Carter: Rich States 'Don't Give a Damn' About Poor

"ATLANTA (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Thursday harshly criticized his own country and other wealthy states for being stingy with foreign aid and said in rich countries "We really don't give a damn."

In a speech to a human rights conference in Atlanta, Carter said increasing financial assistance was critical to battling malaria, AIDS and other common diseases that disproportionately affect the poorest parts of the world.

"Unfortunately, in the rich countries like ours, we really don't give a damn," said Carter, who was president from 1977 to 1981 and who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

He especially criticized the United States for failing to follow other Western nations which are increasing spending.

Although America tops the foreign aid donor list in dollar terms, it falls behind the Netherlands, Canada and many other smaller, less affluent nations when contributions are measured on a per capita basis."

Sorry Jimmy, but I find your attitude and statement offensive. I agree that we can do more but it is not just a matter of throwing money at the problems of the world. Look at the mess the UN made of the Oil-For-Food program.

Not to mention that there are large numbers of people working to improve the world and make it a nicer place to live. To suggest that rich nations don't give a damn is nothing more than hysterics for the purpose of press time.