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"I think the U.S. spends too much money helping out other countries when we clearly have a sh*t ton of problems being ignored in our own," said a dear friend of mine.
I was asking for her thoughts on how the United States goes about helping other countries through foreign assistance. It can be a confusing and controversial topic.
As it turns out, her response is a common one.
So if the general sentiment is that we're spending too much helping other countries on things like health, economic development, and humanitarian assistance ... just how much are we actually spending?
I'm not going to go all math class on you, but to put it into perspective, our entire fiscal year 2016 budget (as it stands) is around $4 trillion. So the thinking is that over a fourth of that is being used toward other countries — or is it?
The reality is America spends less than 1% on foreign aid.
According to ForeignAssistance.gov, America spends approximately 0.8% of its entire budget on foreign aid.
Considering foreign aid is such a tiny, tiny, tinyyyyy fraction of our spending, America is really making huge strides.
Think about these five ways the U.S. has been able to improve other countries while spending less than 1% of its budget:
1. 8 million people have received life-saving HIV treatment, and 56.7 million people have received HIV counseling and testing.
Just to put that into perspective there are about 8.4 million people living in New York City. A whole New York City got saved. Cool.
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And that's not all. According to USAID, more than 14.2 million pregnant women have been supported with HIV testing and counseling and provided prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission to more than 749,000 HIV-positive women. 95% of those babies were born HIV-free, which is great news for future generations.
2. Agricultural programs have helped 1 billion people in 20 years.
What's cooler than helping a million people? Helping A BILLION PEOPLE.
Malnutrition contributes up to 45% of all childhood deaths. Oof. Agricultural programs like Feed the Future are working to cut that in various, sustainable ways.
In just 2014, Feed the Future reached more than 12 million children with nutrition interventions and helped nearly 7 million farmers gain access to new tools or technologies such as high-yielding seeds, fertilizer application, soil conservation, and water management. It's teaching them how to help themselves.
3. Deaths caused by malaria in African children have dropped by 51%.
THAT IS HALF!
Foreign aid programs have helped bring malaria rates down in a historic way. A 51% drop between the years of 2000-2012 has meant that 500,000 African kids under the age of 5 have been saved each year and otherwise wouldn't have, Foreign Policy and a 2013 report from the World Health Organization explain.
4. More moms and babies are staying alive. Millions more of them.
Moms used to die in childbirth. That number has been halved. HALF! We halved it with 1% of the budget.
Many of these deaths can be easily prevented or treated with simple and affordable interventions, which makes me very hopeful we can help decrease these numbers even more.
5. Mobile banking is GIVING people a future ... and it is the future. And it's happening now!
No bank? No problem. We're putting banks in cell phones! Next thing you know, women are taking out loans and opening up businesses.
There are 1.8 billion people in the world with access to a phone but not to a bank. That's beginning to change. A big shift in foreign assistance is to focus on effective ways to expand poor people's access to formal financial services, and phones are proving a great way to do it.
A great example lies in Nepal. According to USAID, over 300 mobile financial services agents in 30 of 75 districts are now operating in Nepal. In 2013, banks serving Nepalese clients were expected to reach more than 19,000 new clients, with more than $2.3 million in rural loans disbursed to almost 8,000 borrowers — most of them women. That's how businesses are started and people become able to contribute to the economy. Bam! Progress.
We do have problems in our own country that need addressing. But we're also not exactly using up all our resources on other countries either!
How do you feel knowing how effective America has been with it's 1% of the budget?
If you're like these folks, you start seeing things a little differently.
Some even start to think that maybe we should could even do more.
I'm happy to know that America's budget is getting used in this way. It's a tiny sliver of money, prioritizing helpfulness, and the result is billions of safer earthlings. Oh, the possibilities!
ONE set out to ask for various thoughts about our contributions overseas. How would you answer?
It's still more than every other country. Maybe if we didn't spend so much helping them we could help ourselves a little more but as Americans that's what we do.
__________________
“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” ― Julia Child ―
Other countries use our aid to provide healthcare, food assistance and abortions. Stop ALL foreign aid.
