I understand what point of view you are coming from; however, the point of view I am coming from is different.

There is so much that we can offer people who are being oppressed, people who are starving, and people who are dying of diseases that we have cures for. I'm not saying that all of Africa needs help from America, but these things do exist in some parts of Africa, and they are being ignored. I'm not going to Africa as the fortunate American who wants to help the people who are different. I'm not going there to solicitate American culture and politics. I respect the differences. I'm going as a person who cares for humanities all across the world. Food, water, shelter, health care, these are basic. The people who have plenty of the basics should help the people who are suffering without the basics. Africa isn't the only place that has these problems. America still has these problems, but I believe it is time to stop ignoring Africans. You may write your checks and send you money to organizations that claim they are fighting againt aids in Africa or genocide, but I would much rather be the person delivering the services. I will make sure my contribution makes it to Africa. Money is constantly circulating in America, but how often does it leave America for the good? You may feel comfortable writing your checks, but money isn't the solution, it is just a resource. Furthermore, I think you shouldn't dis the missionaries who want to share their views with people across the world because althought they might push their views on other cultures, I'm sure they have done more humanity work than your dollar has ever done.