Medicine
Lodge High School
Medicine
Lodge, Kansas
Teachers:
Devra Parker and Steve Germes
A
Better Place To Be
By
Megan Traffas
12th
Grade
The
giggling bunch of high school girls turns the last corner in the mall. Their
all-day shopping trip has been a success. Cindy looks down at her checkbook to
see how much she has left to give for her weekly church donation. Astonished
and ashamed, she finds that her entire paycheck has already been spent on
herself. The other girls, paying little attention to her distress, mention
that they have already set aside their planned donation and left it at home so
they would not be tempted to spend it. Outside the mall doors, the girls hear
ringing bells. A man stands on the corner asking for money to give to the
starving children of Africa. Each of the girls digs in her purse and deposits
the rest of her money in the can. Cindy looks at the sad, empty eyes of the
children on the poster. With no money left to give, she realizes what a
selfish mistake she has made. In
the same way, America sometimes spends money selfishly before thinking of
those in more desperate need. As President John F. Kennedy stated, “The
answer is that there is no escaping our obligations: our moral obligations as
a wise leader and good neighbor in the interdependent community of free
nations—our economic obligations as the wealthiest people in a world of
largely poor people, as a nation no longer dependent upon loans from abroad
that once helped us develop our own economy—and our political obligations as
the single largest counter to the adversaries of freedom.” In other words,
as one of the strongest nations, America has certain undeniable
responsibilities to support and guide the less fortunate countries.
By continuing and improving our foreign aid program, we will gradually
make this planet a better place to live for all people—not just the
fortunate.
Foreign
aid has had its failures in the past, but by overcoming these downfalls, I
believe that we can truly make a difference in the poverty of the world. It
has been questioned whether or not America can afford to continue its foreign
aid program. I believe this answer is yes. By carefully planning and
evaluating where and how much money will be given to whom, the money we give
will become more effective. President Bush has already approved the updated
foreign aid program now called the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). This
proposal includes increasing our foreign aid by $5 billion by 2006. Since the
plan has already been passed, I think we should focus on what we can do to
improve the system and to ensure that our money gets to the right place.
It
has been reported that much of our contribution to Middle Eastern countries
has been given to terrorist groups. We give approximately one third of our
total foreign aid to Egypt and Israel. If the money sent to these nations is
truly going into the hands of violent rebels, I feel that our purpose has been
completely defeated. To counter this problem, our government must take greater
steps to guarantee that our money is in the right hands. From now on,
according to the MCA, countries will be chosen to receive aid on a competitive
basis. Areas such as governance, economic policies, and investments in the
people will be considered. I predict that this will lower the instances of
funds being spent irresponsibly.
Of
the 22 countries of the world who give foreign aid, the United States is
ranked last. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development, “Although the United States is the largest source of foreign
aid, it still is the lowest provider among developing nations when calculated
according to national wealth.” From my point of view, America has always
prided itself on being a generous nation helping others in need. However, when
compared to other nations, America falls short in its aid. In the year 2002,
only 0.1 percent of our government’s money was spent on foreign aid. Instead
of feeling better due to the fact that we are a “giving nation”, we need
to have a greater understanding of just what that need is before we pat
ourselves on the back. How much of an effect can 0.1 percent of our
country’s wealth have on world poverty? I think that President Bush has
considered this, and it is one of the reasons he proposed that our foreign aid
program be increased.
How
could the MCA be a step in the wrong direction? We, as one of the wealthiest
nations of the world, have a responsibility that is greater than the meager
0.1 percent given in 2002. It is necessary that relief funds be increased to
make a greater difference in ending world poverty. I agree with President
Bush’s statement which reads, “We cannot leave behind half of humanity as
we seek a better future for ourselves. We cannot accept permanent poverty in a
world of success. There are no second-class citizens in the human race.” He
has also promised that under this new account, we will expand our fight
against AIDS, bring computer instruction to young professionals in developing
nations, and provide textbooks and training to students in Islamic and African
countries among other efforts.
If
our government plans ahead, instead of selfishly spending money on ourselves
like Cindy, we will be in the position to increase our foreign aid to a higher
level. Foreign aid is a tool of change for poverty-stricken countries. Over
the years, life expectancy at birth has increased greatly, adult illiteracy
has nearly been cut in half, and the number of children in primary school has
doubled. I believe that terminating our foreign aid program is not an option;
however, there are changes that need to be made, and I think the Millennium
Challenge Account is the first step in the right direction.
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?
A1-
Three things that fund development are domestic capital, foreign investment,
and 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?
A2-Two
items other than funds needed for development in third world countries are
good government which includes sound economic policies, and healthy and
educated citizens.
Q3-
When is money sometimes counterproductive, according to President Bush?
A3-
Money is sometimes counterproductive when nations refuse to enact sound
policies because it subsidizes bad policies, delays reform, and crowds out
private investment.
Q4-
Describe the Millennium Challenge Account and include in your description what
is anticipated from donors and recipients.
