I don't have the statistics at my fingertips, but it's really pathetic how little money the US gives in direct foreign assistance to the developing world. It's pathetic in comparison to what we spend on warmaking. And, it's even pathetic percentage wise to what most of the rest of the industrialized world gives. The Japanese and Swedes, for example, are tremendously more generous with their aid money.

Well, Kiva is a great way to lead by example. The true path to global peace is not through spreading war, but hope. Kiva allows us to directly aid the less fortunate to start up busineses and lay the foundations for a vibrant economy which will increase quality of life, improve health care, and extend life expectancy for all. I'm planning a trip where I'll get my friends and family to fund a person's business through Kiva, then I'll go down there and actually help that person get things off the ground.