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Re: So, we need a topic...Lets try this?

Posted By: Phil (static-64-65-138-250.mspcovdsl.eschelon.com)
Date: 6/6/2003 at 2:06 p.m.

In Response To: Re: So, we need a topic...Lets try this? *PIC* (Archer »–)›)

Considering how much we put out in foreign aid, how many times we have intervened and done a lot of good for the world, we deserve as much credit as we do this admonishment.

This is absolutely true. While it may not make what I said unfair, perhaps it does make it a bit unbalanced. I apologize for this omission.

However, I do find it interesting that the last State of the Union Address had all those things you mentioned in it.

Here's hoping we follow through on it. Given the Administration's handling of foreign policy thus far, and its desire to scale back foreign aid, I'll have to see it before I believe it.

A lot of the drought-striken regions and places with hunger, of course, are in Africa, and some of those nations' governments even reject our surplus grain because it's genetically enhanced, thinking it diseased. Too often, the countries simply do not wish us to help, as much as we have tried.

Sadly, this is a tragically true statement. However the reasons behind it are even more shocking. Most genetically modified food is modified in ways designed to provide more nutrients and grow more readily in hostile environments. It's perfectly healthy; approved and regulated by the FDA and the USDA. However, a certain sub-sect of the American public, untrusting of government regulatory agencies and spoiled by the sheer number of food options available to the average American, have taken to blaming modified food for every ailment they can think of. While they sip their Wheat-grass smoothies and chew their Spelt bread, they accuse the government of covering up a vast conspiracy and convince starving African nations that the food that could save hundreds of millions is poisoned. Taking for granted what they have is bad enough, but what they're doing is beyond despicable.

I think we could try more, and in other places too, and it would be nice if we were even greater benefactors. But I doubt it would inspire any love for the US; indeed, I'd expect more bitings of the hand the feeds.

That may be. But doing it in the hopes of buying the love or loyalty of other nations would be doing it for the wrong reasons. It may be a thankless job, but it's still a job worth doing.

-Phil.

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