mindwanderings

The controversy on foreign aid reminds me of Oprah’s endeavors (and success!) in opening up an all girl’s private school in South Africa. An inquiry arose as to why she went abroad and not start a school in the U.S. She replied that she has, for so many years, tried to improve inner-cities schools but the outcome of success has failed each time. She has worked with the children of America and encourages them to see that education is the way to a better life. I get the impression that Oprah was discouraged by the lack of motivation and success in the states, that perhaps if she went abroad, the results would be different.

I think that one should look to home before fixing another problem. I believe how well a country takes care of its citizens reflect the moral and ethic values practiced. If one country forsakes or neglects its people, what gives others the idea that other countries in need will be aided?

What if other countries solely depend on us for foreign aid? How can they recognize their problems and find a way to fix it if we keep supplying the tools and means for their survival? What if the dependence were to be cut off? If worst comes to worse, people will do everything they can to survive. For example, if one area is not fit to grow produce, one should relocate elsewhere. Not everyone will have the means to transport themselves to a different location, but maybe that is where we can help. We can supply a transportation system for families in order for them to build a new life where the land is abundant and there is a good chance of farming. Organizations such as World Vision supplies families in third world countries food and clean water, but it is inevitable that it will eventually run out. If we can help third world countries to live independently and teach them new irrigation systems, for example, that helps them in the long term. There is a quote: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Regarding morality, it is said that it is a moral thing to help others if we are able to do so. I think that we should help others as best and as much as we can, and it doesn’t have to necessarily mean sacrificing too much.

Though this is the reason why Oprah took her efforts elsewhere, there is no excuse as to why citizens of this country aren’t taken care of.