US Foreign Aid: Good or Bad ?

Of course. Now, if you think the custom is unique to the current administration, may I refer you to your own signature line?

Well, grown up in a deep catholic part of the country and a in a religious family, I've learnt and was taught to love my neighbours as much as the own family.

Walter, I agree; however without having economic and political strength at home, our ability to help others will diminish. Our ability to help others depends on our ability to compete economically in the world markets, and that requires good education for our children with good health. The economic health of our country - as well as others - depends on our children's ability to continue to improve on technology. Without this competitive edge, our country is too small (with only five percent of the world population) to compete effectively.

roger, I believe it's well known around these parts how I feel about politicians, right or left. This has a lot to do with what difference there really is between the parties other than a lot of phony idealistic rhetoric. It's perceived that the right and left are on both ends of a tightrope pulling with all their strength back and forth when in reality they're standing around fondling one another.

The most actual data wfrom different countries worldwide, btw, are (as pdf-file) to be found here:
Data: Net Official Development Assistance 2003

A marvelous turn of phrase . . .

Thanks -- something you can actually feel?

(Because they are daily trying to fondle each and every one of us. Ahnold does not have the corner on the market on that one).

It's very true though. I remember reading about a conversation between politicians from opposing sides in this country. What it brought home was that despite their performance in public, they're all good friends. A bit like opposing lawyers having a drink together after the trial.

And congratulating themselves for once again bilking the public.

And they have their drink in a taxpayer subsidised bar where they pay a fraction of the price that we do-if anything at all.

$2.00 for a call drink.

It's bad enough that a pack of run-of-the-mill attorneys runs the country but also a pack of run-of-the-mill attorneys who are mostly tipsy.

"The worst foreign aid so far is our donation to Iraq: Over 600 Americans dead, and 150 billion and rising every day on both counts - in return for.......????????" cicerone imposter

I thnk you for saying it better than I could ever hope to say it.

The cost of imperialism is bottomless debt and endless death.

wilso wrote : "A bit like opposing lawyers having a drink together after the trial." ... yes i was witness to that a few years ago when i was a potential witness in a trial for the company i worked for - i was never called. my company lost and our lawyer made arrangements to meet the opposing lawyer "for drinks" later on. he then invited us to a fine quebec restaurant in old montreal for a late lunch - very relaxing - the finest food, wine, calvados ... when i asked him - no doubt under the influence - how he could so easily make an oppointment with the opposing lawyer, he replied : "well, i wouldn't have many people to talk to if i took courtcases, whether won or lost, personally ! " actually a good point, i think. when the bill arrived , i tried to pick it up; but he beat me to it and said : "sorry, my friend, got to add my administrative charges to it ." ... i still have to laugh when i think of it. hbg

Right -- I no more want an attorney who is operating at half-mast due to an indulgence in libation as I would want to fly with an airline pilot whose faculties are limited by a three martini lunch.

Actually, its less than $40 per American per year. And most of it is going to Israel, Pakistan and Egypt.

You're right. I meant to say year. Good spot.

i dont believe in giving money for free to countries that hate us.

A lot of money goes to India also... And where does the money go??? To a currupt government.