I am writing this because I feel most West Milfordians have a negative view of U.S. foreign aid to the global poor and I want to potentially open their views up a bit.
Most people have the thought “We should be investing that money into our country and our citizens,” which isn’t necessarily wrong, but it lacks the view of the whole picture.
First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the globe’s strongest nations to provide at least some basic necessities to the world’s poor.
If you have the means to provide those in extreme poverty basic needs (food and clean water) and still be at the top of the totem pole, why wouldn’t you?
But for many, the humanitarian aspects of providing foreign aid aren’t convincing enough, and that’s all right because there’s a lot more to it.
Foreign aid is more than just humanitarian assistance; it is a strategic tool for advancing American interests, increasing our economic growth and promoting global stability.
Foreign aid helps open new markets for American business by creating opportunities for trade and improving the ability of non-US consumers to consume.
By supporting economic development in impoverished nations, we contribute to a more robust economy, which ultimately benefits American businesses.
Investing in the well-being of impoverished communities also helps prevent conflict and extremism that grow in these conditions.
Many of the world’s terrorist groups prey on their country’s poor because they are the ones who have the most to lose. For those suffering from extreme poverty, their next meal, glass of clean water, safe place to sleep, even clothing are never guaranteed and will likely come after days without it.
This is where terrorist groups step in to offer these resources to those in need, and in return, the poor will join their group. For those faced with this decision, it is life or death, die from starvation/dehydration/preventable disease or join the terrorist group and never go hungry again, have access to clean water, have a place to sleep, have clean clothes, and have what you feel is a supportive community ... What would you do?
By providing basic life necessities along with supporting education, health care and economic development, we can empower individuals and communities, creating an environment less susceptible to radicalization and terrorism.
We can strengthen U.S. national security by helping those less fortunate than us - it is that easy.
In an interconnected world, our commitment to foreign aid is not just a moral obligation but a wise investment in a safer, more prosperous future for everyone.
I strongly encourage those against foreign aid to re-evaluate their thoughts and feelings about the topic. Perhaps there is more than meets the eye.
Editor’s note: Alexandria Butler, 22, grew up in West Milford. She is an ambassador for the Borgen Project, a nonprofit organization leading the fight against global poverty. Part of her job is to advocate for issues in her community.