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H.R. 1302, The Global Poverty Act of 2007 (210 comments ↓ | 4 wiki edits)
H.R. 1302 would require the President to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the United States foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1 per day.
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Visitor Comments
Josh
This legislation is critical. Africa is the second most populous continent, but they only accound for 2% of the world's trade.
Every day thousands die, and millions live on less than a dollar a day.
Harper
This only makes sense. If we are helping other people have a chance to learn and work so they can get out of poverty, the image of the US will be improved and we will have more allies. Apart from the fact that it's the moral thing to do, it's also the smart thing to do.
Sammi
USA made this promise with 188 other nations to achieve the MDGs by 2015. Goals for voiceless, good people that if any of these atrocities took place in any developed country, the media and law of the land would be there promptly for them and this global problem would be fixed.
It is imperative America follows thru on our obligation. But without it becoming law we see that even with the best of intentions reasonable benchmarks to date are pathetic. We are within days of the halfway point since 2000 and embarrassingly far behind.
This bipartisan resolution would be a major step in moving this issue to it's rightful place of the many priorities of each year's fiscal budget. a preemptive homeland security move . . . our children will answer to their children whether we kept our word or not. we live in precarious times watching our borders, yet obscenely comfortable times here in the west . . . it's a matter of responsibly relegating our excess to become their substance.
Kathy L.
Bravo! Finally legislation that can really benefit mankind. This bill is crucial to regaining our focus on achieving the MDGs, as well as our great promises from the '05 G8. It is UNACCEPTABLE to break such promises to people, many of which are children, living in extreme poverty. We are falling short as it is. And know this, our representatives in DC will not follow through on this unless we continue to keep our bells clanging about it. It has to be our responsibility. It is too important to fall asleep at the wheel.
Josh
Kathy, I agree that this is about worldwide moral leadership, and making and keeping friends throughout the developing world.
Africans seem to like America more than almost anyone in the world. You can't buy love, but you can lose it.
Bruce
Why not world peace and healthy babies? This has all the appearances of another way for the U.S. to stick its nose in everybody else’s business. This is why we are soo popular world wide. World poverty is not the business of the U.S. government, U.S. poverty is. A small government is an efficient government (well as efficient as governments get). Big governments are are expensive and intrusive.
I just love the way Congress wants to pass a law requiring the president to do something (or develop a strategy). Why doesn't Congress (specifically the authors & sponsors of this bill) just do it?
Debbie K
I would like to voice my support for the Global Poverty Act of 2007.
It provides an integrated approach to the elimination of extreme poverty in our world and firmly sets the USA on a clear path to achieve that end.
I feel that the best way for our country to ensure our future free of terorism is to DO MORE to end extreme poverty in the world.
So please know that this is ONE American who supports this bill and who strongly urges my Congressman (McCaul) to vote for its passage in the House and for my Senators (Hutchison, Cornyn) to vote for it when it reaches the Senate.
The achievement of the Millenium Development Goals (which the U.S. government officially supports) is the best way to secure a safer, more prosperous world for all.
Thank you for allowing me to voice my viewpoints on this important legislation.
Best Wishes and Kind Regards, dk:)
Mary
It no longer makes sense to think in terms of "our own country." Like it or not, it is a global world and our actions, decisions and policies affect others. It is time that we looked at our neighbors in other countries as fellow human beings. We do much that is to their detriment and it is time to take responsibility for our actions.
James
Until the governments of the various really poor countries take an interest in their own people's welfare, such legislation can't work. Until people rise up and put a government in place that will help them rise above poverty, such legislation can't work. Africa's poverty is caused more by the governments in place in the countries there than by any other factor. U.S. legislation doesn't make poverty go away in other countries and it's nonsensical, feel-good thinking to believe that it does. Government and economic structures specifically designed to maximize the people's potential to succeed politically and economically reduce poverty. This is another example of a bill which tries to score points with American voters, but has no practical effect. On top of all that, a bill telling the President what to do in regards to foreign policy treads on separation of powers and the President can, in my opinion, ignore it for that reason.
someone smarter than james
James, unfortunately you are blind. Take a trip to an extreme poverty stricken area in Africa for a week and see if you can then open your eyes. Or maybe you feel better about yourself putting down actions by others who are trying to do good for people dying from horrendous and unjust acts. Maybe we can all just tell ourselves we have no responsibility. Maybe we live on this big island called the US and A and anywhere outside our borders might as well not exist. Hey why not, atleast we are lucky to be born here. If you were born in Sudan, what would you do? Revolt by yourself to your corrupt government? Then what?
someone smarter than james needs to be more aware
YOU WANT TO END WORLD POVERTY BECOME AN INFORMED CONSUMER JACKASS. Your shoes that t shirt those pants that computer your using for all you know was made by someone making a dollar a day. If you really care about poverty donate money. The government will do what is best for them whereas you can choose to do what is best for someone else.
Dave
I'm tired of footing the bill for the rest of the world. Why do we always have to take care of the rest of the world?
Jeff
I have an idea - how about the introduction of freedom, liberty and capitalism in these countries instead of placing yet another tax on the citizens of the United States. I guess that it just too difficult of a concept for these imbeciles in government to comprehend and especially the liberals.
MacGhil
This country is going bankrupt.
The Democrats (like liberal GWB) will expand the welfare state even further with Socialized Medicine.
And here they are, calling on us to feed the world with yet another corrupt bureaucracy that will suck up all the funds for itself rather than getting it to the people who really need it.
Read this, do-gooders:
"For God's Sake, Please Stop the Aid!"
The Kenyan economics expert James Shikwati, 35, says that aid to Africa does more harm than good. The avid proponent of globalization spoke with SPIEGEL about the disastrous effects of Western development policy in Africa, corrupt rulers, and the tendency to overstate the AIDS problem.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,363663,00.html
If people want to really help, donate to Heifer.org or Kiva.org.
US politicians really needs to stop infantilizing Americans, and the world. They are creating monsters of never-ending needs.
frederick
Ah yes , a refresher on the "white man's burden"
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day , teach a man to fish and provide him for a lifetime"
We need to teach Africa to provide for their people. Providing hand outs only keeps their people subservient to europeans.
WAKE UP AMERICA!
Every dollar spent by our govt. to combat poverty in other countries is part of a broader agenda. To bankrupt america.
Laura
I'm not sure how turning over 0.7% of the US GNP to the Corrupt UN will help world poverty. Our dollers will just go into the pockets of the corrupt and well-connected. This bill is just so sadly naive.
Barack Obama
Obama wrote the bill, he intends to lead us on the path of Stalin, only on a global level.
Pete
If this bill isn't a bunch of camel dung, I don't know what is. It is bad enough to turn our resources over to corrupt 3rd world leaders, but to turn it over to the UN to be administered is even worse!The UN is nothing more than a global bureaucracy that will take this .7% or 78 billion dollars and the money will never be used for it's intended purpose. Instead of extracting the money from the American people, let the people donate to private charities who would do significantly more good than the UN could ever achieve.
This is nonsense!
Mike
Are you proponants HIGH?!
We are not the the nurturer of Africa or the World. Take care of legal US Citizens. It is not for the VILLAGE to raise the child.
Teach your children right from wrong, to ask questions, to think and take action.
The US Government must bevcome much smaller in our lives. Protect the borders and the national interest period.
Mother nature doesn't give a damn about human kind.
If you don't have something, should the government be expected to give it to you??? NO
Get off your ass and work for it like our grandparents did.
Chris
We are looking at global socialism people. Why don't we all just throw our money in a giant pot and divide it equally between us all! I'm all for helping out those in need but I don't want the government telling me I have to. But you know, the welfare system works SOOO good here let's try it on a global level....PLEASE.
brian
If we are taxed here in the US, the money should be spent here on our problems. I don't want my money going toward some other country that doesn't care enough to take care of its own people.
Imagine 78 billion being spent here on education or research for more efficient energy sources.
Charles H.
Sound like world government to me. America First stop trying to police the world and saving every single country the world. America is bankrupt wake up people so no to world government.
