What's the best policy on Foreign Aid?

[rambone]

Where do you stand on foreign aid? I gathered information about each candidate's stance as well. What can we afford? Is it worth it?

Isn't "Foreign Aid" just a nicer way of saying "Global Wealth Redistribution" ?


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CAIN:

Former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain said he has to learn more before offering an opinion. 11/22/2011 (source)
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BACHMANN:

“We should not be cutting foreign aid to Israel. Israel is our greatest ally. The biggest problem with this administration and foreign policy is that Obama is the first president since Israel declared her sovereignty who put daylight between the United States and Israel. That’s heavily contributed to the current hostilities that we see in the Middle East region.” -- Michele Bachmann, 10/18/2011, (source)

“I would not agree with that assessment to pull all foreign aid from Pakistan. I would reduce foreign aid to many countries. But there's a problem, since Pakistan has a nuclear weapon.” -- Michele Bachmann, 11/12/2011, CBS Foreign Policy Debate
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GINGRICH:

Newt Gingrich has a history of supporting billions of dollars per year in foreign aid. In 1993 he was "passionately in favor" of sending billions in foreign aid to Russia. Between '94 and '95 he voted for $45 Billion in foreign aid.
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HUNTSMAN:

“If they’re in America’s interest, we get some return on that invested dollar. To wish it all away, I think, is a political sound bite.” -- John Huntsman, 11/13/2011, (source)
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JOHNSON:

“I’m opposed to any foreign aid, because we’re borrowing money from China, that we’re paying interest on, to give to other countries. So I’m opposed to foreign aid to all countries.” -- Gary Johnson, 5/23/2011 (source)
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PAUL:

“I think the aid is all worthless. It doesn’t do any good for most of the people. You take money from poor people in this country and you end up giving it to rich people in poorer countries.” He continued, “But this whole idea of talking about endless wars and endless foreign aid, it seems like nobody cares about the budget. We’re in big trouble and nobody wants to cut anything.” -- Ron Paul, 11/22/2011 (source)
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PERRY:

“Every country would start at zero. Obviously, Israel is a special ally. And my bet is that we would be funding them at some substantial level. But it makes sense for everyone to come in at zero and make your case.” -- Rick Perry, 11/12/2011 (source)
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ROMNEY:

“Listen, I think we’re havin’ an interesting conversation here, but the deeper one that the speaker makes a reference to is the whole issue of foreign aid…. The foreign aid budget in my administration for every country is gonna start at zero dollars. Zero dollars. And then we’ll have a conversation. Then we’ll have a conversation in this country about whether or not a penny of our taxpayer dollar needs to go into those countries…. It’s time for us as a country to say no to foreign aid to countries that don’t support the United States of America.” -- Mitt Romney, 11/12/2011 (source)
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SANTORUM:

“I believe it’s absolutely essential. Africa was a country on the brink. On the brink of complete meltdown and chaos, which would’ve been fertile ground for the radical Islamists to be able to get a foot hold.” He continued, “I hear people up here talking about zeroing out foreign aid and humanitarian aid in particular. I think that’s absolutely the wrong course.” -- Rick Santorum, 11/22/2011 (source)​

 

[public servant]

It's time to let the rest of world fend for themselves. Unfortunately, Ron Paul couldn't manage to even say that short sentence without tripping over his own tongue.

Bone...you have to start prepping this guy. While I agree with his message...he needs to deliver it coherently.

This is why he'll fail to receive the nomination...and that's a damn shame.

 

[bingley]

[/INDENT]PAUL:

“I think the aid is all worthless. It doesn’t do any good for most of the people. You take money from poor people in this country and you end up giving it to rich people in poorer countries.” ... -- Ron Paul, 11/22/2011 (source)​

This is from a article where he speaks about humanitarian aid to Africa. I assume Dr. Paul did some research on this. Do we have reports or stats on how humanitarian foreign aid is actually used? I don't have a position on foreign aid as national policy. I am willing to help the destitute with my own money (not that I'm rich or anything), and I generally give to charities working in countries where the conditions are really poor. But every time I make a donation, I worry that my contribution might end up in the organization rather than in the hands of people truly in need. Likewise, I'd hate for the US to "rob from the poor and give to the rich."

I can only think of one data point: the Burmese army seized our relief supplies for their monsoon victims. (I pray that depraved dictatorship topples immediately!) But this is obviously due to gross wrongdoing.

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SANTORUM:

“I believe it’s absolutely essential. Africa was a country on the brink.” ... -- Rick Santorum, 11/22/2011 (source)​

Africa, a country??? I hope he learned Latin before visiting Latin America.

 

[rambone]

This is from a article where he speaks about humanitarian aid to Africa. I assume Dr. Paul did some research on this.

Yes, he made that statement tonight during the CNN debate. But it has been his policy throughout his entire career. He has never voted for any form of foreign aid.

I don't have a position on foreign aid as national policy. I am willing to help the destitute with my own money (not that I'm rich or anything), and I generally give to charities working in countries where the conditions are really poor.

