International Welfare Hurts More than Helps

All American Blogger ^ | 7/10/07 | Duane Lester

[Bodhi1]

The United Nations estimates at least four million people in Zimbabwe will need food aid within the next year. That is a third of the total population. While the common man in Zimbabwe deals with an 80% unemployment rate, a 10,000% inflation rate and a yearly salary holding steady at Z$200,000 (around $818 US dollars), the elite ruling class drive around in “shiny Mercedes and BMWs.” It is Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” on the Dark Continent. And your tax dollars help to finance it, and more.

[Carbonado]

As is usually the case in this Brave New Leftist world, the only really important thing is to be seen praying publicly at the altar of a cynical, corrupt and very selfish “altruism”.

Neither Wisdom nor common sense have a place at that altar. This is the secular equivalent of the Pharisees publicly professing their piety for public consumption so we all know just how wonderful they are.

[randita]

zimbabwe ping

[randita]

Foreign aid is nothing more than an international welfare program. It does not foster radical reforms or positive progress. Foreign aid gives dictators the ability to reward cronies, punish enemies and embezzle millions into nice, fat retirement accounts in Sweden. It gives them the ability to continue repressing the country the foreign aid is supposed help. It props up corrupt governments. And you and I get to pick up the check.

[ClaireSolt]

Not to worry. Food aid from ag surpluses is a thing of the past. Now, we will make ethanol, instead. Anyway, the do gooders don’t want to be bothered with c ommodities, anymore. Just send money. As we started the invasion of Afghanistan, the food aiders objected that it would interfere with deliveries they had been making for twenty five years. They took a sack of flour and a sack of beans to last people for months. Have a nice life!

[eleni121]

These billions do more more for those giving it than those who receive it: jobs, patronage, bribes, bureacracies etc.

End AKK government sponsorted aid now! Let Private Charities take over.

[eleni121]

Should be: End ALL government sponsorted aid now!

Let Private Charities take over.

[Bodhi1]

I agree. But one step at a time.