Mark
My God, our "representatives" have no moral code. It is not charity, nor is it honorable to give that which has been taken by force from others. The federal government is not authorized to give money to foreign counties. If you want to help impoverished people, help the needy by giving through a private charity. Our representatives are easily corrupted in their quest for power. By approving this, you are encouraging criminal behavior by those who are entrusted with obeying the supreme law, the constitution. 7/10ths of 1% of GDP is an enormous amount, and it DOES NOT BELONG TO THE GOVERNMENT. Do not endorse stealing, it is WRONG by any measure.
Ann
Borack Obama, by introducing the senate version of this bill, confirms by his act, his contempt for the constitution to which he affirmed an oath, and contempt for the people from whom he intends to compel to work and slave for the benefit of corrupt 3rd world despots and dictators. This bill constitutes the act of evil in the cloak of virtue and altuism. He is not fit to lead, nor are any legislators sponsoring this garbage.
Big Country
If the government wants the US to help poverty in other nations, reduce our taxes to allow us to donate to charities that effectively work in third world nations to teach them to feed themselves, such as World Vision. We are not heartless in being against this bill, we just believe that when citizens have more of their own money, they are likely to do more good things with it.
Joe
We couldn't reduce poverty here in the US, with TRILLIONS of dollars poured into the welfare state since 1964. What the hell makes you think that we can reduce poverty on a global scale? Sorry, folks. We don't have the money to spend on this elitist UN-sponsored bullsh*t. The US dollar is already in the toilet, and now you support further reductions in the buying power of each household. You people are either: 1) Completely cluess or 2) In-the-know, evil bastards. I suspect most of you just don't know what you're supporting. Funding the UN with a direct tax, I can't think of anything more repulsive. By the time you clueless morons figure out you've been duped, it'll be too late.
Jim
Everyone FOR this here is an IDIOT. My Opinion. Someday you all are going to wake up and realize there IS NO LONGER a UNITED STATES of AMERICA. This is NOT the Governments JOB to make this a LAW. If you are FOR this law then get out YOUR check book and write a check for $2,800 for yourself, $2,800 for your partner, and $2,800 for EACH of your children and make it out to the United Nations. 7/10 of GDP divided by 300 million US Citizens is $2,800 EACH! And don't say, 'Well the RICH should give more'. PITCH IN AND WRITE **YOUR** CHECK! Because not even the "RICH" can afford to fund this!
Larry
Our own War on Poverty, that has gone on for 40 years, has not worked. This bill is naive and just plain stupid.
MR.PYMS
I AM A LITTLE OLDER THAN PERHAPS MOST OF YOU AND FOR SOME, YOUR ON THE RIGHT TRACK. ONE NEED LOOK AT THE TOTAL AMOUNT ALREADY GIVEN IN FOREIGN AID AND THEN ADD THIS BILL'S AMOUNT TO IT. I'M NOT SURE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE REALLY GOTTEN THE IDEA OF WHAT IS INVOLVED HERE. THIS JUST ADDS TO OTHER CONSIDERATIONS SUCH AS GLOBAL WARMING, WHICH IS STILL UP IN THE AIR (NO PUN INTENDED) AND HOW MUCH WE ARE WILLING TO SPEND ON THAT MONSTER. THE ONLY WAY TO DECIDE SOMETHING IS TO READ THE FINE PRINT AND FOLLOW THE MONEY TO BE MADE. MOST THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM.
Ralph
The 4 TRILLION the USA has spend in "the war on poverty" woorked so well lets turn over 0.7% of our GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT to the UN to repeat the great success...
WOW, that's not $70 billion but more like $87 billion ANNUALLY! The war on poverty, after fourty years $4 tillion, still maintains the same percentage of poor... Why? That is the percentage of people that make bad life decitions, drugs, alcohol, lazy, etc... or maybe just insane...
So let's try the same thing with the UN handling the money... nobody else remember the oil for food scandle?
What a steaming pile this is and just think, it's sponcered by a potental Presedent...
_______________________________
12,416,505,085,952 U.S. dollars
2005 World Bank; Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
eViL Conservative
" Sweet!!! Obama isn't even in office yet and he has already signed us up for massive spending and higher taxes! SuperCool! Boy, I am ecstatic to open the doors of my business and work everyday of the week so that now I can sponsor a whole bunch of Africans or Russians, etc., instead of a few American DEADBEAT government tit-suckers! Daddy may I have another?!?
Mike in SD
Aid to other people (regardless of where they live) should be a matter of charity given by individuals.
Stop taxing me. Stop spending money we don't have.
Mark
I am not paying a global tax for this scheme. I hope that others like me rise up and resist all efforts of a global tax for this or any UN scheme. The UN also has no say in how much taxes I pay.
The best way to reduce poverty in those countries is to implement governments that allow the people to be free. In short, like our system complete with a free media and laws that are enforced, etc.
For those of you who believe in paying to support others, go and and do it on your own dime.
Karl from Carolina
What's really scary is what else is in this crazy bill. The declaration commits nations to ban small arms and weapons, ratifying a series of treaties including the International Criminal Court treaty, the Kyoto protocol, the Convention on Biological Diversity...and more...much more...
Joan Canning
We cannot afford the burden of all of our many failed socialist entitlement programs now. The worst part about this bill besides the additional fleecing of Americans, is that the U.N. is handling the money. Oil for Food Scandal anyone? We are doomed if these liberals continue to run Congress. God forbid, they get the likes of Obama to sign off on all their destructive "programs". BOOT them out of Washington people. It's your future at stake.
Jeff
This bill is more idiocy. Just more "feel good" socialist legislation. I can't believe that anyone actually thinks that this is going to make a difference. All it will do is supply money to buy more weapons for the corrupt leaders of African nations. Then they can kill off the people it's intended to help!
Bob Wilson
Let OBamma and Clinton donate
their money to World Hunger instead of spending it on becoming president and controller of my money!!!!!!!!!!!!!See www.december212012.com and you could learn that by the end of the next presidential term we will see the world changed .....yes Obamma said changed...............changed to what ?????????????????????
Gregg
A question for the people who support this bill. The United States government has spent 4 trillion $$ over the last 43 years on the great society, trying to eliminate poverty the most prosperous countries on earth. According to the latest report card, we have as many poor people now as we did in 43 years ago. Now you want to give the same people the job of ending poverty around the world? Even in our own country, they haven't figured out the cause of poverty. After two generations, they haven't made any progress towards figuring it out; and are having no success. If they can't succeed on the scale of a single country. They can't possibly succeed taking on a hundred times the same workload. Normally before you're given more responsibility you have to succeed at the small responsibilities.
Scott in Boise, Idaho
Here we are again trying to solve someone else’s poverty problem by ADDING to the billions and billions we ALREADY give to countries around the world. Then to add insult to injury, we expect the UN to dictate to the U.S. government on HOW these funds will be disbursed. Can you say, “Oil for Food”? If Obama wants “change” so bad, why doesn’t he introduce a bill that would change the sadly predictable process of throwing good money after bad when it comes to sending poverty aid to Africa? In 2003 alone, the US spent more than $3.8B of YOUR tax dollars to directly fund UN foreign aid programs and agencies. It is estimated that well over 2/3 of this money went directly to corrupt dictators and UN officials. Besides, when the US economy completely collapses under the financial burdens we already pay, who will be left to help save these people? The Iranians? The Saudis? The Chinese? I seriously doubt it.
Gator Tim
A Cypress Hill song "INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE" comes to mind when I think about this friggin bill. There will be an absolute uprising for this crap.
Andrew
Why do I get the feeling the first few responses are contrived? All of them speak glowingly of global socialism.
If Obama wants to save the poor, he can start a charity. The Constitution does not give him the authority to take my money and give it to someone else. It's called theft.
Dave
Its time for us to take care of the people in this contry.Dont waist more of my tax dollars.
capecahdah
isn't this type of thing better served by churches, private investors/charities, and philantrophy? Our country is going broke!
NOCFR DANIEL
I'm happy to see most the later posts are against it. Its not a liberal vs conservative, etc. All the elite U.S. politicians have basically the same philosophy of promoting global government. They all come from the Council on Foreign relations (CFR) and have no regard for democracy, the U.S constition and the bill of rights. They want to use global warming as an excuse for a global tax. Educate yourself on the CFR, Trilateral commission and you may understand where this agenda is coming from.
