Congress Breaks Billion Dollar Promise

Several nonprofit organizations including World Vision and the ONE Campaign lobbied Congress in 2006 for a billion dollar assistance package to combat AIDS and other diseases. Congress failed to pass the item in December, and now the 110th Congress is signaling it is unwilling to commit the funds.

Should Congress Pay?
Many would argue that we need to fund social programs here to help America's poor, or that the money could be used to better secure our borders, or troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. True, the money is ours, and we do have our own needs. Congress works with a very limited budget, and while America literally could fund the End of World Poverty, it simply isn't a feasible reality considering the thousands of things that also need funding.

America's Reputation - The Government and The People
Regardless of all the reasons why we need to keep the billion dollars for ourselves, Congress should and must approve the extra spending. It should do so because it promised to, and because secular and Christian people alike believe it is the right thing to do. If human beings are the most important thing on this planet, and their health and well being is of importance to the rest of us, we should give the money. A very selfish reason would be that by giving such monies America's image is improved. Let's face it, our foreign policy needs all the help it can get to help rebuild an image of America as the benevolent super power. But, a billion dollars is only going to be a drop in the bucket. We need to do more humanitarian work around the globe.

Congress is not the Answer, but Does Play a Significant Role
World Vision and the ONE Campaign could just as easily get a billion dollars from Bill Gates or from pledges made all over Hollywood from some of the wealthiest people in America who lend their voices and music to the ONE Campaign. They certainly could get the publicity they need. Why are they asking Congress for the money? Because Congress promised it.

Foundations of American Values
America should be known for keeping its promises. Christians should be known for keeping their Commission to follow after the ministry of evangelism AND service to the whole world. Congress is the coercive force in America. It should not be the sole giver of funds to relief efforts. It creates the impression that the only way poor peoples of the earth are going to get money from Americans is to lobby their government to raise taxes and squeeze generosity out of the American people.

Religious Convictions
That is not the kind of image we want other nations to have of us. If Congress forces us to give 1 Billion dollars, we should match the funds ten fold. The Bill Gates, and Bono's of America, the soccer moms/dads, the college students of America should all give towards relief around the world. Whether postmodern in our beliefs or responding to Christ's death on the cross we ALL must help the poor and needy of this world. Together as citizens we should tell Congress to keep its word - for no other reason than that Americans do not break our promises.

Help. Donate, now.
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