Concerning your first post, Celestial Child, I think you're overlooking the massive tariffs the US does put on many of its key industries, such as steel or cotton. The US has been pursuing a 'free' trade policy, and it has been devaluing its currency to effect that, as I understand it. That is also why it has been such a strong proponent of eroding the tariffs and trade barriers third world countries place on their industries to shield them from foreign competition.

The disaster this caused in Africa and Latin America during the 70s and 80s was well documented. Because Less Developed Countries (LDCs) couldn't develop their industries without competition from far more efficient foreign industries, their economies ended up imploding and this accounts for a surprising proportion of the economic woes of the region.

America has consistently been lobbying in the WTO, IMF and World Bank to force LDCs to eliminate trade barriers on their key industries, whilst being unwilling to liberalise their own key industries. I think you should revise your theories concerning American generosity to take this into account.