Medicine Lodge High School
Medicine Lodge, Kansas
Teachers:  Devra Parker and Steve Germes

 

Charity:The Political Band-Aid
By Danna Masters
12^th Grade

 

A young, poverty- stricken boy in a remote village, Borneo Island, Indonesia eagerly awaits his monthly World Vision Sponsor donation.  A “generous” American has sponsored this child for several months.  He has been able to receive immunizations, clothing, small gifts, and his favorite, an education. 

Several days pass and this young boy doesn’t receive any sort of donation.  At school he and the majority of his classmates are told they are no longer allowed to attend school.  Why are these children being denied an education and other such benefits?

Foreign aid to the United States is much like the example of the young boy.  Once the aid becomes too expensive or inconvenient, we slack off.  In many instances, the people of foreign nations become dependent upon this aid.  When the aid fails, the results are tragic.  Charity is not a black and white issue, but it should always be given with the intent to help someone, not to make one entity look better.  A second glance must be given to America’s “generosity.” 

President Bush recently announced his plan --The Millenium Challenge Account-- to increase American foreign aid by 50 percent to more than $15 billion a year.  Now, doesn’t that seem charitable?  Our commendable government officials will give more than $120 million this year to the government of Uzebkistan, a leading supporter of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.  Uzebkistan also practices cruel punishment methods such as beatings, electric shock, temporary suffocation, hanging by the ankles and wrists, removal of fingernails, and punctures with sharp objects.  Does this not contradict our reasoning for the war in Iraq?  How is that fair to the families who have lost loved ones in the war and on September 11? 

The Millenium Challenge Account, President Bush says, will “reward nations that root out corruption, respect-human rights, and adhere to the rule of law. . . invest in better health care, better schools and broader immunization. . . (and) have more open markets and sustainable budget policies, nations where people can start and operate a small business without running the gauntlets of bureaucracy and bribery.”  If the present countries that are receiving aid do not meet these qualifications, how are we going to cut their funding?  Is it as simple as “No more money for your country: you pull out people’s fingernails!”  Many regimes collect handouts from American taxpayers, including “Egypt (which routinely uses torture), Israel (which has a formal policy of assassinating suspected Palestinian militants), and Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, two repressive countries with “poor” human rights records.”  I fear Bush is living in a sugar coated world. 

Furthermore, can our country afford its foreign aid commitments?  Our country is prosperous, but will we continue to be with the deficit of war?  Could the money be better used at home?  Foreign aid is much like war in that our intentions are right, yet we don’t always accomplish our goals.  In Iraq we searched for evidence of weapons of mass destruction.  When the results were not satisfying, we justified our actions by declaring we wanted to help the people of Iraq gain freedom from the tortures of the regime.  Yet, we have failed.  Iraq’s people live in fear; their tyrant ruler will return and American troops will, once again as in the Gulf War, flee the cause.  By not finishing what we start, we create greater debt for ourselves, and the results can be tragic for those nations dependent upon our help.

Foreign aid has its roots in the right idea; however, the structure lacks the support and organization it needs for growth.  Maybe the Millenium Challenge Account is what the United States needs to reassure its investments.  Before Americans empty out their pockets, we must carefully assess what is laid before us.  The history of foreign aid should display to us the essential elements of a sufficient distribution process.  With a second look at the Millennium Challenge Account, America could provide greater support to needy nations.

I take extreme pride in being an American.  In this democratic republic I have the right to date who I want, express my opinions, practice the religion of my choice, and make my own decisions about my future.  Where else would I have so many freedoms and choices?  When other countries receive aid from us, I want them to understand why we are able to help them.  This is why my point of view runs to deep and so true.  My very heart is in it, America.  

 

Questions

 

Q1- 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? 

President Bush claims that most funds for development come from domestic capital, from foreign investment, and especially from trade.

 

Q2- 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?

President Bush mentioned that prosperity and opportunity, and security development influences success in a third world country.  Opportunity increases prosperity, which in turn defeats terror and creates security. 

 

Q3- When is money sometimes counterproductive, according to President Bush?  

Money is counterproductive, according to President Bush, when nations refuse to enact sound policies.  These unsound policies do not fight poverty due to bad policies, delay reform, and the crowding out of private investment.

 

Q4- Describe the Millennium Challenge Account and include in your description what is anticipated from donors and recipients.

Millennium Challenge Account will reward nations that root out corruption, respect human rights, and adhere to the rule of law.  Healthy and educated citizens are the agents of development, so we will reward nations that invest in better health care, better schools and broader immunization.

 

Q5- What are the three broad standards that President Bush expects the leaders of the developing nations to adopt?

President Bush expects leaders of developing nations to adopt the broad standards of ruling justly, investing in their people, and encouraging economic freedom if they want aid from America.

 

Q6- Describe President Bush’s challenge to development banks and explain why or why not you favor it.

The challenge that banks should adopt is a growth agenda, increasing their support for private sector enterprises, and focus more on education, as the Inter-American Development Bank has done.  I strongly disagree with this idea; however, I think President Bush has a good point, but is not well organized at this point in time.

 

Q7- 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.

Our guess was 65.32% that was committed to foreign aid in 2002.  After doing much extensive research we acquired the knowledge that the US Government was committed to 40-50% depending on stability of the government of the poor countries.

