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Global Poverty
In dozens of poor countries around the world, little boys and girls are born into poverty, disease, and hunger. Hopelessness and despair are their daily companions. Their burdens are day-to-day, they are painful, and they are heavy.
Eliminating global poverty will take focus and commitment. But progress is being made. Debt forgiveness, which I have advocated, is making a real difference. As a result of a commitment to debt relief made by Congress beginning in the year 2000, poor countries have been able to devote more of their resources towards improving medical care, education, and social services for their children and citizens. This has made many countries more peaceful and democratic, and created hopeful futures for millions of people at very little cost to American taxpayers. Another key to reducing poverty and promoting stability in poor countries is raising their levels of education. Children who are reading books aren’t building bombs.
We help others because, first and foremost, America is a caring nation. It is also clear that extreme poverty breeds hopelessness, unrest, and even terrorism, so reducing global poverty is in our own economic and national security interest as well.
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