A4-
The Millenium Challenge Account is an account in
which rich nations contribute money to assist developing nations.
Greater contributions from the rich nations will require a greater
responsibility from the developing nations.
The account will be used to expand the fight against AIDS, bring
computer instruction to young professionals, assist African businesses and
their people to sell goods abroad, and proved text books and training to
students in Islamic and African countries.
It will apply the power of science and technology to increase harvests
where hunger is greatest. In
turn, these nations must adopt the reforms and policies that make development
effective and lasting.
Q5-
What are the three broad standards that President Bush expects the leaders of
the developing nations to adopt?
A5-
Three broad standards that are expected of developing nations to adopt are
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.
A6-
President Bush challenged the development banks to provide up to half of the
funds devoted to poor nations in the form of grants, rather than loans in
order to stop debt. I believe
President Bush’s approach to ending debt is just what the world needs.
Numerous people in America and all over the world live in debt, and
nations should provide an example of debt-free living.
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.
A7-
I think the United States government committed 8% of our national income to
foreign aid in 2002. The actual
amount was .1%.
Q8-
Describe and defend a “Me First” attitude. (Use your head ¾ you won’t
find the answer in the required reading.)
A8-
A “Me First” attitude requires taking care of our own nation’s debt and
problems with hunger before giving our money to other countries to solve their
problems. After we have
eliminated America’s struggles, then we need to give the amounts of money to
other countries’ needs before we tell other nations to do the same.
Meaning we take care of our problems first and also give first.
Q9-
Describe and defend a “Mutual Benefit” attitude. (Use your head ¾ you
won’t find the answer in the required reading.)
A9-
A “mutual benefit” attitude involves helping other nations so that we will
also be helped. It is an attitude
of working together for the common good of everyone- not just ourselves.
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.)
A10-
World Vision is an example of an unsuccessful foreign aid program.
Looking at their website, they give no examples of feeding hungry
children or developing countries. Also,
they have a deficit of money. Food for Peace seems successful in that they
provide food to foreign countries, but in all actuality, the food they provide
interrupts the local agricultural market.
Finally, the U.S. Agency for International Development admits that only
a handful of countries that started receiving U.S. assistance have ever
graduated from the dependent status.
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.)
A11-
The International Cooperation and Development
Program provides “humanitarian aid to international refugees or countries
suffering from natural disasters.” When
hurricane Mitch hit Nicaragua, this program provided fast reaction and
assistance. The United Nations
Children’s Fund is another positive form of foreign aid.
It provides education, immunizations, child protection, HIV/AIDS
prevention, and early childhood programs.
Feed the Children also provides foreign aid in the form of food to
other countries. They also
recently built the ABC Children’s Center in Africa.
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.
A12-
I believe that the majority of money should be concentrated on solving
America’s problems, but I believe it would be a mistake to totally cut off
our support of other nations. It
is crucial that America works on getting out of debt and solving our hunger
and unemployment dilemma, but it would be dangerous to completely isolate
ourselves from the rest of the world, especially for the sake of security.
Because Americans are not the only people, it is important we support
the common good of man.
Q13-
What do you think about Mr. Radelet’s assertion
that “the administration is leanin
A13-
This “application process” is an extremely important step in foreign aid.
The purpose of giving the money to other nations is so that they can
develop and become stronger so we need to make sure they use the money for
those objectives. I believe the
money should be given in allotted amounts which could cease being given if not
used efficiently.
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.
A14-
The possibility that as more countries in the income range become eligible,
there will be fewer MCA funds available for the poorest countries that are
implementing sound development strategies is the biggest concern.
We do not want our money to be spread so thin that it does not
accomplish our goals. The
solution to this problem could be to lower the required income so that only
countries in desperate need receive funds.
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.
A15-
In order to concentrate on weapons of mass assistance, it is required that we
also concentrate on weapons of mass destruction.
We have to protect our freedoms and the American people in order to be
able to give assistance to other countries.
Therefore, it is important to do both simultaneously.
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.
A16-
The World Bank recommends an additional $10-$15
billion annually to reach the Millenium Development goals by 2015.
No, the American people and government are already billions of dollars
in debt. Also, many citizens are
experiencing unemployment.
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.”?
A17-
I think it would be foolish to just hand the funds to non-governmental
organizations. It is important
that we make sure of exactly what our money is funding.
When money is given to NGO’s and grassroots organizations, we should
first know it would be used properly.
Q18-
How many countries would be affected positively by health-related investments
according to the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH)?
A18-
Eighty-three countries would be positively affected 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?
A19-
Between 2015 and 2020, $360 billion would be gained annually due to lives
saved 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.
A20- Christopher Smith and John LaFalce introduced H.R. 4524. This bill substantially increases resources available for human development and poverty reduction in heavily indebted poor countries. It encourages the Secretary of Treasury to immediately start work with creditors to reduce debt. Back