Our duty as Americans is to care for all people

Nearly 1 billion people around the world are hungry. A child dies every 3.6 seconds due to poverty, lack of clean water, hunger or preventable diseases. Yet, many U.S. citizens seem to push away these statistics as if they do not relate to us.

You would think as one of the major powers of the world that the U.S. commits a lot of time and money into what takes place across the world. However, this is not the case. The International Affairs Budget, which covers all foreign assistance and aid programs, takes up less than 1% of the federal budget.

As Americans, it is not only our duty to care for our own people, but to care for people around the world. As a powerful nation, we must serve as a beacon to the rest of the world, which I strongly believe will bring back benefits. In fact, it has been shown that helping the poor can result in emerging markets in which U.S. companies can reach and trade with, resulting in more U.S. jobs.

If we choose to give, we will receive.

To learn more on how to get involved, visit borgenproject.org

Jaden Shim Granger

Annoying

Is it just me, or does anyone else get annoyed at career politicians running for office, being elected to said office and then demanding a raise six months later? Do the city and county not advertise what the office pays before the election? Or do the candidates not do their due diligence and find out what the position pays? Either way, in today's market of no raises and job cuts, it's getting old.

Ken Lubinski South Bend

Good things

One year ago, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill does a lot of good things, but I'll focus on two specifics: lowering everyday health care costs and clean energy jobs in Indiana. The IRA caps monthly insulin costs at $35/month for anyone who gets their insulin through Medicare. The Biden Administration's initiative is inspiring private companies to cap their monthly insulin costs at $35/month, too, lowering everyday health care costs for millions more.

Other companies are already breaking ground on new projects that will bring clean energy and jobs to communities across the country.

Our votes mattered: The Inflation Reduction Act is the start of what can happen when we work together to make sure all of us, no matter the color of our skin or the content of our wallets, are able to thrive. How is it that no Republican voted for this bill?

Carrie Bowie South Bend