Medicine
Lodge High School
Medicine
Lodge, Kansas
Teachers:
Devra Parker and Steve Germes
The
Millennium Challenge Account
By
Justin Long
12th
Grade
I
had just written a note to my girlfriend telling her how much I wished she
could go out on the date Friday night. I
was so excited to give it to her that on my way down the hall, I tripped and
lost the note in the hallway. It
fell into the wrong hands and the whole school found out about it.
Everyone teased me because, for one, I wrote a note; and two, I really
liked her and it was a mushy-like note.
This
story relates to foreign aid in the fact that the United States is careless
with our money. I represent the
United States. The girlfriend
represents the smaller countries that accept foreign aid from the United
States. While being careless I
lost the note, which is like the money or goods sent by the United States to
the impoverished countries. Yet
without a follow-up to make certain the products get to the ones they are
intended to reach, no one benefits from the aid.
My note was lost in the hall by my careless actions.
This is just like money we send to the smaller countries.
Sometimes, it falls in the hands of terrorists, anti-Americans, or
nations who support what our nation is founded
upon—life, liberty and the red, white and blue. If the goods reach the
people that need them, we are still not helping as much as we think we are.
In fact, we are, at times, the subject of controversy—just like a
high school kid who happens to like a girl—because we have good intentions
but fail to accomplish our goals carefully.
A
specific look at how our foreign aid programs are failing may be necessary to
show that America’s commitment to foreign aid and the Millennium Challenge
Account may need a renovation. I
agree that the Millennium Challenge Account is a great idea.
It seems like a step in the right direction and sounds like it will be
very organized. This is a great start to organize other countries, and to try
to abolish corruption, respect human rights, and obey the laws set forth by
foreign governments. The question
that crosses my mind though, who is paying for this?
Money that the government gives to foreign aid comes from the pockets
of hard working Americans. We have enough crime and corruption on our streets
and in our cities. America needs
to be our first priority. Mexicans,
Cubans, and South Americans leap our borders by the truckloads, thousands a
day. So if we keep allowing these
poverty-stricken citizens to sneak across our borders, it will not take long
before we are the poorest country instead of the richest.
Although
we may seem like the number one nation giving foreign aid, we are a long ways
down the line. The United States
is 22nd per capita. Our
production is at an all-time high. We
are producing new products before we can pay for them.
Our country is in debt and all we can think about is helping other
countries. It is almost as if we
are trying to ignore our debt. Or,
it could be that people do not want to recognize it.
They must think that since we are the richest country at the moment,
there is no possible way that we can be in debt.
There
are different countries that are on the borderline to receive money from the
United States. If they create one
mistake, that could prevent them from getting the
money that they are depending on. This
problem creates a hostility or attitude towards the US.
Our society is a powerhouse and we are trying to teach other countries
to be like this. What happens
when other countries form a sound government and military like our own and
then try to take arms against the United States? They may try to defeat us and
pursue as a national power.
Part
of foreign aid’s increased funding will come from other sections of the
budget, which will affect any aid for the elderly and education here in
America. Also, less money will be
distributed for America’s own improvement of poverty.
Taking money from these sanctions will impair our society more than it
already has. Today’s older
generation already struggle to desperately try to pay for heating costs and
health care. Some pay thousands
of dollars monthly just for their necessary medications.
School
districts are facing a budget cut due to past chains of government spending,
which will not be reinstated. When
the MCA goes into effect, the nation’s schools may have to rely on the only
option of relieving teachers of their jobs.
Despite the fact that many dream about the American life, the United
States does not completely symbolize its thoughtful image of a true paradise.
The
MCA is more of a step in the wrong direction than the right.
There are a few points that are negative.
I think that we need to process our own country before we assist other
nations in becoming a power that they have dreamed of.
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 mentioned that the funds come from domestic capital, foreign investment,
and international 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, successful development requires
security and citizens who are literate, healthy, prepared, and able to work.
Q3-
When is money sometimes counterproductive, according to President Bush?
President
Bush announced; when nations decline to endorse sound policies, eliminating
poverty is closely impossible. Under these conditions, more aid money can in
fact be counterproductive because it finances bad policies, postpones reform,
and crowds out personal investment.
Q4-
Describe the Millennium Challenge Account and include in your description what
is anticipated from donors and recipients.
