By:
Keegan Ganley
Grade 12
Even
though the Millennium Challenge Account proposal may overlook such factors as
debt, the MCA definitely has enough merit for the American people to implement
providing that education is available for everyone in job training and in health
matters.
The MCA has worthy ideas on how to improve developing countries. Unfortunately, these ideas will cost the American people a great deal of money. The American people have a lot of debt now and may not be able to afford the cost of the MCA. America’s public debt as of April 20, 2003 was $6 billion. The estimated population of the United States is 290,788,935 people. This means that each citizen’s share of the public debt is $22,241.96. The World Bank recommends that the MCA needs $40-60 billion a year for 12 years to reach the development goals by 2015. As outlined by the MCA, the United States’ share of that will be $10-15 billion a year for 12 years. The citizens of the United States cannot afford that much money every year. The debt of America will only increase. Instead of using so much money, we should find other ways to help citizens of developing countries. More ways to help these countries are by teaching people of the countries job skills, by donating our time to them, and by sharing our knowledge.
The
people of developing countries need education. We can teach these people job
skills and training but they also need to know about health-related matters.
Africa for example, has people who need knowledge of diseases and prevention
techniques. In Africa 39 percent of the adults have HIV; that is more than one
person in three. Half of the natural deaths in Africa are caused by HIV/AIDS.
AIDS kills 6,000 people each day in Africa. The number of people that have HIV
in Africa is 24.5 million. The number of people with HIV in the rest of the
world is only 9.8 million. AIDS has left many children living with AIDS
parentless and alone. AIDS is contributing to famine in Africa. AIDS is mainly
spread by lack of awareness and unsafe sex. People of Africa need information
about education, and communication concerning HIV/AIDS.
Citizens
of developing countries also need basic education. Studies show a strong
positive connection between basic education and improved economic production,
health and social well-being, the growth of democracy, and conservation of the
environment. Many countries lack reliable, current data to make good
education-related decisions. Everyone should have the opportunity to be
educated, but in some developing countries it is hard for women to receive equal
education. Culture, economics, and local customs often prevent females from
attending school. The education system should encourage communities, religious
leaders, and others to increase the access that all citizens need for basic
education.
People
of developing countries are faced with the challenge of major population growth
and severe water and food shortages. People of developing countries greatly need
support. By improving the health education element, for women especially,
countries will have smaller, healthier families. The world population has
doubled since 1960 to 6.1 billion and grows by 77 million people a year. Almost
all of this growth is in developing countries. Women of developing countries
need more support. Women make up nearly one-half of the agricultural work force.
Yet, women have little control over the land they farm and the water they use.
Local customs often deny women the right to secure titles or inherit land. Many
women are stuck in a spiral of poverty. Lack of expert support discourages women
from new technology.
Many
faith based organizations are already working in the countries described above.
The organizations are trying to solve the problems I have outlined. The MCA
should use it’s funds to support these already existing organizations rather
than trying to start new ones. These faith-based organizations offer hope to
suffering people of developing countries. By supporting these organizations we
might achieve more positive results. Also, we must not forget the needy people
of America. We must try to find a way to help the citizens of our country while
we are helping the citizens of developing countries. By helping developing
countries everyone involved will benefit. We will have new allies and friends
and the relationship will also offer the trade of goods and cultural
backgrounds.
The
MCA will prove to be a very effective plan for developing countries. The United
States will have to find ways of providing more money and more volunteers or the
MCA will need to find ways to use less money in providing assistance to people
of developing countries.
Selected
Bibliography Page
Academy
for Educational Development. “Basic Education in Developing
BBC
News. “Africa.” April 20, 2003.
Bush,
George W. “Millennium Challenge Account.” Paper in Singer Packet, 2003,
Faith
Action for People-Centered Development Policy. “Testimony before the
www.singerfoundation.org/Current%20Contests/EssayContests/morerequiredreading2003.html
Radelet,
Steve. “Initial Reactions to the Announcement on the MCA.” Singer
Segal,
Nina. “Relief Work, Making a Difference Where It Is Needed Most.”
