Foreign aid equals self-aid

Regarding “Aid Central America” editorial (Page A14, Thursday), the editorial urging support for Central America is both prudent, wise and necessary. It is axiomatic that “foreign aid is selfserving” and that God has endowed our nation with both leadership and the strength of personal liberties that urge us to help and protect the weak, a reflection of our great good fortune.

American foreign policies embrace that ideal: 1) It is humanity at its best. 2) It expresses the blessings we recognize and enjoy more than perhaps any other nation in history. 3) It redounds to the greater good of both the receiving nations of our largesse and to us, as well.

These truths are totally evident in the editorial that points out that the lawlessness of certain Central American countries prompted mass emigrations to our country, yet we know that our cutoff of some funding for those countries had a role in the continued criminal violence and the subsequent departures for our country.

Our cutoff of funds was perfectly within our rights, but rights bring moral — or, at least, practical — responsibilities. It is self-serving to assist other nations in their needs. The absence of assistance in a time of need has brought on the illegal entry of many desperate families across our doorsteps. Lady Liberty has proven to be more than a statue. She is the personification of both prudence and generosity. Robert N. Schwartz, Houston