The
Millennium Challenge Account is a new pact for global advance. Developed
nations are to give much more support and developing nations are to take more
responsibility in their society in order to benefit from this program.
The
United States is a key example. It will increase its development aid by $5
billion throughout the next three budget cycles. Among other efforts, the U.S.
will increase its fight against AIDS, bring
computer instruction to the developing nations. Also it will assist African
businesses and their people to sell merchandise abroad, supply educational
textbooks and training to students in Islamic and African countries, apply the
power of science and technology to increase harvests where hunger is severe.
Q5-
What are the three broad standards that President Bush expects the leaders of
the developing nations to adopt?
President
Bush expects the leaders of developing nations to adopt three broad standards
of ruling justly, investing in their people, and encouraging economic freedom.
Q6-
Describe President Bush’s challenge to development banks and explain why or
why not you favor it.
President
Bush’s challenge for development banks is to supply up to half of the funds
given to poor nations in the form of grants, rather than loans.
I am for his plan regarding grants because it gives the nations a chance to
build their economy without having to pay debts so quickly. Loans may never be
reimbursed.
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.
Personally,
I believe that the United States committed 17% of our national income to
foreign aid in 2002. In researching the issue, it was discovered that the
United States devoted 0.108% of its GNP to aid developing nations.
Q8-
Describe and defend a “Me First” attitude. (Use your head—you won’t
find the answer in the required reading.)
A “Me
First” attitude reveals how one country puts itself as a number one priority
above all others. This includes making sure its citizens are safe and the
economy is protected with much security. This type of country concerns itself
firstly with its own problems, necessities, and desires. Wealth, strong and
effective governments, healthy living environments, advanced education and
technology, and other luxuries are just a few examples. Once this country is
satisfied with its production, then it begins aiding foreign countries.
In my
personal opinion, other countries do see this type of attitude with the United
States because we live so freely and comfortably. Whether that is true or not,
I still feel that sometimes it is not a sinful way of thinking. For example,
when the United States details its servicemen in foreign countries to provide
humanitarian and goodwill aid, the servicemen are ambushed and attacked by the
citizens of those nations. When this occurs, why think of anyone but yourself,
especially when trying to be generous.
Q9-
Describe and defend a “Mutual Benefit” attitude. (Use your head—you
won’t find the answer in the required reading.)
A
“Mutual Benefit” attitude reveals how multiple countries can gain
advantages at once. By helping others, you are helping yourself. This method
contributes to ranking economy as the number one concern.
If all
nations played a role in “Mutual Benefit,” the world would be a much safer
place to live in. Worldwide, economies would improve. Countries would be
provided a location to distribute exports and services. World peace would
exist as well.
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.)
One
unsuccessful program includes the Bridge of Christian Relief (BOCR), which
actually began with a vision from God to Tom and Jean Payne in 1989. The BOCR
is a UK registered charity, and its goal is to rescue and assist orphaned
children who have severely suffered or been sent into prostitution. Much of
its great work and effort has gone into Romania and Northern Thailand.
However, financing has become a huge dilemma. Two houses located in Romania
and one in Thailand are in danger of closure due to
the main sponsor who is unable to carry on monetary support.
Another
unsuccessful program relates to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis
and Malaria. Its main target to support is in Africa. This program is directed
to assist in the research and fight against those previous diseases. However,
there has been a poor response to the Global Fund. It is considered an
“embarrassment.” This program was supposed to be the “quantum leap,”
but after one year, the Global Fund has been fatally under-resourced.
A third
unsuccessful program includes the Cuban Embargo. Initially, the policy was
developed to overthrow Fidel Castro’s dictatorship by halting all foreign
aid to Cuba. However, he is still in power, and it appears that the embargo
has not accomplished anything and instead has reduced the standard of living
of the common Cuban citizen.
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.)
One
successful program involves the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education
and Child Nutrition Program. It provides $100 million in mandatory money to
maintain the pilot program. It also assists in contributing preschool and
school food for education programs and supports maternal, infant, and child
nutrition programs. This program successfully feeds 9 million preschools in 38
countries.
Another
successful program relates to the Children International program. It began in
1936 and aids children and families found to be living in the darkness of
poverty. This program contributes support to 10 different countries (such as
Chile, Honduras, India, Nepal, etc.) by providing health benefits, housing and
household items, clothing and shoes, nutritional support, dental care, school
supplies, and other assistance. It continues to gain support from volunteers
and other contributors. Children International keeps on giving. In 2001, it
helped over 250,000 children and their families.
