" trip to Hawaii). "At one time, the American Cancer Society spent only 26 percent of its national multibillion-dollar budget on actual medical research, allotting the other three-fourths to “operating expenses.” (4.) It is also unlawful for charities to support terrorism or run various scams, yet every person knows that these activities still occur - possibly under blanket charities with spotless reputations. It certainly isn't a moral responsibility to donate to these. Fourthly, some charities seem frivolous – Tim Hortons funds Timbits hockey for children. Giving to the organization is admirable and generous, but morally obligatory? Ronald McDonald House provides lodging for beleaguered parents – not essential, though definitely helpful. Neither of these seem like charities that one should be "morally obligated" to donate "sizeable quantities" to. ~~~ Rebuttals ~~~~ "More money helps more people." This is a safe assessment, and I agree, but my opponent then proceeds to state, "long-term development goals that develop a whole community to deal with problems rather than remaining reliant on external aid." That certainly is true, and there are, indeed, a few philanthropic organizations that offer development aid, but, according to various statistics, the most aid offered is humanitarian assistance, which is short term and merely sustains people in their current situation. Another point I have regarding development aid is that portions must be permitted by the recipient nation's Government. That Government may then confiscate most of the money offered, sell the supplies and profit. "Palestinian Authority is accused of corruption by many but receives more humanitarian aid per capita from the international community than any other country in the world. The billions of dollars that are meant for schools, hospitals and infrastructure have been spent on luxury villas, casinos and payments to terrorists." (5) I certainly would not offer any money to aid programs in a nation where the money is liable to disappear. Pro also asserts that not all people donate to charities, and so we, as moral, responsible individuals, should attempt to take the bulk of the expense, thus bankrupting us. Perhaps these individuals also realize the dangers of donating to International charities? I accept my opponent's first two points regarding morality, but, due to lack of space, am unable to address the third at this time. Cheers, this has been enjoyable. 1. http://answers.yahoo.com... 2. http://www.seattlepi.com... 3. http://plancanada.ca... 4. http://www.thecrimson.com... 5. http://www.nowpublic.com...