The
State of World Population 2001. “Woman Need Support.” April 21, 2003.
U.S.
Department of State. “Working Together to Build Prosperity.” April 21, 2003.
www.state.gov/g/rls/rm/2002/10428.htm
“U.S.
National Debt Clock.” April 20, 2003.
Question
#1: President Bush claimed that most funds for development do not come from
international aid. He mentions three things that do fund development. What are
they?
·
Three
sources, other than international aid, for developmental assistance are domestic
capital, foreign investment, and trade. These sources are very critical factors
for development. Domestic capital is money that is made from and used within a
country. When people use the money from their country then they have more pride
in themselves. Foreign investment is money from outside the country. The money
is usually in the form of a loan or a grant. An outside country only gives
another country money when the developed country has confidence that the
developing country can grow. Trade is an exchange of goods between two
countries. Trade is good when the monetary value of items going out is higher
than the value of the items coming into the country. By supporting these three
factors the country will ensure that development will continue.
Question
#2: President Bush reminded his audience that successful development in a third
world country requires more than funds. What two items did he mention in this
regard?
·
Third
world countries need more than funds to help them continue developing. Third
world countries need literate, healthy, and prepared to work citizens. The money
these countries receive from aid will not last forever. The citizens of these
countries need to learn how to invest the money into businesses that will bring
them more money. This is important so that third world country citizens will
work and provide a life for themselves and their families. The aid we give to
these countries should help the citizens become more self-reliant.
Question
#3: When is money sometimes counterproductive, according to President Bush?
·
Money
that is given to other countries can sometimes be counterproductive. This occurs
when a country is not willing to have effective fiscal policies. In this
situation, money too often subsidizes bad policies, delays reform, and crowds
out investment. The money given to these countries as aid should be used to
break the cycle of dependency for the poor. The citizens should use the money
from aid and become independent. For this to happen, Bush recommends that the
money go directly for improving the welfare of citizens in such areas as these:
education, health care, and economic opportunity. An independent board will
monitor the use of these funds.
Question
#4: Describe the Millennium Challenge Account and include in your description
what is anticipated from donors and recipients?
The Millennium
Challenge Account is a $5 billion plan to help developing nations. President
Bush proposed this plan March 14, 2002. The recipients of this account will
receive not only money, but also education and technical training. This plan
will help recipients become more independent and less reliable on outside aid.
The donors of this plan will have a sense of satisfaction that they improved
someone’s life.
Question
#5: What are three broad standards that President Bush expects the leaders of
the developing nations to adopt?
·
President
Bush expects the leaders of developing nations to accept three broad standards.
The standards are ruling justly, investing in their people, and encouraging
economic freedom. Ruling justly means the country provides a stable and fair
government for their people. The leaders of developing countries can invest in
their people by offering educational training and jobs. Encouraging economic
freedom offers people the option to spend their money freely and productively.
By accepting these standards a country can continue to grow and develop.
Question
#6: Describe President Bush’s challenge to development banks and explain why
or why not you favor it.
·
America
will increase their support of the World Bank almost 20% in three years. Bush is
challenging the development banks to provide funds devoted to poor people. Bush
also expects the World Bank to insist on reform and results. I agree with Bush.
The World Bank and development banks can help developing countries. The banks
should give countries grants so that they never have to pay the money back. Bush
says, “Let’s rally to the idea of stopping debt.”
Question
#7: What percentage of our national income (GNP) do
you think the United States government committed to foreign aid in 2002?
First answer this question and then use the Internet to find the answer.
·
The
United State’s gross national income is $9.1 billion every year. The U.S.
sends .1% of our gross national income to foreign aid. That amount of money does
not seem too significant, but that is only money that goes through the
government. A lot more money goes to foreign aid from all of our non-government
organizations and our grassroots organizations. We send volunteers over to
developing nations to educate, feed, and nourish people in poverty and
corruption.