June
Barack Obama is not in office yet even though most of the media has him ready to take the oath, and the "fun" is already starting. I think he's going to make GW and the peanut picker look like pikers!
Joel
It is not the job of the government to take the rewards of labor from its citizens and give it to other nations. The job of the government is to protect our rights and our property. An Obama presidency would be a nightmare of socialistic governing.
Jim Rice MO
This bill commits the United States to additional monies to the U.N. The same corrupt organization that brought you oil for food and back door dealings with Iraq, France, Germany, and Russia. The U.N. is a corrupt organization and the U.S. needs to evaluate our relationship within that organization. This bill also contains other commitments that would increase the cost of doing business in the states giving other countries an unfair advantage an causing more jobs to move outside the U.S. borders. Vote very carefully,if you want to aid impovershed people, then donate to a known charity. DO NOT TRUST THE U.N.
Keith R. Carroll
I find it ironic that we are going to trust the united nations with this task after all the proof of mis-handling of moneys such as projects like the "oil for food". Also one of the results of the war in Irac is the relief of poverty. Their life style has greatly improved in many areas.
Much of the poverty in the world is the result of ruthless leaders in their prospective countries. The only way to relieve the situation in many cases is to actually take control of these countries. The only way to do this is to remove the leaders, but that would require force. What is the difference in doing this than what we are doing in the Mid East?
alexander
ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT ARE FOR THIS FAKE BILL.1 cost 865 billion, as always the crooks will steal 90 to 95%.2 as always the dumb pol's of D.C.answer throw money at it and watch somebody steal it.
Joe
How do these idiots get elected? This is the most ludicrous thing I've heard in a while--vote 'em out.
Dave S.
Why don't all you bleeding heart liberals just kick in the money yourselves and leave me and my family out of it. If you feel the need to support people who don't move out of a desert when they stave then you feed them your dinner and I will use my monies to feed the American children here! Spend your own money if you have to and leave me alone!!!!!!!
brainskins
Another global Marxist wealth redistribution plan...great. America is not in the position to do this. We can't afford it at this point in time. We are stretched too thin as it is. I think we need to take a while getting things in line in this country before we decide to take care of everyone else. If you are for this bill then you are blind to the fact that our dollar is weak and our economy is crashing because of this very type of thing. In the end we will owe China every bit of the 800 billion this monster will cost. If you are so worried about global poverty then donate to UNICEF. Leave me out of it. I will donate to the charities i think are worthy of my dollar.
ronpaultard
Why do all the liberals think it's ok to take from peter to pay paul. If they want these things to go away they need spread awareness and try to get donations and handle it themselves. This is not the role of a constitutional governemt. This would be the role of a Communist government. By the way...the modern day Communist party is now the Progressive party !
Doris A
Once again we are going to have to e-mail, write, call do whatever we can to stop this insanity in washington. I want to see and hear the Presidential candidates answer as to how this stupid bill got into the House and senate in the first place, where are all those great investigative reporters? Wake up America, we are being raped!
GLEN
THIS IS TOO EXPENSIVE. THE U.S CANNOT AFFORD THIS...
John
In terms of the ban on small arms part of the UN's Millenium Development Goal, this would be an infringement on the second amendment by a global organization. The UN regulation would in fact trump our own constitution which is only the first step toward losing our national sovereignty. We already "give" too much power to our government - now our government is going to give it to a super-national authority?
Bob
Obama is a communist if he takes from someone whom has earned and just gives it away to someone whom hasn't.
But, if he just understands the World Bank and the IMF, etc., whats the point, dude?
Has he ever been selected to represent anything for our country, outside our country as envoy or diplomat in any important political or economic affairs?
Gene W.Florida
I still insist that Obama is a muslim.He is in the act of destroying our country from within.This bill would cost us approx. 850 Billion dollars.Which would totally ruin our economy.He wants us out of Iraq which would let the Iranians take over that country.Now he wants to spend three times as much on foreign countries.My God don't let this man become president.He introduced this bill in the senate.This bill has passed.I say impeach any elected official that voted on behalf of this bill.
God Bless America
warner
from the bill...
(4) On March 22, 2002, President George W. Bush stated: `We fight against poverty because hope is an answer to terror. We fight against poverty because opportunity is a fundamental right to human dignity. We fight against poverty because faith requires it and conscience demands it. We fight against poverty with a growing conviction that major progress is within our reach.'.
(5) The 2002 National Security Strategy of the United States notes: `[A] world where some live in comfort and plenty, while half of the human race lives on less than $2 per day, is neither just nor stable. Including all of the world's poor in an expanding circle of development and opportunity is a moral imperative and one of the top priorities of United States international policy.'.
from the bill... (4) On March 22, 2002, President Georg
and further...
(6) The 2006 National Security Strategy of the United States notes: `America's national interests and moral values drive us in the same direction: to assist the world's poor citizens and least developed nations and help integrate them into the global economy.'.
(7) The bipartisan Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States recommends: `A comprehensive United States strategy to counter terrorism should include economic policies that encourage development, more open societies, and opportunities for people to improve the lives of their families and enhance prospects for their children.'.
bcris
Where is the outcry over this world tax coming to a theater near you. Yes our elected officials (Barack Obama included) agreed to fund this latest attempt by the UN to tax United States citizens and pass this money around to third world countries. (Or should I say third world dictators?) This tax is point 7 percent (.7% )of our gross domestic product. This amounts to $845 billion dollars or over $2,800.00 for each man, woman and child in the United States. This act will turn our already bloated foreign aid into a giant global welfare system.
The global Poverty Act has passed the house and now Senator Biden is trying to rush it through his Senate committee and if it passes the Senate we'll all have to hold on to our wallets.
Our progressive elected officials are out of control. They can't spend our money fast enough. Let's show them the door!
Chris B
Am I the only one that remembers that this is the same UN housing a leadership that was recently caught buying young girls from the North Congo as sex slaves?
Be careful where you turn for solutions.
JT
This bill is nobel but costs WAY TOO MUCH MONEY... Anyone with a sensible mind realizes $852 Billion is a ridiculous amount of money and it could be used to help secure our borders, strengthen the fight on terrorism, aid poverty in the US. By the way, there are radical fundamentalists who still want to harm and take us out. Think about it. It's not that I don't want to help others who are less fortunate. I just see it as a financial blunder to allocate that much cash outside of the US for any reason.
My 2 Cents
DOCK
Elected Officials should read their Constitition.The Government Poverty Act is Socialist and Communist and an agenda of the UN.GET US OUT OF THE UN. America is broke.Vote these socialist out. Send them there to the poor dictators countries to do good and see if they can convince the Despots to reduce their poverty themselves.
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!
Ariel
What I have seen of the aid going to underdeveloped countries shows up in the warchest of despots. Years of transferring funds to these countries have lead to bloodshed between the factions. Pouring more money into their region will only exacerbate the violence. We will be creating a demand for additional violence. Money isn't the answer....
.308
The country is run by nitwits and a**holes. The poverty of other nations is not our problem. We have our own problems to deal with. Health Care, Mexicans, Homeless Vets, Iraq, Economy, Social Security, Unemployment, Jobs going overseas...to name just a few. I have to go now...I am ordering Rosetta Stone How to Speak Chinese so I can communicate with our future owners.
Roguewave
At the same time the Utopians demand we shove money down a rathole, they also demand we deprive the intended poor of the one thing they require more of to bring them out of poverty - cheap energy. Go figure.
Karl
This idea is wonderful and a very noble thought, but be realistic. All it means, is a new reason for hard working Americans to be taxed, and maybe some of the money will end up in the Swiss Bankaccounts of the rulers of the Nations that are purported to need the help.
