Feb. 9, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: There is an editorial in this week’s The Economist entitled “Scorn thy Neighbor.” It is a worthy read for those concerned about the future of our country. The subtitle is “By cutting off assistance to foreigners, America hurts itself.”
The world is a better place thanks to the work of the U.S. Agency for International Development. USAID has supported efforts around the world to eradicate disease and provide nutrition to countries in need. Through this aid, the U.S. has developed friends, particularly in developing countries. This is critical in our effort to compete against China.
When so much assistance to so many of the world’s needy disappears overnight, as it did when the State Department ordered almost all aid cut, the results were visible everywhere. As The Economist noted, clinics closed their doors, work on controlling viruses ceased, and support for refugees evaporated.
Polls show that Americans think that foreign aid consumes some 25% of the federal budget. In reality, it is around 1% or roughly 0.25% of GDP. And it provides a significant percentage of humanitarian assistance and economic development to underdeveloped countries throughout the world.
I spent 25 years working in the international field. While I did not have contact with USAID, I personally know many that worked for the agency. They are some of the brightest, most dedicated, and hardest working people I have known. And now they are being called home and relieved of their responsibilities. Moreover, medicines and nutritional items approved for overseas transport are now in warehouses with expiration dates.
Yes, USAID, as with all federal agencies, has issues that must be addressed, such as inefficiencies and waste. And questionable programs. That is the reason there are independent inspector generals. But those IGs have been fired. Go figure. DON HASFURTHER Lexington