A third
successful program includes the Planet Aid program. It is a non-profit
organization that contributes its time and effort to improving others’
lives. This involves relief aid and protecting the natural habitat of the
Earth. Most of its work is located in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This
program takes on many significant projects relating to schools, mini banking,
farming, clinics, and relocating people who were found in areas destroyed by
natural disasters.
Q12-
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.
I truly
believe that the United States can offer aid to both its own citizens as well
as less developed countries because Americans offer much generosity when
others are in need. It may at times seem like a struggle, but we have the
power and support to do so. However, the American people have to be willing to
forgo some luxuries and make sacrifices. Everyone has to give a little to gain
a lot.
In
addition, the United States has to be cautious of its spending and guard its
own economy. It must first try to repair its own problems. The United States
cannot slip; otherwise the ability to aid both will no longer exist. The
process must at all times be under control.
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 use for
evaluation. Giving recipient countries this responsibility is a revolutionary
change in US foreign assistance”?
I do
not agree with Mr. Radelet’s assertion relating
to more decision-making power for the developing nations when the United
States is the supplier. It can be understood that if the poorer countries set
their own proposals, they may not follow through with them. If this were to go
into effect, I feel that the United States would need to survey these nations
to make sure their plans are carried out. Another worry includes the fact that
the United States’ foreign aid support is coming from its tax payers. Most
citizens would agree that they would like their own government to have control
over where and for what their money is spent.
Q14-
Which of Mr. Radelet’s three concerns regarding
the MCA concerns you and why?
1.
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.
2.
the make-or-break requirement may unnecessarily
eliminate some countries.
3.
the separation of US foreign assistance into two
agencies could lead to a lack of coordination and overlapping functions.
The one
concern that I find crucial regarding the MCA is the third worry. My analysis
concludes that it is unnecessary to separate United States foreign assistance
into two agencies. The first reason includes the idea it is inappropriate for
two people to be paid for the same job. Also, nothing would ever get
accomplished because the two agencies would be competing against each other to
prove to the United States government who is better. In the end, there would
be more corruption, and the main objective to providing foreign aid would be
forgotten.
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.
With
the advancement in greater technology, the WMA firm strongly feels that it has
the capability to enter other countries and minister to them with new
knowledge. This aid would allow for these foreign nations to defend for
themselves. They would be able to enjoy the same standards of living that the
United States has.
However,
with the current situations of terrorist attacks, I believe that the WMD firm
needs to survey other nations for possible threats of danger to the Untied
States. If this is not carried out, there may be more potential terrorist
assaults in the near future. The United States should concentrate more on the
WMD for the safety of its own society.
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.
The
World Bank reported that to accomplish the Millennium Development Goals by
2015, an increase would have to be between $40-$60 billion
a year. In comparing the United States and its economy to other
nations, it would have to spend an additional $10-$15 billion annually.
I
strongly feel that as an American society, the United States cannot afford that
kind of increase. We are just beginning to slowly maneuver out of an economic
recession. Now, if the increase was not so high, then I believe that the
Americans could afford it. They can provide a little extra spending money so
others in foreign countries can eat. Too many Americans today take for granted
their comfortable lives and do not realize how horrific it truly is for some.
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”?
Personally, I believe that the funds should not go to NGOs and grassroots programs. Unfortunately, not receiving any government funding is the price that one pays when creating a NGO. Also, the United States must remember the reality that we have our own problems to resolve before helping other countries. If we just ignored these, our society would crash. Another reason is that if the money is donated to these nongovernmental organizations, then more money will have to be spent because the United States also has to keep up with the recommendation for government spending.
Q18-
How many countries would be affected positively in health-related investments
according to the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH)?
The CMH
concluded that eighty-three (83) countries would be influenced positively by
health-related 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?
The
Commission on Macroeconomics figured, there to be a possible 8 million lives
saved by 2010. In addition, the CMH, calculated there to be an annual increase
of $360 billion between 2015-2020 due to lives saved.
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.
The two
congressmen who introduced the H.R. 4524 bill were Mr. Chris Smith, a
Republican from New Jersey, and Mr. John LaFalce, a Democrat from New York.
Its objective is to amend the Enhanced HIPC Initiative so country eligibility
for debt relief is more satisfactory. Also, this bill will make certain that
accessible funds are augmented.