Mary
HR 1302 (OBAMA/LUGER) will enact a global tax paid to the U.N. $225-400 BILL PER YEAR is what this would cost JUST THE U.S. The govmnt doesn't generate one penny on it's own - they'll have to raise TAXES. This legislation will force the US to ratify the Kyoto Treaty - Hate the price of gas NOW? You'll REALLY ABHOR IT once they tack on all the new taxes. Try $10 per gal. 1302 would also force the US to ratify treaties such as the UN Convention On The Rights Of A Child -sounds like such a sweet thing to do. It would take parental authority away and allow children to SUE THEIR PARENTS for such infractions as telling them not to hang with criminals, trying to get them to dress modestly, and if they didn't want to go with you to church (@any age...) you can't make them go with you to church, which means you no longer have influence over their spiritual/moral upbringing should they choose to rebel. Get on the phone to your senators and tell them to VOTE NO on 1302 NOW!
GW and Obama
To all of you who think Bush has wasted billions of dollars in Iraq, Obama and anyone else who supports this bill will be pledging 840 Billion dollars of your money to the UN to send to Corrupt Warlords in Africa that will only perpetuate the problem. Anyone who thinks themselves charitable should first break out their own checkbook before requiring others to do so in their name, or else they do not believe in democracy.
Steve
While this is an admirable gesture, PEOPLE IN AMERICA NEED TO WAKE UP! This "piece" of legislation (I use that term loosely) will take .7% of our gross national product and give it to the United Nations. That's about $845 bllion over what is now spent on foreign aid.
People, this is insane! Where will this money come from? I'm sure it will be a combination of raising our taxes and borrowing more money from the Chinese. At the rate these government pinheads are going, we're just going to be able to pay the interest on what we owe the Chinese and then all these programs we can't pay for will go away.
Carri
We have been paying for poor people FOR YEARS. It never seems to get better. We have kids who go to school hungry in our own nation because the parents don't have enough money to feed their kids. Send the poor people overseas birth control and build infrastucture so they can finally learn to be self-sufficient.
Richard Giovannetti
This bill is a travisty. It is a hudge pro liberal, pro socialist bill that only places the United states under the control of the UN. Remember they (the un.)are very pro muslim, and very anti American and anti Isreal. This bill is actualy an 845 billion dollar tax above and beyond our already existine comitments to forien aid. It also forces us as the U.S to sign on to a host of other UN. bills that are totaly against our soverenty (the un. international court treaty) and our national security. Dealing with world poverty and aids, is important, but not to the sacrificing of our economy, and national secutity. Find a better way.
michelle
This is absurd. I LOVE Africa and would love to help an African family. HOWEVER, I do not want to be MANDATED to provide relief via a known corrupt system to corrupt governments. I've been to Africa many times, I feel certain how it would work - Americans would be working to line the pockets of many diabolic governments without ANY benefit to the Americans in need
someone
When is our government going to take care of our people rather than promising to feed the world? You better look at what the UN wants to do before committing to this bill.
someone
Just another 845 billion dollars.
Helloooooo.
Linda
I say no more debt. If we don't take care of ourselves first, we lose!
The national debt is up from $5.7 trillion when President Bush took office in January 2001 and it will top $10 trillion about the time he leaves in January 2009.
44% of our debt is held by foreign nations. What will we do if they call in the loans. Lets clean up our act.
call the white house 202 456 1111
William Ford
Ladies and gentlemen I am so fed up with our government -- i'm ready to explode -- i want everyone in office out -- clean house and start over --
Linda
CALL THE WHITE HOUSE
202 456 1111
CALL THE WHITE HOUSE
202 456 1111
CALL THE WHITE HOUSE
202 456 1111
Avery H. Mann
As Lou Dobbs pointed out on Feb 14th, 2008, this bill is not only unworthy of any consideration, but this bill also would disarm ALL peoples of small arms used for their own protection. It also would sign on the U.S. to that idiot Kyoto treaty.
Terry
Government is force. It is the power to tax, to fine, to arrest and even to execute. It is not the proper way to get "nice things" done, even if they're the right thing to do.
I believe people SHOULD help the impoverished, and that we CAN and SHOULD help those in poorer countries. But I do NOT think it out to be done by law. Forcing people to do good things is not a good thing.
Taking money away from some to give to others is robbery, not charity.
Charity should be VOLUNTARY, not mandatory, by law.
Donna
Everyone that opposes this bill had better get in touch with their representatives and voice their opinion there. I have done so and have gotten a bunch of dribble back that will not even discuss the issue..I am sickened by this bill and have tried to tell everyone I know to educate themselves and make noise about their opposition, and will continue to do so.
Linda
AHM, What do you mean small arms?
I couldn't find any reference to them.
They are asking for an increase from 25 million to 50 million. Where did the 1st 25 mill go?
I mean in whose pocket did it go?
Robert
This is SUCH a horrible idea. We are not responsible for the world people. When will you realize that? We are already in debt over our heads but we want to spend $1.4 billion to protect mexico's boarders and then $804 billion over the next 13years to pay wages to people in other countries? Wake up folks.
Robert
Yes, this bill would prevent ALL people from owning small arms as well. My god, wake UP!!!
SMALL GOV
We post messages here like the ordinary citizens opinion really matters. It is obvious that the U.S. government no longer represents the American people. The brainwashing government media has successfully brainwashed most of us using divide and conquer thinking. If we keep worrying about democrat vs republican, liberal vs conservative, Obama vs Clinton, races, religions, economic classes.... we will never unite against the true enemy: the global elitists that took over every important position in the U.S government.
BigMo
Proponents of this bill should find a reality pill. Some of your comments are laughable. First of all, if we're going to feed the world, then let's include some birth control pills with it. How about including some measures to stop the spread of AIDS? The proponents must also support the war in Iraq, because if we try feeding the world we're going to be responsible for their safety. More Africans are being murdered by Islamic regimes than those starving. Do any of you know how much money America is spending on these countries now? Oh, of course... throwing money at a problem will solve it. Typical response from a politician. Obama may well be the world's newest socialist. Let's not turn our backs on starving people, but let's use some common sense, something not recently found in the D.C. beltway.
deBeer
Are some of you serious? This bill is actually the stealing of nearly ONE TRILLION DOLLARS over 13 years if enacted, from the US taxpayer..on top of all the foreign aise we give. Add in the OVER 1 MILLION LEGAL immigrants we allow in each year (plus millions of illegal's) and some of you think we are not doing enough for the world? LOL What a joke. There are plenty of people here that need the help before we bankrupt us trying to do the impossible. But of course that is the plan behind the puppet masters pulling the socialists strings. They cannot destroy the US from the outside, so they are trying from the inside. IT WILL NOT WORK!
Justin
The passage of this Bill could set off a violent revolution in America. It requires us to ratify a UN treaty that bans all small arms and light weapons in the US. This VIOLATES our 2nd Amendment rights. It is Perjury to take an oath to defend the Constitution and then sponsor such legislation.
Jay Evans
This bill tears at the sovereignty of this Nation. It does so much more than jst aim at poverty. It takes precedence over the 2nd amendment and requires us to spend over 800 billion a year on foreign aid. Support of the Kyoto agreement is also required. This is leading to one-worls government. Americans had better wake up, get involved before the left gives away our country.
George
This bill can NOT pass. It is an attempt to take even more money than the IRS. People, wake up and STOP this legislation!
Reagan Lives
If you believe that this bill will actually do what it promises- you should perhaps review the history of the UN's success in eliminating global poverty. The aid given to many African nations is flagrantly abused by their own leaders. Not to mention the extraordinary tax obligation it places on our nation. All at a time when the Democrats admit that giving back our own tax money is what we need. Obama, who is sponsoring this bill, panders on the campaign trail to the misinformed and the underprivileged promising government will fix all of their problems (as if it could). How in the world is he going to start at that if we spend our money like a 16 year old girl with her daddy's credit card?
Aiding other nations is a noble cause- but history proves that throwing money we don't have at them does NO good. The most effective change in these countries happens not from foreign governments but private enterprise and fundamental liberty in their own governing bodies.
MArk
Since the UN did such a good job with the Oil for Food program let's let them give most of this money to their children instead of Africa also.
Paul
Where is the Supreme Court in all this. Where is giving away our sovereignty to an international body anywhere in the Constitution. It is not. If this passes, congress and the president should be sued for for violating the laws of our land.