Question
#8: Describe and defend a “Me First” attitude?
·
It
is very generous that the United States wants to help developing countries, but
what about the needs of our country? The United States has many people who are
unemployed, homeless, and living in poverty. A portion of the money that we will
use to help developing nations should stay in our country to help our
undeveloped areas. The United States is one of the most developed countries in
the world, yet we still have a large number of desperate citizens. The United
States needs to help people in our country before we give all of our money to
other countries. We can help our own people by offering more shelters, better
education, and improved job training. As soon as we help our own citizens get
off the streets, then we can give developing nations any help that they need to
grow and prosper.
Question #9: Describe
and defend a “Mutual Benefit” attitude.
·
Helping
undeveloped countries around the world will create many benefits for every
country involved. The benefits include better trade, additional allies, and many
cultural exchanges. By having better trade with developing countries, the
countries can continue to grow. Trade will offer the developing countries a
steady industry and income. After the countries develop, they will more than
likely become our allies. It never hurts to have a lot of people on our side. If
we become close to these countries we will have many educational cultural
exchanges. By knowing the people of the undeveloped countries, we can better
understand their culture, their background, and their lifestyles. Every county
involved will benefit through a sharing relationship.
Question
# 10: Describe three unsuccessful foreign aid programs operated by the
U.S. government or private American citizens.
· Many foreign aid programs in the world have been unsuccessful because of fraud and misuse of funds, debt, and lack of public acceptance.
The
Africa Trade Bill has been long ignored and marginalized. The bill was stalled
in Senate. President Clinton
apologized for past "American neglect" of Africa and the slave trade.
Clinton sent high-level government delegations to Africa. The Clinton
Administration also hailed a "new generation of African Leaders"
currently known as the "band of five." The number of African
democracies has risen from 4 in 1990 to 15 in 1995. The African Trade Bill was
designed to restore shattered economies, fragmented societies, and states that
have nearly disintegrated. Africa now has the task of rebuilding collapsed
infrastructure, restoring basic essential social services, healing social
wounds, and repaying huge foreign debts. Africa's condition was made worse by
such internal factors as misguided leadership, systemic corruption, and capital
flight.
The
General Accounting Office's strategic plan has been unsuccessful. The original
plan was to promote peace and prosperity. The U.S. is encouraging countries
around the world to practice democratic principles. In some countries, poverty
and disease could result as countries retreat from democratic and market-
oriented principles. The GAO supports programs to counter terrorism,
international narcotics trafficking, and transnational crime. This plan can
significantly influence future U.S. military and peacekeeping obligations.
Critics of the plan question the value of this program. They are concerned about
whether U.S. funds are accounted for and whether programs are managed well.
Questions regarding the use of alternative approaches that could be applied to
achieve U.S. objectives where traditional approaches have failed. Assistance
programs around the world cost the U.S. about $15 billion annually.
India's
First Five-Year Plan has been unsuccessful. On October 15, 1951 the Prime
Minister of India initiated a debate on a draft of the First Five-Year Plan of
national development. The plan was finalized three-four months later. The Plan
did not depend on foreign help, including the help of the United States. The
plan considered means to deal with the evil of black-marketing. The plan was
shaped in consultation with representatives of various groups. Some groups think
that the plan does not go far enough. Success of the plan will lie on how public
enthusiasm, work, and cooperation are harnessed by the organization. The plan
includes seeking relations with all countries by avoiding military or other
entanglement. The All India Christian Council (AICC) affirmed India's desire for
peaceful settlement of all bilateral problems.
In
conclusion, these programs will become more successful if they increase
accountability for U.S. funds, increase effectiveness and efficiency of
assistance programs, and improve the advantages of their programs.
Question
#11: Describe three successful foreign aid programs operated by the U.S.
government or private American citizens.
