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

 

Our Willing and Giving Country
By Mitch Arnett
12^th Grade

Thousands of people give aid across the world for little kids that are in need and for countries that have little money and few resources.  Is this the reason why our country is trillions of dollars in debt?  This is why I do not think the United States can afford to increase its commitment of foreign aid.  I think we should help our own country pay our own debts and provide our people with necessary aid.  The president pledged that the United States would lead by example and increase its core development assistance by 50 percent over the next three years, resulting in an annual increase of $5 billion dollars.  These funds will go into a new Millennium Challenge Account, devoted to projects in nations that govern justly, invest in their people, and encourage economic freedom.  The Millennium Challenge Account was created to promote peace and prosperity.  The United States is encouraging countries around the world to practice democratic principles such as rule of law, respect for human rights, open and private market structures, and good and just governments.  To encourage the practice of these principles and for other reasons, the United States funds humanitarian and development aid, global health initiatives, economic transition support, and democratic and institution building efforts.  These funds will now come from the Millennium Challenge Account.  This is one reason why I do not think the Millennium Challenge Account is the step in the right direction.  I feel we should be concerned about ourselves and helping the people of our nation that are in great need and prosperity.  The more money we save for our country, the stronger we may become, and we might get our country out of debt.

The Libertarian Foreign Policy article says, “the United States currently spends approximately $14 billion per year on foreign aid.  Since the end of World War II, the United States has spent more than $400 billion on aid to other countries.”  But then this article continues by exposing, “there is little evidence that any of these programs has significantly improved the lives of the people in countries receiving this aid. Instead, foreign aid has typically slowed economic development and created dependence.”  So, what is happening to all this money we are giving to other countries?  Why haven’t we seen any improvements of these countries?  These are some questions that I would I like to see answered.

There are many examples of countries that receive aid and still remain poor.  Tanzania provides a perfect example of this.  The Libertarian Foreign Policy article states that, “Tanzania has received more international aid per capita than any other country.  Yet, the country remains the world’s third poorest-nation and has had no per capita GNP growth between 1980 and 1992.”

There are many reasons for the failure of foreign aid.  “First, foreign aid has a widespread record of waste, fraud, and abuse.  Another reason is the foreign aid is stolen by corrupt foreign leaders and even when aid reaches its intended beneficiaries, the results are often counterproductive,” states the Libertarian Foreign Policy article.

I think that foreign aid is structurally bad because it does not take responsibility of what it is supposed to do.  The more aid a country receives, the less the government of that country has to answer to the people.  If American people truly wanted to help other countries, they can best do so not through failed foreign aid programs that people give money to all the time, but by improving the United States economy, so that United States businesses have funds to invest and pursue in free trade policies. 

The events on September 11 may also be a reason why our country has increased our foreign aid.  By helping fund other weaker and less fortunate countries, which are often the victims of terrorism, we can build a much stronger defense.  But, by building stronger militaries in other countries against terrorism, have we forgotten about our country?  Do we not need to save our own money for our military use?  Yes, I think we should be the best country in the world by giving money and other resources to countries, but what about our own country?  Do we not need to help our own people and strengthen our country’s military just in case another terrorist attack hits us?  These are just a few reasons why I think the Millennium Challenge Account is not the right step to take for our country.  I think we should be worried about our own military and people that are in great need and prosperity.

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?

 These funds come from domestic capital, foreign investment, and especially 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?

The foundation of development is security, because there can be no development in an atmosphere of chaos and violence.  Also, successful development requires citizens who are literate, healthy, and prepared and able to work. 

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

More aid money can actually be counterproductive because it subsidizes bad policies, delays reform, and crowds out private investment in situations when nations refuse to enact sound polices. 

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

 In March of 2002, President Bush called for “a new compact for global development, defined by new accountability for both rich and poor nations alike.  Greater contributions from developed nations must be linked to greater responsibility from developing nations.”  The United States was then planned to increase its core development assistance by 50 percent over the next three years.  This brought about the Millennium Challenge Account.  It will be devoted to projects in nations that govern justly, invest in their people and encourage freedom. 