It should be noted that voluntary charity funds are not the same thing as sending tax dollars around the globe in the form of foreign aid.

 

[LPMan59]

We definitely need to pull the plug on the Palestinians as that money funds pensions for criminals sitting jails guilty of committing acts of terrorism.

 

[cobber]

The various Euro states always like to go on about how they give a greater % of the GDP to foreign aid, than does the US.

Fine, they're the winners. Let's take our ball and go home.

The UN is considered foreign aid too, right? Time to reclaim that valuable property on the upper east side of NY.

The UN seemed appropriate for the immediate aftermath of WWII, but the world's "grown up".

Let's go back to the days of the Monroe Doctrine.

 

[Phil502]

I aree with Paul and I polled that way before reading the rest of the thread. Romney is about the same but leaves wiggle room, which could be a good or bad thing.

We talk about SS and Medicare costs, give me a million dollars when I retire and I'll take care of it myself. That would be a whole lot better than giving it to the rest of the world to waste.

 

[BBill]

The various Euro states always like to go on about how they give a greater % of the GDP to foreign aid, than does the US.

Fine, they're the winners. Let's take our ball and go home.

The UN is considered foreign aid too, right? Time to reclaim that valuable property on the upper east side of NY.

The UN seemed appropriate for the immediate aftermath of WWII, but the world's "grown up".

Let's go back to the days of the Monroe Doctrine.

I agree 100%

 

[BillyT]

No foreign aid. None of these countries help us or are benefit. Time to let nature or survival of the fittest be the rule.

 

[MadBomber]

Zero Foreign Aid.

In the event of a natural disaster or catastrophic event, sure, we could lend a helping hand with a cash infusion or goods and services. In our house, our budget has a line-item for emergencies (auto repairs above normal maintenance, home HVAC replacement and other home repairs outside the norm). We have cash set aside for such an event. Americans have long been seen as big-hearted and willing to help in times of crisis. But in the absence of such a crisis, and as long as taxes are being collected, American tax dollars should stay first and foremost in America. I don't buy the argument that we need to continue to pump money in to other countries when the American people are being taxed to excess. We're basically paying other countries to be our friend, or at least not overtly hate us. While none of us love taxes, our tax burden would be easier to tolerate if our infrastructure was it a least in tip-top shape.

*I'm not advocating more taxes, it's just that if things HAVE to stay the way they are, at least put the money to good use in our own country. I'd much rather see a flat-tax (10% for the sake of argument) that is collected from every wage earner and every business. No loopholes, no exemptions, no deductions, delays or deferments other than active duty military. In my perfect, idealistic world, active duty military would not be taxed. Retired military would pay only 5% personal tax for the rest of their lives.*

 

[RockofStrength]

I also said no Foreign Aid. If nations want stuff from us they can take out a loan or buy it.

 

[femurphy77]

I'm in favor of zero foreign aid but if we must buy loyalty I would prefer to ensure that the brigade covering my flanks under another flag had my interests in heart.

We send billions of dollars every year in the name of foreign aid for things like bridges, healthcare, housing, security, etc when similar systems in our own country are falling apart for a lack of funding?

And what's with "borrowing" huge sums of money from a country only to send part of it back to that same country in the interests of foreign aid?

 

[Kedric]

Add another for no more foreign aid. We need to deal with our own issues and stop trying to police and prop up the rest of the world.

 

[Prometheus]

I'm shocked to see that 35% of INGO'ers believe in Global Wealth Redistribution.

That put's just over 1 in 3 INGO'ers as socialist thieves... and some people wonder why this country is screwed.

 

[EvilBlackGun]

No foreign $$$ Aid; end all wars now.

If a foreign country NEEDS stuff, let's SELL them the stuff. No more $$$-give-aways. We need more Americans at work, so lets MAKE the stuff foreign nations need, and then sell it to them. Why, sure, we can float them a loan for the goodies. 20% interest Then bring the soldiers home and put them to work in beneficial jobs. Solved several problems at once.

 

[Expat]

I don't remember foreign aid being in the enumerated powers (Article 1, Section 8) so I am not sure how the Congress can do it. It is especially repugnant when we are borrowing money from China to give away to other countries, including the Chinese.

I voluntarily donated for foreign aid via private charities in the past. That is the way it should be done.

 

[rambone]

LIKE A BOSS

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYgAbkXOAsw[/ame]

 

[scott delaney]

KILLEM' ALL AND LET GOD SORT THEM OUT

 

[sepe]

That Ron Paul sure is a loon and a whack job!!!! I really liked the 13 year old girl eye roll that Romney did. I'm going to vote for Romney and back 100% of whatever he says because he is sassy!!!

 

[level.eleven]

That Ron Paul sure is a loon and a whack job!!!! I really liked the 13 year old girl eye roll that Romney did. I'm going to vote for Romney and back 100% of whatever he says because he is sassy!!!

Why do you hate America? Dhimini and the Caliphate are destroying the West.