·
A
foreign aid program may be considered successful if the program offers education
for all, more health services to children, improved family planning, and
understanding of different cultures. The programs I have found offer all of
these traits to people who are in need.
The
United Methodist Committee on Relief sponsors a program called Habitat for
Humanity. Habitat is a non-profit, international organization. Habitat involves
people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses for people in
need. Habitat has built more than 125,000 affordable houses for low-income
families. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing a family for a home.
Volunteers and the soon to be homeowners can afford to build the house from
donations of money and materials. Habitat for Humanity is a very successful
program because it places roofs over people’s heads.
Population
Action International (PAI) is another successful program. PAI, founded in 1965,
is a non-profit organization and accepts no government funds. PAI strengthens
public awareness and political and financial support for family planning. PAI
offers universal access to family planning and related health services. PAI
makes educational opportunities available for girls and woman. PAI is successful
in its goal to slow down the population by providing information about family
planning to women everywhere.
The
Mennonite Central Committee is another successful foreign aid program. The MCC
seeks to demonstrate God’s love by working among people suffering from
poverty, conflict, oppression, and natural disaster. The MCC serves as a channel
for interchange by building relationships that are mutually transformative. The
MCC strives for peace, justice and dignity of all people by sharing experiences,
resources, and faith. The MCC has many programs in many nations. The programs
deliver health kits (blankets, toothbrushes, and soap) to people in emergency
situations. One out of three people in Kenya is HIV positive. The MCC has AIDS
counselors to spread awareness of the disease. The MCC is a very effective
program. Many people in many countries benefit from this successful foreign
assistance.
Many
foreign aid programs exist in the world. The ones that stand the most are the
more successful ones. The programs offer education for all people, stronger
fiscal policies, spiritual resources, and community awareness.
Question #12: Steve Radelet, Senior Fellow
at the Center for Global Development, believes we can do both—take care of our
own people and lend a helping hand to citizens of less developed countries.
Explain why you think we can or cannot offer aid to both.
Many
Americans think that the United States is wealthy enough to take care of our own
people and help people in developing countries also. I disagree with this
thought. Even though the United States is considered one of the most developed
countries, we also have people in need. The United States should not give our
money to other countries until we can improve some aspects of our own people.
There are many unemployed, homeless people in America. Our money should go to
them and help them get off the streets. Another example is education in America.
School budgets keep getting smaller and teachers keep leaving. A good way to
keep people out of poverty is to educate them. If our country wants to continue
to develop then our government leaders should pay more attention to making our
schools better. America can help developing countries in other ways besides
giving them money. We can teach the people of these countries job skills and
educate them so they can live a better life. We can donate our time, our lives,
and our knowledge. When we donate, our money stays in America, but developing
countries are also helped.
Question #13: What do you think about Mr.
Radelet’s assertion that “the administration is leaning towards a system in
which eligible countries would write proposals describing their objectives and
strategy, how they would use the money, the benchmarks used for evaluation.
Giving recipient countries this responsibility is a revolutionary change in US
foreign assistance.”?
·
The
government is discussing a system that requires countries to write proposals
before receiving foreign aid. This will be a big responsibility for eligible
countries and it will also be a big change in the way the United States handles
foreign assistance. This system sounds very effective. Instead of the United
States handing out money to every country in need, the countries will tell
America why they need the money and if they plan on using the money
productively. The United States will evaluate the country by using benchmarks.
Benchmarks are goals the country needs to achieve by a certain time. When a
country writes a proposal, the country shows the United States that the country
will appreciate our money, and that the people are planning on using the money
responsibly.
Question #14: Which of Mr. Radelet’s three
concerns regarding the MCA concerns you and why?
2.
The make-or-break requirement may unnecessarily eliminate some countries.
·
What
concerns me the most is that the make-or-break requirement may unnecessarily
eliminate some countries from receiving foreign aid. One of the problems that
are looked at when choosing countries is corruption. If a country is too corrupt
then these people will not be eligible. But, that country will never be able to
get out of corruption without the help of foreign aid. What these countries need
the most is not money, but education and training. If we teach the people of
these countries to use our money more effectively, then they will be able to
move away slowly from poverty and corruption.
