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Well Bubba has no more right to a good life than Liu Chu but if you live next door to Bubba and 7000 miles from Liu Chu I think you have a higher duty to him than her.

Second, you could consider that Bubba has the ability to vote in US elections and Liu Chu doesn't. Making Liu Chu better off is a nice moral deed, making Bubba better off is not just a nice moral deed but also a political obligation.

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Bubba can vote, so he's able to represent his own interests. Liu Chu has no voice in the system.

It seems to me that if I have any obligation it would be to advocate for those that cannot advocate for themselves first.

Help given to Liu Chu will by necessity pass through many hands and you have no control over the ethical structure of Liu Chu's society. Helping Bubba is something you can verify, and it will also help Liu Chu when Bubba has more income and can afford to help others.

The Chinese will take care of Liu Chu, with nary a concern for Bubba.

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