All this chatter about America First is of course isolationism. The people who believe in it just want America Only. The only priorities we should have – they seem to think – are priorities deemed important for America. Why should we be helping others around the world anyway? (Let’s leave out how we are treating our allies for purposes of this post).
Gutting USAID is the prime example. I am not particularly expert on the goings on at USAID but let’s assume that there are opportunities to make USAID more efficient or more effective or both. But taking a chainsaw to it? Feeding it to the wood chipper?
The first question seems to be “why should it be our job” to help the sick and poor in places like Africa. I submit that it’s about something that Nicholas Kristof call ‘soft power.’ We hold this place in the world and when we don’t, China takes it. China are already taking over our former role helping those in Cambodia who need it. I further submit that it’s our job because we can. I spend time working with non-profits, and encourage my kids to do the same, attempting to help others…because we can. We are lucky that we were born with some privilege and wherewithal. Does it mean that we must help others? Clearly there’s no rule about that, and many seem to think that it’s a waste of resources – both personal and as a country – that should be redirected back home.
I get the logic, and have some sympathy for those who don’t have as much as my family does, and watch the country helping kids with AIDS in Africa instead of helping more back home….but I don’t agree. It’s a big world and we are not just a part of it….we assumed a leadership role. If we are going to abrogate that leadership role then we will deserve the chaos that follows. I don’t see how these decisions will make America better (much less great).
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