Bob
Are you kidding me? Our government isn't even taking care of it's own citizens (e.g. unemployement insurance, social security) and you want to dump $845 billion on the rest of the world? The passage of this legistlation is great timing too, given that we just entered a recession. As regrettable as coniditions are in some countries, the US simply can't afford to buy the rest of the world out of poverty. Not to mention it doesn't work anyways.
BigMo
The root of this problem is OBAMA !
This man is the biggest liberal, the wildest socialist that you can find to be our president. I can't wait to hear him talk his way out of this bill. Incidentally, he keeps talking about "change" --- is this bill the sort of change he envisions for America?
.308
I would like to see Ron Paul as the next president. I don't agree with everything he is about 100% but I do agree with his views on government spending, taxes, and getting us back to following the constitution. He doesn't get much coverage on TV I think because he isn't as entertaining as the other clowns and he does have common sense.
Jeff Lakes
I too want to see our country's image improved globally but not by giving funds to the UN. Lets do it in our own name or not at all. This Global Poverty Act is not a solution but huge mistake.
I dont want to be like the rest of the world I want to remain the strong super power. Travel to China or Russia one time and you will realize that we do not want to be like them. This act is a step toward socialism. If you really care about our freedom read the bill closely and then call your senator and representative and tell them to vote against this bill.
.308
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9KVTfcAyYGg
It is entertaining but very true.
Lorraine D.
I have only read a few of the comments, and I am convinced more than ever that the brainwashing of American students is working. The young people of today are more willing to embrace socialism and globalism. It saddens me to see how naive so many of the upcoming generation are. Their support of this bill only unveils their ignorance. It is not that conservatives are not compassionate. The poverty around much of the world is terrible. However, bankrupting America won't solve the problem. We are the largest contributors in the world to foreign aid. We are only able to do so because our capitalist system creates enough wealth to do so. If we travel further down the road to socialism, we will be no good to anyone.
lydia
I agree Lorraine,
I have read that the UN will handle the funds and as we know if funds disappear no one at the UN is held accountable. By the way this is costing the U.S tax payers 185 BILLION DOLLARS on top of what we already give.
Parker
Ending poverty is good, BUT I'M NOT PAYING THE BILL. Also NEVER TRUST THE UNITED NATIONS. IT'S CORRUPT
Pearl
While I am in sympathy with those in need, I am tired of footing the bill for the rest of the world. If we really want to help the impoverished, teach them to not have so many children! We see pictures of mothers holding babies with two or three other children clinging to their skirt. When will everyone wake up and realize there is a direct relationship -- IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO FEED YOUR KIDS, DON'T HAVE THEM! In addition, the money being thrown at the poverty stricken nations never seems to make it past the big shots to feed the people really in need or to make their lives better. Charity starts at home -- how many do we have here in the U.S. living at poverty levels?
Emeka
I like the deal. But the problen is that the $800 BILLION will paid to the United Nations.
*Ahem* Food for Oil Program.
I am against anything that has to do with the UN.
.308
moron (more on)Global Povert Act.
This was on the Glenn Beck Show a few days ago...if anyone missed it.
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/5976/
Gary D
Most people, I am looking at you lying right-wing media clowns, are lying their teeth off about this bill. The bill simply says the U.S. will try to increase its aid to Africa by $25 billion a year. That's it. Prez. Bush pushed this bill and is promoting it in Africa now.
http://elemming2.blogspot.com/
Michael
The USA has long made massive relief donations to third-world countries through private Christian aid organizations. The end result? Since 1960, the world population has increased from 3 billion to 6.5 billion people. This increase has come almost exclusively from third-world countries. They are poor because of corrupt governments and disfunctional cultures. Our reward for our charity and our low birth rates is that third world people are flooding into Europe and North America and the results will be disasterous. If the money raised by this bill goes through the UN, expect much of it to into Swiss bank accounts of UN bureaucrats and third-world dictators and to Islamic terrorist groups.
Carl
I am opposed to this bill because the United States simply cannot afford it. The U.S. is getting close to 10 trillion dollars in debt. Up from 5.5 trillion when President Bush took office. It is time that the interest of the American People were put first. Total Government spending outside of the U.S, plus interest on the natioal debt, exceeds personal income taxes collected by our Government. To quote Govenor Bloomberg (NY Govenor) "The economy of the U.S closely resembles that of a third world country". We are the ones that need foreing aid. The Government is borrowing money from foreign countries (eg: China, Japan, ect;) to finance our debt.
Bob P.
Before you pass this bill one should read the UN Millenium Decree. It destroys United States sovereignity and places us under UN rule. In the 60 year history of the United Nations, they have either stood by and watched or participated in the killing of well over 100 million people, mainly by GENOCIDE !!! I think we can do without this one.
Marita
We intend to filter money through the U.N. to accomplish something? What are the U.N.'s accomplishment in the world thus far? 1.....2.....????? Haven't seen any in years. If we want to flush our hard earned dollars down the proverbial toilet, send them to the U.N. By the time hands are greased and the bureaucrats get their share, the poor receive nothing. I say to sponsor mission projects (buy a cow, loans for women in small business, buy a net, dig a well), they have proven accomplishments and the money gets to the people who need it.
Ann in Florida
What right does our government have to FORCE our taxpaying citizens to send money to support other countries? This is global welfare! If our politicians want to help, why don't they encourage citizens to VOLUNTARILY DONATE to one or more recognized charities that are working in these impoverished nations? The GOVERNMENT has no right to give away my hard-earned money without my consent, and they are partially depriving me of the emotional reward of donating my own money privately to where I feel the money is most needed and can do the most good.
deBeer
Gary D The deceiver here is you. Global does not mean Africa. .7% of budget is not "only" 25 Billion... Only in the USA can a liberal claim 25 BILLION of taxpayers money is "only" Read before you comment.....Unreal
BTW I am afraid B Hussein Obama is a deceiver like you....
stacey
My hasband works & I go to school; we barely make ends meet for our family-let me decide where my money goes. We volunteer and contribute to our society, it is proven that people are more willing to give when not forced!
Dan
Sorry for all the people in Africam, but they are not the problem of the United States. We have people dying right here in the United States from poverty and you want to send your money to somebody in Africa ? Here's an idea if you feel that strongly about this, buy a one way ticket to Africa and hand deliver your money, not mine.
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe
Yes! Send us the money...I will make sure the poor will get it ASAP.
Omar al-Bashir, Sudan
I'm with Robert.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Equatorial Guinea
me too
This Is Totally Crazy!
This is totally crazy & ludicrous! Here we have our own country, going bankrupt, printing more money just to stay afloat ourselves and we want to disburse nearly a trillion dollars to third-world countries. This is insane!
Should Obama, the writer of this bill, or Clinton become our next prez, you can say 'Good bye" to the USA and hello to a One World Government. Let's get the HELL out of the UN!
.308
All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.By Adolf Hitler.
Obama Bin Laden (not a typo) is doing a great job with his propaganda machine. People are fainting when he talks you know!
Betsy Thiede
I am all for NOT giving our money to the UN or anyone else who wants it.
I amm wondering exactly where the 854 billion estimate is coming from.
I read the bill, and I don't see exactly where it states what the US gov will be committing to.
I need to know so I can respond to people who say... "this is just some neoconservative scare tactic, it doesn't say that in the bill".
I want to be able to have my facts straight..
thanks in advance for your help.
A concerned citizen
Let's take care of poverty in this country first and then balance our budget --then we can consider this type of charity.
jm
this is the first step at chipping away at our soverignty and passing onto the UN.
Michelle
Doesn't most foreign aid end up in the wrong hands such as warlords? Why should we increase the amount we're spending when what we give now isn't spent right? One more way to put our nation's sovereignty into the hands of the UN. This is a horrible bill! I hope it dies.
Kathi
This is illegal, and trying to be pushed thru secretly. Most of the American people aren't aware of it, I oppose it fiercely. Let me contribute to the causes I choose, where is democracy?
Vincent
Even while meaning to do good this Bill is enormously destructive. You cannot forcefully steal from one group of people and give to another. A force of good must never attain their ends by theft, or violence. Once the world learns this it will be peaceful. Globalization by legislation or war is death to us as a group and death of the individual. Do not be lured into doing this or you will sell your soul. Evil always wears the costume of good.
