 "Photo: N/A")
The U.S. government should not involve itself financially in the Haitian relief effort, or so a friend of mine believes.
His argument is that the money the government is dishing out isn’t its money to dish—it’s borrowed, either from the American people through taxes or from foreign governments through loans. In sum, you shouldn’t give away what isn’t yours to give.
However, his argument, while logical, doesn’t go far when it comes to the less logical and more emotional masses, since few would agree with the outcome of not supplying financial aid—a total disregard of human suffering.
Striking a balance between his calculated views and the average bleeding hearts’, I propose the U.S. government spends funds only on human relief efforts—rescue, medical aid, food and temporary housing—rather than humanitarian aid plus rebuilding costs.
As for rebuilding Haiti—and let’s face it, America loves to rebuild countries other than its own—I oppose any such movement on one premise: it’s not our responsibility.
The U.S.’s responsibilities are first to the American public. In this economic pit, the government should focus on its own people first and then see to others.
I believe helping those who’ve been through a natural disaster is ethical, not to mention neighborly, but few would or could offer to rebuild a neighbor’s house after a tornado or flood.
Speaking of floods, it was just a few months ago that Georgians suffered their own disaster. Other nations didn’t offer aid in any shape or form, so by helping a fellow nation at all, America’s already stepping up to bat in a big way.
Some might say that’s being petty, but I say we can’t afford to be the bigger man as much as we used to.
At some point America must limit itself and start looking out for its own rather than everyone else.
Politicians need to draw a hard line; relief efforts are acceptable, even commendable, but rebuilding a foreign nation when your own country needs so much work is not.
After all, how many Iraqs can this economy stand?
Be the first to comment on this article!