Trending
Two items appearing in the Sun-Gazette on February 19 are noteworthy. Kudos to the Sun-Gazette for juxtaposing these two pieces.
First a letter to the Editor from a progressive in Lewisburg, decrying the cuts in USAID. This writer makes the argument that this is illegal and immoral, and will reduce US power and influence around the world. He creates sympathy in the reader by saying that people around the world depend on the lifesaving aid provided by USAID. Finally he argues that cutting the aid provides opportunities for China and Russia to get a piece of the action.
If its bad for Russia and China to be charitable, but good for us to be charitable through OUR government, then it's not about charity.
The other item is a column by Dan McCarthy, saying that USAID provides funds mainly to government workers, contractors, foreign partners, and others with their hands in the till, so that only 10% goes to the victims around the world. With tens of Billions of dollars flowing through the system, as McCarthy says, even a small cut is a lot of money, certainly enough to create demonstration projects, photo opportunities, and other diversions.
Me? I think that they're both telling selective truths, but I tend to agree with McCarthy that the money is better spent with the international charities, who might deliver a somewhat higher percentage of the proceeds to the ultimate recipients. (at least the good charities do). Furthermore, I would say that the charities rely on donations made with goodwill, rather than relying on taxes which have nothing to do with goodwill.
A person should not believe most of the noise coming from both ends of the political spectrum. Politics is about rewarding your supporters or at least making them believe that you are rewarding them.
If you don't know where to spend your money, spend it locally, where accountability and results are better.
EDWARD BROWN
Hughesville
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom