Colin Powell: Aid for the Enterprising

Washington Post ^ | 06/10/03 | Colin L. Powell

[Pokey78]

Half the human race -- 3 billion people -- still lives on less than $2 a day. More than 1 billion do not have safe water to drink. Two billion lack adequate sanitation. Another 2 billion have no electricity.

These aren't numbers but men, women and children who wake up each day to hunger, disease and despair. Lifting humanity out of poverty is one of the greatest moral challenges of the 21st century. And whether we, the world's greatest democracy, rise to that challenge carries profound implications for freedom, growth and security worldwide.

That is why President Bush has made support for sustainable development a major goal of his national security strategy. On Feb. 5 he presented his groundbreaking Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) initiative to Congress, calling it a powerful way to "draw whole nations into an expanding circle of opportunity and enterprise."

[aynrandfreak]

"Aid" for the enterprising is called a LOAN.

[joesnuffy]

Lifting humanity out of poverty is one of the greatest moral challenges of the 21st century.

And who gets the bill for this lofty venture?

[joesnuffy]

That is why President Bush has made support for sustainable development a major goal of his national security strategy

ahhhh oh nooooo attack of the killer Rifkinites...(Prince Charles for one)

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Sustainable development is what the commies at the UN say.

[ejdrapes]

I think Bush has the right approach here - aid given only to those countries that reform and embrase democracy and free market economies. Whereas the rest of the world does not demand reform, only more money from the West. Foregin aid will never cease to exist, so at least Bush is making sure there are strings attached to it.

[kissthis]

"More than 1 billion do not have safe water to drink. Two billion lack adequate sanitation.
Another 2 billion have no electricity."

Looks to me like more than enough incentive for the enterprising. What's lacking are governments that allow for entrepenures.