Cut the budget, not the Constitution
Bob Brown
I had the opportunity, during the second Bush administration, to engage in advising struggling democracies in a project then known as “democracy building.”
It was enormously fulfilling work, and I saw real progress in places like Indonesia, Cambodia and Angola in educating inexperienced elected officials in the rudiments of legislative organization and procedure. It was paid for primarily by USAID.
Foreign aid is commonly called “soft power” because in addition to winning friends for democracy, as I was assigned to do, U.S. foreign aid is primarily responsible for about 40% of worldwide humanitarian assistance. Aid from the United States in the form primarily of food and medicine to the world’s poorest, most vulnerable people unquestionably saves lives, and our humanitarian actions also help build good will for Americans around the world.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
