What goes around comes around! It’s a law of nature.

Some call it Karma, others claim “As you sow, so shall you reap”. But everything that happens in our lives is a result of our actions, both positive and negative, both physical and mental . It all boils down to how you conduct your life. This also applies to groups and nations. You start wishing ill of someone else, and that “ill” will double back and slap you upside the head. This is how I view the global economic meltdown.

The U.S. economy was the first to show signs of distress, and I recall reading many comments here, and elsewhere, from people who were delighted- glorying in the fact that the U.S. was in trouble. They were actually praying for the demise of the U.S. and the American people. I remember that clearly, and thinking to myself how foolish they were to be tempting fate like that.

What those people stupidly failed to realize is that the world economies are inextricably linked, and that if WE fall, so do THEY, which is exactly what happened. Gotta love that karma!

According to the U.S. Federal Reserve,

The U.S. economy and the world economy are linked in many ways. Economic developments in this country have a major influence on production, employment, and prices beyond our borders; at the same time, developments abroad significantly affect our economy. The U.S. dollar, which is the currency most used in international transactions, constitutes more than half of other countries’ official foreign exchange reserves. U.S. banks abroad and foreign banks in the United States are important actors in international financial markets.

Where are all those countries, dependent on foreign aid, going to get their money if countries like the U.S. have none to give?

They also very foolishly fail to realize that people don’t look kindly on those who bite the hand that feeds them, and if they want to continue receiving aid from more prosperous countries, including the U.S., wishing them ill is not the way to go. Although the U.S. government has been faulted for the amount of aid it donates to developing nations, the American people are considered to be the most generous when it comes to charitable contributions.

Charitable giving in the United States is estimated to be $306.39 billion in 2007, exceeding $300 billion for the first time in history, according to Giving USA 2008, the yearbook on philanthropy released today by Giving USA FoundationTM.

As a regional, working actress and photographer I don’t make that much money, but I have always donated what little extra I have to charitable organizations that aid developing nations, and have always felt compelled to give more after global natural disasters.

Tell me why I should donate my hard earned money to countries whose citizens wish for the downfall of my country and my people? In spite of this, I will continue to give money, when I can, knowing that karma will take care of the rest.

Just a word of warning, my global bretheren, be careful what you wish for!