 

Q8- Describe and defend a “Me First” attitude. (Use your head ¾ you won’t find the answer in the required reading.)

It is a selfish attitude where the people only think of themselves.  This attitude is displayed daily through individuals, groups, and entire nations. 

 

Q9- Describe and defend a “Mutual Benefit” attitude.

Mutual Benefit” attitude is the belief that if together we work together we will receive those benefits.  If this approach were practiced, our nation and world would see the great benefits.  In turn it would encourage countries to work together for the common cause.

 

Q10- Describe three unsuccessful foreign aid programs operated by the U.S. government or private American citizens. (Do not use the programs discussed in the testimony of Faith Action for People-Centered Development Policy included in your required reading. Conduct research using the Internet. Duplicate examples from the same class will not be accepted.)

World Health Organization foreign aid program has had its successes but has proved its lack of success.  Its common goal is to provide health care to all.  Programs supported by this organization have thrown money away.  World Health Organization tends to be partial to displaying health messages upon billboards.  In third world countries this would rarely spread any sort of message. 

Another unsuccessful program is World Vision.  World Vision’s goal is to help children in poverty stricken areas by providing them with immunizations, clothes, health care, and an education.  Few children are actually sponsored, leaving still many children in need.  World Vision fails to spread the funds out among those in poverty.

Lastly, the Overseas Enterprise Fund has failed to be very efficient.  Tax dollars are used to higher “private fund managers” who use tax dollars to invest in capitol.  The Enterprise Fund has little improved the lives of foreigner sin need, and has wasted a great deal of money. 

 

Q11-Describe three successful foreign aid programs operated by the U.S. government or private American citizens. (Do not use the programs discussed in the testimony of Faith Action for People-Centered Development Policy included in your required reading. Conduct research using the Internet. Duplicate examples from the same class will not be accepted.)

SOS-Kinderorf International program in Gulu, Uganda is a successful program sponsored by America giving emergency relief.  This program is funded through donations, and the money will be used to create 15 homes and a small hospital for children and young women.  These juveniles include those who have been affected by national war.  Long term goals include the development of a stable village.  I consider this a huge success in helping those in great need in a region. 

Habitat for Humanity, a non prophet, international, organization has been successful in providing more than 125,000 affordable houses for the needy.  With this program people of every color and belief come together to help those who otherwise would not have a home.  How is that not a success?

Lastly, Child Sight is a prominent foreign aid program dedicated to helping children see better.  Certain doctors donate their time through Child Sight and provide free screenings and eye glasses.  In many cases children in turn do better in school and enjoy more activities.  

 

Q12-Steve Radelet, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development, believes we can do both ¾ 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.

Steve Radelet has obviously blinded himself from reality.  Currently we are aiding other nations.  Yet in our own country we are failing to address our own poverty issues.  Obviously we have already failed; the systems need to be strongly revised.

 

Q13- What do you think about Mr. Radelet’s assertion that “the administration is leaning towards a system in which eligible countries would write proposals (or business plans) 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."

Mr. Radelet’s assertion is a step in the right direction; however, America is responsible for too much financial support to other countries.  In several cases America aids countries that support terrorist groups.  How is that not fueling the fire of destruction?  More than just a proposal, it is necessary to qualify for aid.  An extensive review of the country, its issues, and how they respect America’s values is crucial in deciding whether or not they deserve or need help.

 

Q14- Which of Mr. Radelet’s three concerns regarding the MCA concerns you and why?

As more countries in this income range become eligible, there will be fewer MCA funds available for the poorest countries that are implementing sound development strategies.

The make-or-break requirement may unnecessarily eliminate some countries.

The separation of US foreign assistance into two agencies could lead to a lack of coordination and overlapping functions.

The separation of US foreign assistance into two agencies frightens me the most.  If the structure and commitment is not present, this system could demolish its self.   Thus, a program in which an extreme amount of money was invested in fails to aid anyone and serves as a national joke. 

 

Q15- 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 of the U.S. some people want the U.S. to concentrate more on weapons of mass assistance (WMA) and less on weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Please comment.

Weapons of mass assistance and weapons of mass destruction are like night and day.  WMA are a good source to make America look better; however, they do not.  By cheapening the price of charity, our foreign aide is worthless and is still wasting billions of dollars.  WMD will help us defend our country from countries that the United States pours money into when they support terrorist groups. Maybe the United States should take a look at the big picture and see we are setting the nation up for disaster. 

Q16- 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.

Of course not, our citizens can not afford this increase.  Take the economy for example.  After September 11, 2001 stocks crashed and the nation’s morale dove.  Together we made it through, yet still today we are facing these issues.  It is too soon, too much, for American citizens. 

 

Q17- 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."

While the thought is considerate America simply does not currently have the money or time investment.

 

Q18- How many countries would be affected positively by health-related investments according to the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH)?

A total of 83 countries would benefit from these investments.

 

Q19- 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 CMH $360 billions would be gained annually through saved lives and increased economic growth. 

 

Q20- Use the Internet for your research and name the two congressmen who introduced H.R. 4524. Give a 2-line synopsis of that bill.

Christopher Smith and John  LaFalc were the congressional representatives who introduced H.R.4324.  This bill basically asks for the financial support of America to help those countries in great need.