Question #15: There is evidence of an
increase in negative world opinion towards U.S. foreign policy, not necessarily
the American people. To counter this negative perception or the U.S. some people
want the U.S. to concentrate more on weapons of mass assistance and less on
weapons of mass destruction. Please Comment.
·
The
world wants the United States to focus more on weapons of mass assistance
instead of on weapons of mass destruction. Weapons of mass destruction include
bombs, nuclear weapons, chemical weapons and anything that will destroy a lot of
people or our methods of transportation or our financial security. Before we can
help developing countries with mass assistance we have to eliminate weapons of
mass destruction so that there will be a safe environment to work in. Our
weapons of mass assistance include money, volunteers, education, health care,
and awareness. After removing weapons of mass destruction from developing
countries we can help to improve the countries with our mass assistance.
Question #16: What does the World Bank
recommend as the United State’s “just and appropriate share” to reach the
Millennium Development Goals by 2015? Do you think our citizens can afford that
kind of increase? Defend your views.
·
The
World Bank recommends that they need $40-60 billion a year for 12 years to reach
development goals by 2015. The United States’ share of that will be $10-15
billion a year for 12 years. In order to raise this money the government will
have to raise taxes and find other methods for our citizens to pay. The citizens
of the United States cannot afford this tax increase. The rest of the $40-60
billion will have to come from other developed countries around the world. This
amount of money is too large. The American people cannot afford this amount.
Question #17: What do you think about the
request of Faith Action for People Centered Development Policy’s request that
tax dollars be used to fund, not only government-sponsored foreign aid programs,
but “that funds also go to NGOs and grassroots organizations.”?
·
Tax
money should be used to fund, not only government foreign aid programs, but also
NGO’s and grassroots organizations. NGO’s are non-government organizations
and grassroots are local organizations. If funds go to NGO’s and grassroots
organizations then the money will be going directly to a cause. When money goes
to government organizations the people are told what to do with the money and
how it must be used. When the money goes directly to a cause, it is more
effectively used because the government has a reduced say in how the money is
used. This control is good because local people know where the need is.
Question
#18: How many countries would be affected positively by health-related
investments according to the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH)?
·
The
number of countries that would be affected positively by health-related
investments is 83. These investments will provide people of developing countries
better education, better sanitation, cleaner water, and more food. All of these
benefits will bring people of developing countries better health. When people of
developing countries are healthier, then they will have a better economy. A
better economy produces more jobs. More jobs and industries will bring better
trade. With all these benefits, people of developing countries will become more
stable and more secure financially, emotionally, and physically.
Question
#19: According to the CMH, how much would be gained annually between 2015-2020
due to saved lives and increased economic growth, if an increased investment
were made in global AIDS and other health services?
·
According
to the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH) $360 billion will be gained
annually due to saved lives and increased economic growth. If the United States
invests now, we will be more than paid back in the future. The United States
needs to pay $2.5 billion in the fiscal year 2003. This money will go to the
effort of stopping AIDS worldwide. If AIDS becomes uncommon, then healthier
people will exist. If a country has healthier people then their country will
have a better economy and more trade.
Question #20: Use the Internet for your
research and name the two congressmen who introduced H.R. 4524. Give a 2-line
synopsis of that bill.
·
The
two congressmen who introduced H.R. 4524 are Chris Smith, a Republican from New
Jersey, and John LaFalce, a Democrat also from New Jersey. This bill proposes
increased funding to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. H.R. 4524 also
supports and promotes behavioral change and responsible and respectful
relationships among people of developing countries. This bill would be very
beneficial to foreign aid. Unfortunately, this bill was never passed. H.R. 4524
was pigeonholed before it ever left Congress. Having this bill passed would have
a very positive effect on developing countries in need.