Fight global poverty

America faces a heap of problems nowadays, ranging from the state of the economy to the national security of the country. The U.S. is one of the most powerful nations in the world, and many would argue that we need to be the example: the ones that fulfill moral obligations to help those in need. Fighting global poverty as a nation will have a positive rippling effect not only in regards to global problems, but problems in our own nation as well.

The economy is at the forefront of our problems, with lawmakers arguing if we should help the economy from the bottom up or the top down. By addressing global poverty, we are helping our economy in the long term. By giving those living in poverty-stricken areas the tools to work and create a job force, we are creating consumers. Many people see this kind of action as an unnecessary act of charity. That’s the wrong way to look at it: It’s an investment.

People are worried. Outside and inside the U.S., we face problems of national security. Extremist groups, dictatorships, nuclear and biological warfare, the list goes on and on—but how can we do anything to help when all else has failed? Fighting global poverty is the answer. Robert Gates, former secretary of defense, said “Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers,” and he was right. Extremist groups are more prevalent in poverty-stricken areas, and by helping these areas, we are paving the way for more fair governments rather than threats to America and the world.

The Borgen Project is an innovative national campaign that is dedicated to “downsizing poverty” by educating people across the nation on problems regarding global poverty, and how addressing it is crucial for America now and in the long term. Global poverty isn’t something we can ignore. By addressing it more than we are now, we are thinking of America and the world in the long term.

CADE PHILLIPS Sherwood