SkimIt
Young Voters Speak Out: Each day, RR.com will spotlight politically minded youth writers from throughout the U.S. speaking their minds on Election 2012. First-time voters, student journalists and new graduates will debate the Obama vs. Romney race to the White House. Young Democrats, Republicans and ‘Undecided’ Americans are eager to play politics and choose the next Commander & Chief.
Read James Gibbon's thoughts from a right-leaning perspective:
Free money, there's nothing like it especially when it's guaranteed every year. For decades, the United States has been giving countries around the world billions of dollars. This practice should stop, as there is no strategic benefit.
My argument is not to do away with foreign aid because it is expensive. In reality, it is a small fraction of the entire budget, approximately 1%. The fiscal crisis will only be resolved with addressing healthcare, social security, and military spending.
Why is foreign aid bad? Well, let's take a look back. All the way back to the time of our first President, George Washington. Everybody liked this guy. In his farewell address, he warned future Americans of the problems with meddling overseas.
Obviously, his predecessors did not always heed his advice. It's hard to remove the de facto status that the United States has as the world's policeman.
Excluding military activity, the United States should not play favorites. Government monies mustn't be thrown at countries where it can easily be skimmed off due to corruption. There is simply no accountability.
The aid is meant for infrastructure projects and health matters. What about investing those billions of dollars domestically? Would we rather a bridge collapsed in Uganda or in Dallas?
Of course we can all agree that healthcare is lacking in Africa and other developing countries. However, aid should not come from the United States government. It can get messy; remember when the George W. Bush Administration pushed for abstinence only education overseas?
The great thing about the United States is that private individuals can form organizations that can provide these services to needy countries. Federal funds can remain in America and be allocated to deserving projects.
If supporters of foreign aid truly care about helping others, let them prove it by donating to worthy organizations. How much will you give? I'm sure you can write it off.
