Why does the US spend more money on other countries then ourselves?

Question

I donno, but it is something I have noticed. Why is it that the US wants to send millions sometimes even billions to help rebuild other countries, send food to other countries, help them after natural disasters yet we still have so many poor and sick people in our country?

I mean I understand we are trying to up our Reputation for helping, but shouldn't we sorta help ourselves before trying to help others? Last time I checked and heard, our country was in debt like millions, yet we still send money to other countries. And sometimes they even ask for more then the US gives. And other times it really does nothing to help them at all!

So why do we keep doing this instead of trying to help ourselves before helping them?...

Answer 1

First, the basic fact is that we don't spend more money on other countries than we do ourselves. The total amount of the federal budget spent on foreign aid is less than 5%. More money goes abroad on interest payments on the national debt than on foreign aid. And only considering the federal budget ignores the large amount of government spending done by state and local governments (which, for the most part, do not give foreign aid).

Second, the national debt isnt like millions, its between 5 and 10 trillion (the exact amount depending upon whether you include money borrowed from the social security trust fund as part of the national debt or merely a transfer between different government accounts).

Third, as a percentage of national income, the U.S. spends less on foreign assistance than most other developed nations.

Fourth, most of foreign aid is not need-based but rather a mix of both civilian and military assistance to key allies in strategically vital locations. In short, we are buying the assistance of these countries (or assuring the survival of pro-American regimes in some cases) in protecting certain of our strategic interests abroad.

There is a lot that can be debated about the level of foreign assistance, how it is spent, and whether the benefits of that assistance outweigh the drain on our budget. Studies conducted on this issue, however, consistently show that most people who favor cutting foreign aid in the abstract actually support a "reduction" to a level that is two or three times higher than we actually spend on foreign aid. Most people also assume a distribution pattern that is entirely different than is actually the case.

Answer 2

Ideally because in order for the US to develop an economic relationship with a country. And what do the US government get in return?

Favorable market trade. It would be easier for the US market to come in to the foreign market supposedly to the country where the US government offered an aid. Products from the US is welcomed without much hindrance. So in turn, products coming from the US is being favored by the recipient country. Tariff rates is being cut down (even removed) to products being exported by US as a gesture of "gratitude" by the recipient country. Ultimately, there would be an increase in products being exported to other countries. Thus, making the US among the leaders when it comes to export trading.

In other words, I think that the government gets something in return "economically" for all the aids being given to other countries.

Answer 3

You asked a valid question, I'll give you a valid answer (devoid of partisanship). Short and Simple. The U.S. gives aid to other countries to help them achieve or maintain stability. Stable countries are able to buy goods and services. Aid is given to other countries in the hope of gaining influence to further wishes be they political, financial, or both. Wishes are not always met and the mutual "scratch of the back" isn't always received, however, the "help" has most definitely stabilized our world. Also, the U.S. is by no means the only country that gives financial aid to others... and, of course, is not the only country that is struggling.

Answer 4

They are buying political influence, or securing access to natural resources such as oil. All wealthy nations do it and the US and UK are the worst. Katrina is a good example, look how slowly restoration in New Orleans is proceeding, compared with the money poured into Iraq

We are perpetually being told how wealthy we are and I cannot understand why it doesn't feel like it.

Answer 5

Ok well i believe that we spend alot of money on other countries becuase we want to maintain a good country that cares about others in the world but we also want to help people in need around the world.

Answer 6

Because your big business gets even more billions back. Send food?? Help in disasters?? You send bombs

Answer 7

I don't know, but it needs to stop. We need to keep our tax payers money for ourselves instead of the hateful ferrets of the world.

Answer 8

Right and wrong are not about how much.

Do what is right, regardless of what it costs.

Doing anything else is morally reprehensible.

Choose your own name for your actions.