No, don't stop it all. I have no problem aiding allies like Israel. Or, some European countries who have demonstrated that they are with us. But, no the rest of the world can go pound salt.
Israel will pay for all approved abortions for women aged 20 to 33, thanks to a recommendation accepted by its health ministry. Starting this year, Israel will spend 16 million shekels ($4.6 million) to cover abortions for approximately 6,300 women.
“People who support Israel—even if they’re conservative on social values—they’re lives are not going to be changed by [this issue,]” said Steve Rosen, a former leading official at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). “One of the things you have to remember is that Israel’s abortion policy was liberal last year too, very liberal—one of the most liberal in the world—and they went even further in that direction.”
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies.
So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
So children in other countries are more important than our children?
__________________
“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” ― Julia Child ―
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
And, any aid we specify to Israel or anyone else should specify what it is for or not be given, INCLUDING Israel. But, Israel is also under Sin. They are blind. They will have their blinders removed in time.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
So children in other countries are more important than our children?
Of course not. But I find all these staunch prolifers being pissed off about literally millions fewer dead children a year a little sad.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies.
So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
See, there is this THING called PERSONAL responsibility. You know , where mothers and fathers are actually SUPPOSED to take care of their own children. A very quaint and novel concept, I know.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Gaga, have you ever been to a third world country? It is a different planet.
Because of piss poor governments who won't let people help themselves. So, yeah, if the Govt was run by men and women with Christian ethics and morals , they wouldn't be third world countries.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Oh FFS! Stop explaining yourself to liberals. Conservatives do a hell of a lot more to donate and help their community and country and charities. You can thank the Catholic Church for starting many of the hospitals in this country.
Gaga, have you ever been to a third world country? It is a different planet.
Because of piss poor governments who won't let people help themselves. So, yeah, if the Govt was run by men and women with Christian ethics and morals , they wouldn't be third world countries.
But until then, half the kids can die of malnutrition and malaria and HIV. Because who gives a flip?
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Oh FFS! Stop explaining yourself to liberals. Conservatives do a hell of a lot more to donate and help their community and country and charities. You can thank the Catholic Church for starting many of the hospitals in this country.
#truth
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Gaga, have you ever been to a third world country? It is a different planet.
Because of piss poor governments who won't let people help themselves. So, yeah, if the Govt was run by men and women with Christian ethics and morals , they wouldn't be third world countries.
But until then, half the kids can die of malnutrition and malaria and HIV. Because who gives a flip?
Gaga, have you ever been to a third world country? It is a different planet.
Because of piss poor governments who won't let people help themselves. So, yeah, if the Govt was run by men and women with Christian ethics and morals , they wouldn't be third world countries.
But until then, half the kids can die of malnutrition and malaria and HIV. Because who gives a flip?
Stop having sex and spreading HIV. You know that whole ADULTERY thing and fornication thing? Oh and as for malaria. You can thank liberals for making sure to ban DDT which was HIGHLY effective against that. We don't wanna have any thin eagle shells now do we? Who is the one sacrificing the kids? Um, yeah.
BTW, when has handing someone money EVER improved anyone's lot in life? It doesn't. IN fact, it often just prolongs and worsens a situation. You either will help yourself or you won't. YOu can't help anyone who doesn't help themselves. You cannot help an entire country that won't get off its' own ass and mine it's minerals or plant crops or feed themselves. A handout is a band aid on a hemorrhage.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Good for you. Hopefully you manage to dredge up a few scraps of compassion while you do it, although I remain skeptical. But kids dying of malnutrition and HIV and such, nah, a drain, a waste, etc. If they aren't here, who cares about dead chikdren?
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Good for you. Hopefully you manage to dredge up a few scraps of compassion while you do it, although I remain skeptical. But kids dying of malnutrition and HIV and such, nah, a drain, a waste, etc. If they aren't here, who cares about dead chikdren?
Liberals BANNED lifesaving DDT. Soooo goody for you!
