This is the idea of David Shuster, of Hardball, who blogs on MSNBC. I doubt that very many of us read his blogs, but we all really should bookmark them--he's one of the few setting out the progressive/liberal view on pretty regular basis. He even tried to get Chris Matthews to pay more then lip service to what's been going on in Ohio.
His question today was why the US government didn't take the opportunity in SE Asia to set a really bold goal: a billion dollars in aid to the region.
The United States government is the wealthiest on the planet. At this time of worldwide horror and grief for the more than 60,000 people killed by the tsunami, and the millions of others who are now homeless, why not start with a billion dollar pledge? Compared to 35 million dollars, a billion would generate worldwide headlines and amazement... and it would immediately give people across this earth a reason to be thankful for the United States. And given recent polls showing that hatred for the U.S. is at an all-time high, we could certainly use a better image.
I can hear some of you complaining about American "priorities." Hmmmm. Let's look at our "priorities." Last year, Congress appropriated the following:
$3 million for "shrimp aquaculture research." (Since 1985, this program has received 61 million dollars.)
$3 million for the Utah Public Lands "Artifcact Preservation" program.
$50 million for an "indoor rainforest project" in Iowa. Yes Iowa.
Check out David's entire blog here:Hardblogger
And send him some emails to let him know that we appreciate him. Like I've said before, he's responded to every email I've ever sent him.