Paul Beals
How do I find out if my congressional representative has voted for this bill? Daniel Lipinski is my rep.
Charles
We can't even end poverty in the US or rebulild New Orleans. Where is the money supposed to come from? Recall them all.
Betsy Thiede
This bill alone, should be enough evidence to show that Obama cannot be our president. He is a socialist.
Kevin Pixley
The bill does more than donate money the UN which we need to withdraw. It also commits US Citizens to International law and disarms legal citizens which will increase crime. I citizen of America and not a citizens of the UN's one world government. I agree that it is an attempt to furthure bankrupt the country and lower the living standard of the American People.
Karen B.
The majority of Americans claim that they are Christians? How could any real Christian be against this bill? Amazing hypocrisy seems to define those so-called Christians.
Debbie from PA
I'll bet that almost all of the people that are for is tax is against WAR. Every country has a government of some sort. Some are democratic and some are dictators. Would it be ok for the countries that are poor and run by a dictators to have their share of this tax stolen from them? WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!! IF THE OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM DIDN'T WORK WHY WOULD THIS????
BTW I'm a christian and I believe in the death penalty, but I'm pro life.
Mike
The way I read this bill, it calls for the President to come up with a plan with goals and follow up reports. Okay. Is that it?
Some are saying this comes with an obligation to give the UN 0.7% of GNP.... where is that?
Mike
Karen B.
I am a Christian. As such, I want to help poor people in Africa. But the way I want to do that is by giving my money directly, to the level I'm spiritually comfortable giving.
I don't want the government deciding to do that on my behalf. See the difference?
Betsy Thiede
@Mike..
Me too, I'm trying to find out wher the .7% came from..
jake
This is a disaster for what is left of our country. will we even recognize the usa when obama and his crowd take over? America had better wake up soon or it is curtins for us. who do you think is going to pay for this? get ready to enter into 3rd world status folks!
Dixie Dawg
This country is already in trouble financially. People are losing their jobs and homes by the thousands, thanks to some of the antics of the Clinton Administration. Can anyone say NAFTA? And, our current president is not doing anything to help the situation. We ship most of our jobs to China, allow illegal immigrants to take our jobs and every year we get financially raped by the IRS. And now, we're supposed to contribute to the corrupt United Nations' programs. People - wake up! Our politicians are sending this country down the toilet.
David
The question here should be... What is poverty... just because people live sparsely off the land doesn't mean they are living in poverty. Were American Indians considered to be living in Poverty? NO... they were considered to be noble and living naturally off the land. Poverty is a relative thing. Of course there are extreme cases where war and lack of food and water have been detrimental but fixing those problems doesn't automatically mean we need to just throw money at the issue. Developed countries have some guilt attached to comparative advancement for some reason and they shouldn't. First we have to come to an understanding of what poverty means.
Discuss this further... www.copsandbloggers.com
LISA
We are in deep doo-doo! We have nobody running this year and this year it will make history! Whoever Wins !!!
Our choices: A crazy women or a non-American. With a name of Barack Obama, we are in serious trouble!
K.P.Butz
This is ridiculous. Just another reason for people to wake up and listen to Ron Paul..Your freedom depends on it.
LISA
Oh GREAT...just what I want to do, help all the non-American poor people while I work my tail off to just keep giving and giving to ungrateful people while my children don't even get 1/2 the stuff they get, eventhough us working people are paying for all there free crap that we dish out daily, weekly, and monthly! Believe me I see it come out of my check every week. I'd rather my money go to those who serve or have served for out freedom. Even our elderly people can't afford there medicines, so they do without. Someone please tell me how did this get so far out of hand? And I haven't heard one believealbe thing from Hiliary or Obama how things will get better. All I hear is lets dish out more FREE STUFF to the poor. While us working (middle) class pay for it all. I say "Enough is Enough!"
Richard
This is liberal garbage. If we just have to spend money in this way, how about we get everyone in the US out of poverty first? Charity should be private, not at the expense of the US government. Everyone whines about the African people... money to combat AIDS, money for food, etc... how about we control the population growth instead of artificially propping up a population that can not be sustained on its current lands? Population growth is typically exponential... this means the problem will only grow and grow. Oh, and if you want money to "combat" AIDS so you hippies can love yourselves for being good people, how about you send your beloved UN in to control the rampant rape in those countries, which spread the disease. We need a major policy shift! Wake up AMERICA!
mikki
I believe in it taking a village to raise a child, but lets take care of OUR village first before we try to fix someone else's.
Paul
RESEARCH THE CFR
Obama, Clinton, Edwards, Giuliani, Romney, McCain, Huckabee are all CFR members. No matter who gets elected we're stuck with the CFR. They'll push for one world government and the North American Union. Search for Creating a North American Community at cfr .org
Paul
Clarence
I just don't like the idea of putting our countries tax dollars into the hands of the United Nations which is run by communists and dictators. Donate money indivdually to organizations you trust, don't force us to hand out our tax dollars to an organization that has proven itself to be deeply involved in corruption. (I think the same can be said for our own government!)
Su100TD
What Africa needs is a big dose of Capitalism, not socialism. Look at every inner city in USA and you see socicalism run amuk. Socialism encourages lazziness, dictitorial regimes and corrupt markets. Finnally, only Africa can fix itself....
Bob
Taking another person's money to promote your own good causes is not charity and is actually immoral. This legislation is an affront to liberty and freedom, because it enslaves me to the government's causes thru my money and time. I would then have less money to give to my own causes as an individual, and I do give. If you believe in this so strongly, send in your own check. Anything less is hypocrisy.
Money to burn...
If the United States has money to burn in 3rd world countries, so be it. However, before sending 8 billion "extra" dollars anywhere, I would like to know that EVERY American WITHOUT health insurance, is provided with an affordable health insurance policy. Every American WITHOUT proper nourishment is provided with proper food. That ought to take, oh, about 8 billion dollars or more. BOTTOM line....how can Americans be leaders in the fight for global poverty when we do not lead by example and take care of our own?!?!?!?!?
Carol Ann
The American people are the most generous and giving on every scale all over the world. That being said, our Federal government (who, by the way is ELECTED to protect and serve OUR country) should never engage in the business of charity! They have enough trouble managing that which they were elected to do. Charity should always be an individual choice ~ not a government dictate!
Craig
the g.p.a. is a vary bad idea about as bad as goverment ran heath care we are free people. freedom came at a price of my grandfather, my father and many others. we have our own responsablity to be consern with not other nations im not a racist or narrow minded just feel if people cant feed there oun famlys why are we feeding others. the other thing i have a problem with is it takes a village crap I have 3 kids my self me and my wife both work make about 51 thou a year not much but i will never ask anyone for help ill do it my self. No body will tell me how to raise my kids with out a fight and peaple that wont other peaple to raise ther kids well thats what got us in the shape we are in by the way hitler belived in it takes a village
Amanda
I am very interested in promoting global economic justice and I support this bill. There are many countries that are trapped in a cycle of extreme poverty and they need outside assistance to help stabilize their country. The Millenium Development Goals are a specific and well-thought out strategy that would help accomplish this. And besides the US has already agreed to these goals and to committing 0.7% of the GNP to official development assistance (ODA). This was decided in 2000 and in 2007 the US still hasn't followed through with their commitment. I feel this bill will help honor their pledge. If you don't support this bill for reasons of morality, then it is also a strong move for international relations and combating terrorism. To find out more about the positive aspects of this bill, please read the book "The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time" by Jeffrey D. Sachs. Please support this bill and take a stand for human rights!
JOHN T
If you are really serious about doing something positive about what is taking place in this country. Then we need to vote for a president who has a 100% pure voting record. He has not voted for any bill or treaty that is unconstitutional. He is running for President under the Republican Party. To learn more about him go to
www.house.gov/paul/bio.shtml Ron Paul. He is running for President under the republican party.He is against all foreign aid. If you like what you read about him and what he stands for share his web site with your family and friends.