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

Forming a good government is an essential condition of development.  The Million Challenge Account will reward nations that get rid of corruption, respect human rights, and adhere to the rule of law.  Health and literate citizens are also agents that are leading to development.  The three broad standards that these Countries must live by 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.

While adopting a growth agenda, support will be increased for private sector enterprises and focusing more on education as the Inter-American Development Bank has done.  President Bush has challenged the other nations and development banks to adopt this approach as well.  American support from the World Bank will increase by almost 20 percent. 

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.

After reviewing the information that is available, it looks like we gave about 3% of our GNP to foreign aid in the year 2002.  Later, after finding the internet information, it is obvious that we only give .108% of our GNP to foreign aid. 

Q8. Describe and defend a “Me First” attitude.

The “me first attitude” is described when one country views itself as high above the others, making sure that its economy lives safely in a country that is protected by security.  As far as a defending this attitude goes, many countries believe that the United States posses this attitude as a high society. 

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

This attitude is portrayed when multiple countries can gain advantages at the same time. This attitude  contributes to ranking economy as the number one concern.  If all countries flowed along with this attitude, the world would be a much safer place to live in since they would have to rely on each other and trust each other for their success. 

Q10. Describe three unsuccessful foreign aid programs operated by the U.S. government or private American citizens.

WHO, the African Agriculture Assistance, and the Food For Peace in third world countries.

Q11. Describe three successful foreign aid programs operated by the U.S. government or private American citizens.

The Marshall Plan, The Peace Corp, and The Red Cross.

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.

Because Americans offer much generosity when others are in need, I do believe that America can offer aid to both its citizens as well as countries in need.  Although it is often viewed as a struggle, the United States has the power and support to aid many.  However, to comply with this belief, the American people must forgo their luxuries and make sacrifices to be able to help others.  Also, the United States must be aware of its economy and spending limitations while forgoing these future foreign aid programs. 

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.”?

It is in agreement that countries who are requesting foreign aid should have to meet certain criteria and write written proposals in order to obtain aid from the United States.  It would be very useful to find out exactly how our money is being used when we ship it to these countries.  This would help to build a right government that would help the basic good of a country in the area of management.  It would help to make that countries government run a just system as they learn the requirements to run a proper and safe nation.

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 first of Mr. Radelet’s concerns regarding the MCA concerns me the most.  If the requirements of writing proposals and describing their strategies stay in place, many countries will meet the criteria and the foreign aid will disappear too quickly.  There are many countries who meet these requirements and after applying for these funds from the MCA, they will be expecting the aid from our country to bring them happiness.  However, the funds are not available to be given to each nation.  Some countries will be left to find aid elsewhere. 

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 destruction (WMA) bring fright to people across the world everyday.  The negative opinions toward the United States foreign policy often have to do with this fright.  By adding to more mass assistance, neighboring nations will be more apt to change to a more positive attitude towards our country. 

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 has recently issued a report noting that “if countries improve their policies and institutions, the additional foreign aid required to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 is between $40-$60 billion a year”.  This would add approximately an additional $10-$15 billion annually for these programs.  With our economy now being at an all time long, the idea of adding an extra $10-$15 billion a year would put an even greater strain on our economic limits in this nation.  However, other income streams are being looked into. 

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.”?

Everyday, millions of American’s work hard to put food on the table for their own families and children.  Taxes are taken from the paychecks of these American’s to help build roads and make our country better.  Why should this money be given to other nations when it is our day to day actions that provide for us each day?  It is not ethical to send everything we work towards to another nation who only appreciates us for our investments.

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

The Commission analyzed the impact of health on development and determined that certain health-related investments, including a robust response to the AIDS pandemic would have a positive effect on economic growth and equity in 83 countries. 

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?   Between the years 2015 and 2020, $360 billion would be gained yearly due to lives saved and increased economic growth.  Investing high amounts of money now would pay for itself in the long term.  It is said that the United States should devote $2.5 billion in FY03 to the effort to stop global AIDS.  This is based on the United State percentage of global GNP(25-30%).

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.

Using the internet, it was found that the two congressmen at Representative Chris Smith and Representative John LaFalce.  To amend the Agricultural Market Transition Act to increase the number of farmers eligible for no recourse marketing assistance loans or loan deficiency payments and the amount of production for which such loans and payments are available.    Back