Are Americans generally apathetic towards foreign aid?

[firefox28]

Are Americans generally apathetic towards foreign aid? I don't mean just right wing politicians. i mean the ordinary citizen on the ground. Especially if you compare them to UK/Nordic Countries.

[Captain Hilts]

1. People of all stripes think it comprises a third of the budget and are against it. nt

[firefox28]

2. True but...

A large majority of US foreign assistance is NOT for development purposes but for geo-political goals. I say this was true for both B. Clinton and GW Bush.

[dipsydoodle]

3. That maybe because

they think its literally shelled out in dollar bills. The reality of course is that most of it goes direct to defence industry and the aid is then supplied as military goods.

[cobalt1999]

4. Not just apathetic, but hostile

Especially in tough economic times and ever growing budget deficits.

[firefox28]

5. Even before the crisis

You do hear people speaking out against aid, against meeting the Millennium Development Goals.