Newell-Fonda
High School
Newell, Iowa
Teacher:
Connie Doonan
Hardened
Hearts
By Emily Gehrig
12th grade
Calvin
Coolidge, former President of the United States once said, “No person was ever
honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
On March 22nd, 2002, in Monterrey, Mexico, President Bush
proposed the Millennium Challenge Act to the whole world.
This plan calls for a great deal of funding over the next three budget
cycles. The goal of this plan is for nations to grow and prosper well enough so
they no longer need aid. There are
two very different sides to this plan, those forcibly against it, and those
vehemently for it. Foreign aid has
always been a touchy subject for the United States.
It is not an area most presidents want to tackle whole-heartedly because
of fear of the response from the public. However,
if the people of these underdeveloped countries are not given the chance to live
a life where terror and chaos do not reign, the terror of their world will soon
fill ours.
Opponents
of this plan argue that it is not the job of the United States to be the
caretaker of everyone else. They
point out that the United States did not get to be the country it is today from
the help of foreign aid. They
further argue that there is homelessness, poverty, sickness, and death in our
own streets. These opponents say
that America should take care of its problems at home before helping other
countries. Opponents also feel that
the money given to these countries is a waste of our hard earned money.
They say that the money shouldn’t be given away without something in
return. Another strong point made
by those against it, is that these countries will use the money to gain power to
attack us. The memory of September
11th still lingers in the minds of many.
While
many of these concerns are valid, the need for action against this poverty and
death is still even greater. The US
has the power, the standard of living, and the money to help the less fortunate.
I’m proud to say that I’m part of the American tradition of helping
those who would otherwise have nothing. What
makes the people of the United States think that we are so much better and so
deserving of the life we have in America? Are
we thoroughly convinced that the people of these underdeveloped countries chose
the life they are currently living? I
am strongly of the opinion that the four year old boy in Malawi who is dying
from thirst or that the three month old infant in Bangladesh suffering from
malnutrition did not choose the lives they are struggling to survive.
While the United States does have it’s own problems, proponents argue that the US is well
developed enough to ease the poverty in our own streets and the poverty and death in the dirt paths
of others, as well. Over the years, the
U.S. has come to envision itself as a noble and virtuous care-
taker. America has come to see itself as a superhero to all nations. However, the truth is actually
quite the contrary. The U.S. throws a little money here and a little money there. Just hurling money
when and wherever we feel like will solve nothing!
That is why I believe that the Millennium challenge Act is a step in the right direction. It isn't a waste
of our money. The aid given is closely monitored and there are many guidelines to make the sure
the money gets to the people who need it. While there are still a few things that might need altering,
it is the first step in the right direction toward a better standard of living for all and maybe even for
some just a chance to live. That is why it is essential for us as a nation to join together in the fight
against death and poverty.
John Bunyon, former President of the Democratic Press League, put it quite eloquently when he
said, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay
you." I could not absolutely agree more. We, as Americans are so self-absorbed and fixated on
what we can get out of the deal that we forget the force that gives us life. The average heartbeat
of an average adult beats approximately 115,200 times a day, but sometimes I wonder if some
people's hearts even beat at all.
While opponents argue that giving aid only fuels their efforts against us, efforts to help those
in need must not be hindered. While many terrorists use the money corruptly, there are still
those that lie suffering in agony that need our help. We must not give up the fight for those people.
We have the power and the money to fight terrorism stemming from the corrupt use of money.
They don't have the power or the money to fight poverty and death. Poverty doesn't necessarily
breed terrorism. Many people just want a chance to live. They don't want any more death. They
don't want any more terror and anguish. They want a chance to live a life where health and happiness
can flourish. Why don't they deserve that?
We must continue to strengthen our fight against unnecessary poverty and death before the terror
of their world becomes an inescapable part of ours. While I may never know what made me so
privileged to live in the United States of America and while I may never understand how so many
can harden their hearts to this horror, I do know that while my heart is still beating 115,200 times a
day, I won't stop fighting for those who deserve that same heart beat.
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?
Funds for development come from domestic capital, foreign investment,
and especially from trade. By
trading with these countries, we are not only setting the foundation for
development, but are also ensuring their dignity and confidence.
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 emphasized the importance of security in these developing
countries. Development is
unachievable in a world where terror and chaos reign. Our president also spoke of the necessity for citizens who
are literate, healthy, and able to work. It
is of the utmost importance for us to help them meet their most basic needs for
this development to occur.
Q3 – When is money sometimes
counterproductive, according to President Bush?
Money can actually be counterproductive in situations where nations
refuse to enact sound policies. Because
of this, progress against poverty is nearly unattainable.
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?
The goal of the Millennium Challenge Account is to provide people in
developing countries with the tools they need to seize and take strong hold of
the opportunities of the global economy. In
return for this additional commitment, we expect nations to adopt the reform
policies that make development sound, effective, and lasting.
Nations that root out corruption, respect the rights of their citizens,
and adhere to the rule of law will be rewarded.
Also, nations that invest in better health care, better schools, and
broader immunizations for their citizens will be rewarded as well.
The United States plans to lead by example through the development
assistance of $5 billion over the
next three budget cycles. The US
will work to fight against AIDS, bring computer instruction to young
professionals in developing nations, assist African businesses and their people
to sell goods abroad, and apply the power of science and technology to increase
harvests where hunger is widespread.
Q5 – What are the three standards
that President Bush expects the leaders of developing nations to adopt?
Developing nations will be expected to adopt standards of just
governing, high investment in their people, and economic freedom.
