Opinion of effective altruism

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/22/extreme-altruism-should-you-care-for-strangers-as-much-as-family

This is kind of the absolute inverse of Objectivism. Obviously far superior, but has some rather odd and quirky things about it. Still it reminds me of thinking about things like for example how the money spent on Bushie's Kenya trip could be better spent helping Kenya in better ways.

What I find strange about it though is how it takes utilitarianism to such extremes.

[James Bond 007]

Let's say you're in perfect health and two people need kidneys.  At least one or both will die without transplants.  Do you donate both of your's and live a little while on dialysis with the hope that at least one or both will survive?  Should you pay for your neighbor to go to college?  Effectiveness like you said is the key.  You say Bush could've better helped Kenyans?  Raising awareness in multitudes can be argued as more effective than sending money which will likely be lost to corruption.  Foreign aid is important but needs to be monitored carefully. Actually, what about Bono and RFK Jr.?  They fly all over the world on gulf stream jets to preach about the environment.  Perhaps it would be better for them to not travel anywhere that uses so much fuel?  They pollute the environment more than any of us do.

[This account no longer in use.]

It's certainly better than objectivism, but not by much.

[Mr. Smith]

Like  pure collectivism, excellent direction of intention, but highly impractical.

[Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian.]

Why are you reading LessWrong, BRTD?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Why are you reading LessWrong, BRTD?

I have a new job which in a weird sort of paradox is slow and not having much work yet still offering lots of overtime.

[Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian.]

Why are you reading LessWrong, BRTD?

I have a new job which in a weird sort of paradox is slow and not having much work yet still offering lots of overtime.

That answers some but not all of my question.