Debt deal threatens lives. Write your Congressperson.

[Vattel]

The debt deal has put at risk foreign aid programs that, unlike our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrably save millions of lives. Science Speaks reports:

In the debt ceiling agreement, foreign aid was grouped under “security,” which includes the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. According to reports, the additional programs including international affairs were added to “security” at the eleventh hour during the negotiations to provide some protection against deep defense cuts . . .

Global health advocates are concerned that cuts in the “security” portion of the budget to meet the caps could fall disproportionately on foreign assistance programs, including development and global health.

(http://sciencespeaksblog.org/2011/08/05/how-will-global-health-programs-fare-post-debt-ceiling-deal)

It is no exaggeration to say that thousands and perhaps millions of lives are at risk. A Stanford study found that the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alone has saved millions of lives in Africa. (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-04/sumc-ssf040209.php) This program's funding should be greatly increased--not cut.

[midnight]

1. I did not know our foreign aid was grouped under security...

This does cause heavy duty casualties the way it is being used to facilitate so many wars....and not be used as aid... When will we ever learn?

[Vattel]

4. It is classified that way just for the initial cuts.

Cuts to defense that would be triggered by the failure of the Super-Congress to reach its goals don't include foreign aid.

[Possumpoint]

2. What You Must Realize

Just like a family budget, there is only so much money to spend. Choices must be made between many good and desirabel needs and spend wisely.

Stop all wars and shut the Empire down. Close the 730 +/- foreign bases and return the troops.

[Vattel]

5. Americans don't like foreign aid,

unless it involves killing people.

[Mr Deltoid]

3. But but the billionaires need their tax cut Sparky!

[Vattel]

6. Untold suffering will result

from ending those tax cuts.

[Mr Deltoid]

7. Indeed

Doorknobs wont get gold plated! New pools won't be installed! Offshore bank accounts wont get fatter! Oh, the humanity!!