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Good for you. Hopefully you manage to dredge up a few scraps of compassion while you do it, although I remain skeptical. But kids dying of malnutrition and HIV and such, nah, a drain, a waste, etc. If they aren't here, who cares about dead chikdren?
O4 gave you concrete examples on how she helps people. But, if you want to belittle that, then I guess you may.
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Good for you. Hopefully you manage to dredge up a few scraps of compassion while you do it, although I remain skeptical. But kids dying of malnutrition and HIV and such, nah, a drain, a waste, etc. If they aren't here, who cares about dead chikdren?
Liberals BANNED lifesaving DDT. Soooo goody for you!
Mind boggling, the hypocrisy, isn't it?
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
It's always amazed me how much liberals like to spend other people's money. I wonder how many of them have actually supported something along the lines of Blood:Water Mission? Or Doctors Without Borders? Samaritans Purse? How may have actually volunteered at a food bank in their town?
Liberals don't want to get their hands dirty, and they want the government to use everyone's tax money to support causes they are too good to support themselves...
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
So fewer children dying of malaria and HIV (drastically fewer) is a drain on our society, 6et you remain't staunchly against abortion because it is killing babies. So, we just have to let the babies be born and then once you stop caring about them, they can be killed however, you won't care, duly noted.
You obviously know nothing about me...
This was directed at Gaga, but yeah, the shoe fits you too.
I actually volunteer at and support a Crisis Pregnancy center. We help all of our girls place their babies. It's something I'm very passionate about...
Good for you. Hopefully you manage to dredge up a few scraps of compassion while you do it, although I remain skeptical. But kids dying of malnutrition and HIV and such, nah, a drain, a waste, etc. If they aren't here, who cares about dead chikdren?
O4 gave you concrete examples on how she helps people. But, if you want to belittle that, then I guess you may.
It's always amazed me how much liberals like to spend other people's money. I wonder how many of them have actually supported something along the lines of Blood:Water Mission? Or Doctors Without Borders? Samaritans Purse? How may have actually volunteered at a food bank in their town?
Liberals don't want to get their hands dirty, and they want the government to use everyone's tax money to support causes they are too good to support themselves...
Yup and then put a ribbon on your car! Ooooh, lookey me, I CARE!!!
It's always amazed me how much liberals like to spend other people's money. I wonder how many of them have actually supported something along the lines of Blood:Water Mission? Or Doctors Without Borders? Samaritans Purse? How may have actually volunteered at a food bank in their town?
Liberals don't want to get their hands dirty, and they want the government to use everyone's tax money to support causes they are too good to support themselves...
I supported a program that changed the way they produced sugar in Hondurous, helping make it safer, healthier and more cost effective. I donate blood regularly. I sponsor a child through world Vision. I regularly donate to the food shelf, women's shelter, library, and the free community dinners. I put together a basket for the local pregnancy center, even though they are total loonies. I donated to a local girl that yes, was from a DWB program, although I forget where she was going.
So get off your high horse. I live in a liberal community, yet there is plenty of support, love and charity to be found.
Gaga, have you ever been to a third world country? It is a different planet.
Because of piss poor governments who won't let people help themselves. So, yeah, if the Govt was run by men and women with Christian ethics and morals , they wouldn't be third world countries.
But until then, half the kids can die of malnutrition and malaria and HIV. Because who gives a flip?
You have a lot of damn nerve. I can tell you that just about every conservative I know puts their money where their mouth is - supporting pregnancy centers, missions overseas that provide healthcare and education and food, and I personally support all those things plus an orphan in Uganda. Charity is supposed to be personal - not government mandated.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Gaga, have you ever been to a third world country? It is a different planet.
Because of piss poor governments who won't let people help themselves. So, yeah, if the Govt was run by men and women with Christian ethics and morals , they wouldn't be third world countries.
But until then, half the kids can die of malnutrition and malaria and HIV. Because who gives a flip?
You have a lot of damn nerve. I can tell you that just about every conservative I know puts their money where their mouth is - supporting pregnancy centers, missions overseas that provide healthcare and education and food, and I personally support all those things plus an orphan in Uganda. Charity is supposed to be personal - not government mandated.