Q6 – Describe President Bush’s
challenge to development banks and explain why you do or do not favor it?
President Bush challenged other nations and development banks to provide
up to half of the funds devoted to poor nations in the form of grants rather
than loans. These grants may never
be repaid. President Bush is firm
in the idea of stopping the debt rather than just dropping the debt.
President Bush also wants to double the size of the world’s poorest
economies within a decade. I’m in favor of it. I
think that with a specific goal in mind and a specific purpose for the money, it
is well spent. My whole life I have
heard how it’s our hard earned money that pays for it.
I’ve listened to the griping of many people against it and I’ve come
to wonder where along the line we became so selfish.
What makes us think that we are so special and so much better and so
lucky to be born as Americans into this life of comfort?
Do people really think that starving children in those underdeveloped
countries chose to live that way? I
am strongly in favor of a world where this selfishness and greed is abolished.
Q7 – What percentage of our
national income (GNP) do you think the US government committed to foreign aid in
2002? First, answer the question
and then find the answer on the Internet.
I think that the US committed 10% of its GNP to foreign aid, when in all
actuality the US gave .10 percent of its GNP to foreign aid.
Q8 – Describe and defend a “Me
First” attitude.
I think a “Me First” attitude encourages people to work for
themselves. It teaches people to
not rely on others and gives people the mind frame to accomplish things on their
own. When people are continually
given aid and assistance and support they forget how to stand on their own two
feet. A me first attitude condones
working hard and reaping the benefits of that job well done.
Q9 –
Describe and defend a “Mutual Benefit” attitude.
I think a
“Mutual Benefit” attitude teaches people that there is more to life than
just money. It helps us all to
realize that there is a greater good that we should all work to achieve.
It shows us that we should all take time to ask ourselves how we have
been a benefit to society. This attitude encourages people to stop thinking about
themselves and to share the comforts and riches they have.
Q10 – Describe three unsuccessful
foreign aid programs operated by the US government or private American Citizens.
“Aid"
has in many places actually destroyed the possibility for sustained economic
growth by driving local producers, especially farmers, out of business. Such was
the case in Micronesia, Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Haiti, Guatemala, Kenya, and
many other places
Q11 – Describe three successful
foreign aid programs operated by the US government or private citizens.
South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia all went from third world countries
to first world countries due to the efforts and foreign aid assistance of other
countries.
Q12
– Steve Radelet, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global development believes
we can 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 believe we can offer aid to both.
When we limit ourselves, we greatly decrease our chances of achieving our
goals. While the people of our own
country our important to us, we must not turn our backs on other people who
deserve that same chance. Our
country is invested in so many things and we have a multitude of resources to
our advantage. When we stop giving
and caring and turn our backs on others, we are no long the pillar of freedom
that America stands for.
Q13 – What do you think about Mr.
Radelet’s assertion that “the administration is leaning towards a system in
which 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.”?
I think it’s a good idea. This
is a huge step in the right direction in making sure that the money is used
correctly and in a beneficial manner. As
was said before, money that is unmonitored is sometimes counterproductive.
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
developmental 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
I think the second concern concerns me the most.
By punishing the government of these countries, the people who need the
aid and are suffering are being punished as well.
The effort to include all those who truly need the help must be made.
Q15
– There is evidence of an increase of negative world opinion towards US
foreign policy, not necessarily with the American people. To counter this negative perception of the US some people
might want the US to concentrate more on weapons of mass assistance and less on
weapons of mass destruction. Please
Comment.
I would love to comment. There
aren’t going to people around to mass assist if the weapons of mass
destruction kill them all. The US
is continually seen as the “bad guy” for trying to take control of Iraq, yet
if we do nothing and people get hurt, we are criticized for not doing something
about it. So obviously there is no way for us to make everyone happy.
If we continually listen to
the criticisms of others and don’t take action, nothing will ever get done.
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 an increase?
Defend your views.
The World Bank has issued a report noting “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 per year.
Given the size of the US economy and its wealth relative to other
countries, the just and appropriate share of this amount would be approximately
an additional $10-$15 billion annually for these programs.
I think that if Americans want to afford this kind of an increase then
they can. What is important though,
is getting the American people to support an increase of this magnitude, and
while it’s for a good cause, it’s also a lot of money.
Q17 – What do you think about the
request of Faith Action for People Centered Developments Policy’s that tax
dollars be used to fund, not only government sponsored foreign aid programs, but
“that funds also go to NGOs and grassroots organizations.”?
I don’t think that the idea will be accepted too well.
Most Americans have a strong desire to hold onto their money with a death
grip, and I think taxing them more for money that doesn’t directly benefit
them isn’t going to go over too well. However
I do think that directing the money through private organizations could have
many advantages over the direct government-to-government approach.
People will feel like there money is making more of an impact on the
lives of those in these developing countries.
Q18 – How many countries would be
affected positively by health-related investments according to the CMH?
Eighty-three countries would be affected positively by health related
investments according to the CMH.
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?
$360 billion would be gained annually due to lives saved and increased
economic growth. Investing now will
more than pay for itself in the long term.
Q20 – Use the Internet for your
research and name the two congressmen who introduced H.R. 4524.
Give a 2-line synopsis.
Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. John LaFalce (D-PA)
The purpose of
these bills is to require the Administration and other creditor countries to
amend the indebted countries’ debt relief program to provide debt reduction
for beneficiary countries.
Works
Cited
Leadership Now.
“Quotes on Generosity.”
Leading Thoughts: Building a Community of Leaders
January 9, 2003.
http://www.leadershipnow.com/generosityquotes.html
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