Why does the U.S. gov't continue to support other countries by giving billions of dollars in aid?

Question

when we the U.S. are moving in the direction of severe recession and bankruptcy?

Answer 1

Beats the h**l out of me.  And, why do the conservatives always whine about welfare here and not there?

Answer 2

Because morons in high places think we can buy people's friendship and respect with lots of money. Actually most of it goes into the pockets of dictators and opportunists who hate us and use it to do us harm. But, if trends continue, our dollar will soon be worthless, and a world depression will ensue. Prepare to live in interesting times!

Answer 3

"The stomach theory"

Answer 4

I just always say... go print some more money...!!! lol  Yes I did get more blond in my hair today. :)

Answer 5

I don't think people realize how our foreign aid works.  We don't send countries trunks full of $100 bills.   We usually put the money in an account in their name in New York, and specify what they can spend it for.  Usually they have to spend it here, in fact we often tell them what they have to buy with it and from whom.  So, like so much else our government spends, it turns out to be just shoveling taxpayer dollars to their friends in certain well-connected corporations.

Foreign aid has never been a very large percentage of our budget.  If it stopped altogether you wouldn't notice it. In fact when it comes to actual -humanitarian- aid, we give less than any other developed country.  Most of the aid, though, has a political purpose, often to support 'strong man' dictators like Saddam Hussein.