Larry Buntin
The poverty that exist in many African nations has been created by their governments. Most of them have sufficient resources to maintain a good standard of living. Our dollars will not change anything, except removing dollars from our wallets.
Carol D
ANYONE going to answer the SMALL ARMS question? WHERE does it say ANYTHING about small arms?
And btw LIBERALS, my mom worked her whole life and paid her taxes, now the she is 63 and legally disabled she lives on $625 a month, and HUD in her town hates her because she stands up to their corruption, to the point now that HUD denied her 50 dollars a month. AND guess what, the people who run HUD in her small town are democrats.
Julie
Another GIANT STEP toward a ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT by the Liberals. Tax Americans and give the money away to everyone else. If we want to help, let us keep our money and donate to charities that actually do some good. The UN is corrupt organization at the highest levels, don't fall for this because the liberals show you some sad phots of poor people, we can show some sad photos of poor people right here in our own country.
Sonia Murray
Get off Interstate almsot anywhere and drive into the boondocks, you will find people living in shacks and rundown trailers, struggling to feed their children and scape by. We have homeless people living in cardboard boxes and under bridges. Our government has no right to send one dime of our tax dollars to fight poverty overseas when there are so many in desperate need in our own country!
SteveNJ
First let me point out that this "act" is just that, an act. It is against constitutional law to collect from the US through slavery the funds they are using in the first place. It is against the constitution to give our money away in such a manor and those who sugest it should be put on trail for violationg the oath of office.
Nobody has a right to steal from me or anyone else in this country and then trun around and buy favors with the stolen wealth.
Its time Americans held these thieves responsible for turning our country into a near communist rule.
Daniel
We have enough governmental financial issues in our country now. With our homeowners being foreclosed on, corporations moving to the countries this bill is going to give money to; should I keep going? Let's fix our financial, business and job status in this country FIRST. We don't need to dabble in other countries economies any more than we already are. This bill/law will just muck things up more and make us go further into a financial abyss.
Daniel
Don't we have enough debt as a nation and no I will not pay more tax. It is the responsibility of the other nations leaders to take care of their people. Instead of sticking the money in their pockets figure out a stimulas package that will bring agricultural or manufacturing business for their own wealth. why are we to be punished because our nations fore fathers fought to create an environment where men and women use their God given gifts to create wealth. Every nation has that ability but will not think of the people first. It is not our responsibility to be a baby sitter for the world..
Clayton
Before we start trying to cure the problems of the world, we need to solve our own. We can hardly afford to upport ourselves without taking on the rest of the world.
Amanda
It makes me extremely sad to hear such disregard for other humans. We are very lucky to be born in a wealthy country with many financial opportunities and welfare systems. Other countries do not have these luxuries. They are stuck in extreme poverty situations. Millions of people are dying because of starvation, lack of medicine, polluted water, political conflict, etc. Shouldn't we try and help them? And I realize that some poverty does exist in America as well. I am all for trying to help our own citizens. But the scale of third world poverty is acutely different than what exists in our own country. Jeffrey Sachs (the head of the advisory body for the MDGs) shared in his book that increasing taxes on the wealthiest citizens could pay for America's promised 0.7% of the GDP. I just don't understand why people don't want to help others.
Betsy Thiede
I just don't understand, Amanda, why you should think it is ok to distribute the "Wealthiest" citizen's money how you feel fit.
It isn't that people don't want to help others. It is that we don't want to be forced to..
From this article:
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2682730&page=1
Most Liberals are always want the "Government to do Something". Always worried about "poor" people..
According to the article above:
It turns out that this idea that liberals give more…is a myth. Of the top 25 states where people give an above average percent of their income, 24 were red states in the last presidential election.
Arthur Brooks, the author of "Who Really Cares," says that "when you look at the data, it turns out the conservatives give about 30 percent more." He adds, "And incidentally, conservative-headed families make slightly less money."
Ken Owen/US Marine
Bulls**t
bohemianowl
This bill is an outrage and a travesty. Obama is serving his Globalist bankster Masters well as a senator, imagine what a President Obama will do. It seems to me these elites want to destroy America. We can't allow this to happen. I am totally OUTRAGED! Obama is a TRAITOR to the constitution for proposing this P.O.S. bill. If anyone was waiting for proof of Obama's ties to the corrupt Bilderbergs and CFR SPP Rockefeller scoundrels, here it is. Anyone of our elected officials who meet in secret with the anti-american group known as the CFR shold be arrested under the Logan Act, consorting with the ENEMY!
Amanda
Betsy,
I checked out the ABC article you mentioned. It was very interesting, though I have a few doubts about their research. Not that I don't believe it, I just feel that it is too limiting to draw real conclusions and they didn't give sources for some of the facts they cited. The person they did cite was a strong right-wing writer, Arthur Brooks. He said that "of the top 25 states where people give an above average percent of their income, 24 were red states in the last presidential election." Why this seems to indicate that Republicans give more (and this could likely be true) there are Democrats that live in those states too and there is the possibility they could be giving more than Republicans. I just feel that better research is needed to justify ABC's and Brook's conclusions and maybe look at research from both political sides or a neutral source.
Amanda
Also, I don't think the wealthiest citizens should be the only ones to carry the burden, they are just more able. I believe the government's job is to protect, preside, and help its citizens. I believe that it should pursue the interests of its citizens. I have debated between the issue of only charities fulfilling the role of helping people, but I feel they don't have enough power. For example, I don't know of any charities that can deploy peace keeping forces. I admit the UN doesn't have the best track record, but I believe in the idea of the UN. And will continue to advocate the US and UN helping fight injustice, but I will also advocate helping in ways that work. I have researched the MDG's and believe they could work. There definitely needs to be a watch on where the money goes and if it is used effectively, but the UN has acknowledged this.
bohemianowl
Amanda-
Is the United States of America a sovereign nation or should we just forget the Constitution and pander to the whims of the United Nations?
Millions of Americans have begun to question why we continue to spend $300 million each year funding and housing an organization that is actively hostile to American interests.(look at the comments here) And to give more is OUTRAGEOUS!!!
The U.N. will continue to interfere not only in our nation's foreign policy matters, but in our domestic policies as well. U.N. globalists are not satisfied by meddling only in international disputes. They increasingly want to influence our domestic environmental, trade, labor, tax, and gun laws. U.N. global planners fully intend to expand the organization into a true world government, complete with taxes, courts, and possibly a standing army.
bohemianowl
CONTINUED-
These are not an alarmist statements; these goals are readily promoted on the U.N.'s own website. U.N. planners do not care about national sovereignty; in fact they are openly opposed to it. They correctly view it as an obstacle to their plans. They simply aren't interested in our Constitution and republican form of government.
The choice is very clear: we either follow the Constitution or submit to U.N. global governance. American national sovereignty cannot survive if we allow our domestic laws to be crafted or even influenced by an international body. This needs to be stated publicly more often. If we continue down the U.N. path, America as we know it will cease to exist.
The U.N. has no authority to make "laws" that bind the American citizens, because it does not derive its powers from the consent of the American people.
Supporting the U.N. is un-American and I intend to work to help break ALL ties to the U.N.
shrivie65
This is another attenpt to bleed the working class. It would be wonderful to help other people, but to take our money and give it to the poor is simply communism pushed by the United Nations and it followers. I'm sick of being taxed and having almost half my pay check being stolen from me every two weeks by our government. When is enough going to be enough people.
Justin
Well I'm sick of being taxed for a war that has cost untold loss of innocent life, was started under false pretense to begin with and is making the world less stable and more hostile to America. How is spending money in development that will lead to a more stable, safer world bad for America? I think the middle class has been bled enough by an ultimately destructive, endless war. Why aren't we upset about that? And if you're not upset I suggest you check out the Winter Soldier hearings going on right now. Testimonials by troops on the horribly brutal nature of war and the negative impact it has on soldiers and civilians alike. Lets put our tax dollars to work doing something that will benefit everyone (as we live in a global community even our domestic actions impact the world). And by the way, the UN does have authority because our elected officials signed its charter and agreed to recognize its authority.
kevin laww
yall know nothin' bout politics
Michael
This bill will obligate the USA to Billions of dollars of aid, this money would have to be borrowed and the interest paid by the USA. Until we take care of citizens on the gulf coast, fund our under-funded school system, repair social security and take care of all the other domestic programs effecting everything from our enviroment to our economy, we have no business going outside our borders. When this country becomes fiscally responsible again, then we can look at foriegn aid, but not until our financial house is in order.
Dennis
Bravo, Kevin. Who in pluperfect hell decided we need the UN to distribute our donated money? Does anyone remember Kofi, his kid, and purloined millions? For God's sake, catch a clue.
LuangTom
And, one may ask, just who is going to finance this endeavor to end the
poverty of the whole world? Why, comes the answer, the tax-payers of
the US who will contribute to the UN in the form of another tax. The
bill does nothing to work on the
elimination of poverty in the US.
The poor here can fend for them-
selves. One world government? Does
it sound familiar?
Glenn
In response to some and reinforcing other comments posted:
Cost of the project is not the issue since America has already spent more than it generates.
America cannot govern the world - each country is responsible for their own people - we can assist their governments in making economic decisions. ( of course, since our economists can't figure out the accounting of our own budget, how will our suggestions be viewed)
Poverty is bad - helping people is good - anyone remember "Teach a man to fish....." - foriegn governments need to want to learn how to address their issues - just giving their people "fish" will not resolve the long term issue.
Eric
Didn´t we try this before in our own country with the ¨Great Society¨? What was the proverty rate before that piece of legislation? And what is it now?? Having a government throw money at a problem, although well intentioned, NEVER works. Also, who here thinks that if we actually end up do sending some money to these 3rd world countries, that the money will only go as far as the pockets of the thug dictator who´s in charge?
RoseMarie
Charity begins at home. There are 40 million Americans without health insurance, roads and bridges in need of repair, unemployment in the inner cities at high levels etc. that are problems that we need to address. I am all for helping out the poor, but to send 0.7% of GDP to the dictators of the world hoping to get it to the people who need it is naive. It will be another example of Obama's friend billionaire Auchi a former confidante of Sadham Hussein, who bilked millions from the Iraqi oil for food program. Obama must be stopped now before he has a chance to do real damage to the American people and their pocketbooks.
Mark (Colorado)
Any US politician who votes for this needs to be voted out. The United States of America is a leader in the world, we don't follow and we don't try to buy friends. Poverty in the world is usually associated with oppresive governments and dictators. We just send money to countries and have their corrupt governments put it om their pockets. We won't be there for anyone if we continue to burden the hard working US taxpayer with stuff like this. I just can't beleive that we have gone so far left that this wasn't laughed out of congress in the first 10 seconds. Am I the only true Republican left?
Alan L
When will we realize that no matter how NICE it is our children can't afford to bring the rest of the world out of poverty.
Amosier
I'm sorry, but why is it that I should cash in my children's college education so liberals can feel good feeding a dozen corrupt african warlords billions of our tax dollars? By the way, there are 13 million starving American children right under your faux-pious noses that you won't give the time of day.
Anne
How many of you stupid liberals are willing to give up your car, house and your money to donate to help world poverty. None I bet. Is it worth destroying the country for garbage like this bill. God forbid we should try to save social security and medicare. Mr obama and his new world communist view can go straight to hell, if the mindless drones in this country would just wake up to this impending movement of destruction of the U.S. economy and way of life, maybe we can save ourselves before its too late.
NoNWO
Yea, they're going to reduce the people alright...
Jennifer Martin
The attempted institution of socialism.
Dan
If they'd stop popping out babies and take their goverment back from the communist dictators they'd be prosperous. They are blessed with an abundance of natural resources. Any money or food sent is taken by their government and re-sold on the open market. Stop taking my tax money and giving it away to other people, that is stealing. Our taxes are taken at the end of a gun. If we don't pay our taxes a guy with a gun comes to your door and throws you in jail for tax evasion. Don't take handouts, get a job! Don't give handouts, give advice.
Ray
You libtards! How is this bill going to help anyone. It's welfare! How about the rest of the world go out and actually work for a living. We cant eliminate poverty in this country and you think 845 billion dollars are going to do what? Do you really think that the money we give these nations are going to get in the hands of the people? How about teach capitalism...oh no! Cant do that...you guys love socialism to much. How about we "get the French and Russians to chip in with the money they skimmed off the last "Food-For-Oil" program.
patriot
welcome to Marxism, this is nothing but the blatant redistribution of wealth. Evidentially all you Americans are too rich and need to pay for the world welfare system. If you really have so much money that you feel you can throw it away to the world, by all means send it to the enlisted corps of the U.S. military. They certainly deserve more than they are paid for all they do.
But it is by no means the job of the US or its people to try to rid poverty in the world... we have enough problems at home that first need to be taken care of.
Brandon
What about our huge deficit or health care problems? We have a lot of issues that need attention at home and then we can go overseas, we need that kind of money invested in alternative fuel, etc.
Anne
Another tax to support other countries?! Welfare doesn't work for the long term. Stop having 15 babies and feed what you have. I only had one child because I could not afford another. For me to be forced to support someone else to have babies is an insult. My vote is NO!
Annie Oakley
This is a joke! We have people in our own country who are going hungry who are now on the current welfare system that this bill represents for the world. What a laugh. You liberals are pathetic. Truely. wake up and smell the coffee will ya? Welfare ONLY oppresses those it wants to control. If you don't believe it, try living on it.
natalie
this is an outrage
Luis Contreras
I believe any bill is as good as the people who approved it. That does not mean it will get the results it was meant for.But it's a start.This only works where people have a voice. And it is listen to and acted upon.
Luis Contreras
Both Obama and Bush are green, have money to burn, did not served in military,etc., etc. Obama even took 20 years to find out his preacher.Maybe he'll surround himself with advisers like Bush, who know nothing.How can you tell others what to do if you don't know yourself?
Deb
The new world order - again. Vote no. Why do we, as Americans have to pay for every Tom, Dick and Harry? We are 9 trillion in debt!
Entrench
How about instead of this we do the US Poverty Act? Call me insensitive but I think you take care of your own household before you worry about the neighbors. Besides over the years trillions have been thrown at Africa by the entire world and the has been no discernable improvement. The fact is we cannot help them until they are willing to help themselves.
Mike
Is Congress on Drugs? Where in the Constitution does it give authority to spend our money for third worlds? It is time for Democracy in these countries not hand outs. If I choose to donate, I am free to do so. Not compelled by Congress.....
Michael
If you want to donate money to end world poverty then it is absolutely your right to do so. It is not the right of the government to force me to pay a tax to do so. This money will be directed through the UN which is notoriously corrupt and we should be encouraging these countries to develop their economies not rely on others. Americans will end up paying 99% of everything like we always do and I personally have had enough! We cannot help anyone unless we help ourselves first.
Joshua
This is by far one of the most idiotic ideas in the history of democracies idiotic ideas. Basically a knife is going to be held to Americans throats and they will be told that they must give money for the benefit of others. And yet you see brainwashed morons in above posts that absolutely love it. If you want to donate money, thats fine, but do not force other people to. Ultimately socialism is getting a big boost from Obama and his little friends.
Luis Contreras
About Obama,where is the money comming from for everything when we can't even pay for the things already on the table? Obama is green and unexperience, with plenty of money like George W. Bush with little or nothing to show for it. Except talk. Bush promised results. Obama promised change. Results or change are the same. What kind of results or change, that is the questions. Get real. Can anything good be expected from one who has no or little experience? A lot of mistakes can be expected. Get real. Actions speak louder than wards.How can you tell others what to do when you don't know what to do yourself?
bob s
Poverty is a relative thing... and cannot be eliminated. There will always be a group of people, or a nation, at the bottom. Just look at the stupid minimum raise. Those at the bottom keep gettng raises... but it only cost me more in the long run... yet poverty,not matter how it is defined... constinues to exist. Give your poor relatives money... they will continue to be poor.. and you end up being broke.
Even worse... being taxed by the United Nations is the wrong use of our tax money.
bob s
Luis Contreras
Let's see. Obama wants to solved the world's problems. That's good and honky dorey. B