Isn't the _war_ the elephant in the room? Say nothing about the war, and cry about food aid! It is like have arm cut off and sue the perpetrator for not offering a band aid. That requires either a halfwit or a genius at obfuscation.
12
Nice try, Mr. Kristof. It was a worthy effort attempting to appeal to a sense of compassion among Americans, of doing what is right, of American exceptionalism. But, as we know, most Americans, especially Trump supporters and including the evangelical Christians, could care less about starving children in the Middle East and Africa--even if the U.S. was partly to blame for it. American exceptionalism is dead. It gasped its last breath with the election of Trump.
109
We have become morally bankrupt and incapable of making any right choices. Why else would we be aiding rich Israel and turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia's trampling of International Human Rights? Do we need all those weapon stockpiles while denying the poor, defenseless human beings, one of the most fundamental needs for survival - Food. The rich and the powerful don't even want to answer nor justify their unbelievable, inhumane actions. They do what they do because they can! Is it the beginnings of ' Devolution'? Maybe that's the answer to our moral failure.
59
Look into that child's eyes, America. They are the eyes of your grandchildren, starving, homeless, and friendless, but sat leas they will be suffering their short little lives in the country supported by the largest military History has ever known.
This will be the Republicans' way of keeping them "safe," a strategy that they will pursue wholeheartedly for the next 20 years.
This will be the Republicans' way of keeping them "safe," a strategy that they will pursue wholeheartedly for the next 20 years.
42
Bravo Mr. Kristof for your contribution to save the starving children! Keep on writing!
49
And to think that this disastrous man was highly supported by the "christian" right (caps omitted on purpose). These people have not gone to the other side of the road when they saw the man lying wounded - they have kicked him into the gutter and stopped the Good Samaritan at the border. Their children are doing well, but when other people's children asked for bread, they've given them a stone. Our country used to know it was part of the world; our foreign aid was but a small part of our budget. Now it is American First and the rest be damned. But no country is really an island...
96
To help, we need to know...thanks as always for the enlightening column... We'll do our part. Hoping the administration will look at that photo, read these words, and change their hearts.
16
To those who use the lifted phrase "am I my brothers keeper?" Should keep in mind that this was in response to a question supposedly from God. Cain's arrogant reply "am I my brother's keeper?" was a cover for his murder of his brother. When we stand by and refuse to render aid are we using the same excuse as Cain? To cover our "murdering" indifference. Because of a wall?
41
Nick, thank you for an important and timely message. Lots of wealthy people are happy for the government to steal from the poor to support the rich, but Trump is the only "leader" I know who advocates this as a policy.
By the way, you may be losing your younger readers when you say things like "...'to starve' is transitive." I don't think they teach about transitive and intransitive verbs in school anymore.
By the way, you may be losing your younger readers when you say things like "...'to starve' is transitive." I don't think they teach about transitive and intransitive verbs in school anymore.
28
That picture.
Jayzus...
But no food for you, pal!
After all, we taxpayers need a military 50 times the size of anybody else's, to show the world how "manly" our Dear Leader is, how big his "sword." Not to mention that we owe Dear Leader's hotels millions each weekend for security for his weekly golf trips to Flah-rida, over and above what's charged to us for the estranged wife's security in New York.
Are his base really good with this? Some are saying private charities will do the job. Right. Charities they don't give to. Because "those people" will just survive to breed more starving people. Which is true, given that Umptray wants to starve the programs that send food, family planning education, and contraceptives to countries where the land cannot sustain the population. And while he's at it, he's gonna cut off Mimaw's Meals on Wheels here at home; more unproductive people we don't need, right? So, look the other way, "Christians"; nothing to see here.
Compassion я us.
Jayzus...
But no food for you, pal!
After all, we taxpayers need a military 50 times the size of anybody else's, to show the world how "manly" our Dear Leader is, how big his "sword." Not to mention that we owe Dear Leader's hotels millions each weekend for security for his weekly golf trips to Flah-rida, over and above what's charged to us for the estranged wife's security in New York.
Are his base really good with this? Some are saying private charities will do the job. Right. Charities they don't give to. Because "those people" will just survive to breed more starving people. Which is true, given that Umptray wants to starve the programs that send food, family planning education, and contraceptives to countries where the land cannot sustain the population. And while he's at it, he's gonna cut off Mimaw's Meals on Wheels here at home; more unproductive people we don't need, right? So, look the other way, "Christians"; nothing to see here.
Compassion я us.
90
It's terrible to say this, but when the real suffering starts in this country; people losing health insurance and dying, people losing homes and the hunger rate increases, I hope that the first to feel the pain will be all you Donald Trump supporters. Celebrate this hateful man as he stabs you in the back and starts twisting the knife. You're about to find out what kind of a hate filled, none caring monster he really his. He promised you the moon and beyond while he spewed his hate and filth day after day, and you fell for his lies, hook line and sinker. Remember that when you lose even more of what you don't have. You wanted this snake oil salesman, and now you have him. Congratulations.
72
This poor child. It is heart wrenching. However, 3 things. (1) Was he eating regularly under Obama and only began to starve once the Trump budget came out? Unlikely. (2) Can the 66 million Hillary supporters give $$ to non governmental charities to feed the poor internationally? Absolutely. (3) Are there member nations of the UN that can and should step up to help the US pay the bill for world starvation? Of course.
15
If the GOP doesn't really want to provide healthcare to all of its citizens, if it cuts funding to programs such as MOWS, WIC, SNAP, LIHEAP, how will we be able to help others outside of our country? There are going to be people in our own country struggling on many fronts, charity somehow has to begin at home.
Let us also not forget the 13,000 people who died in the US in 2003 because they did not have medical insurance.
Let us also not forget the 13,000 people who died in the US in 2003 because they did not have medical insurance.
13
Giving in proportion to say Switzerland or Saudi Arabia is okay. Giving in proportion to what is "expected" for America is not okay. Americans paying in proportion for their medications what Switzerland or Germany pay is okay, but what we currently pay is not okay. Things are out of balance. That is what needs correction.
11
While preaching to the American taxpayer (average income about $50K) about the necessity of paying for foreign aid, David Miliband is said to be "earning" 530,000 pounds -- $657K -- a year. Stephen O;Brien makes a relatively paltry base of $191K. Keny-Guyer earns $426K -- more than the POTUS,
It's one thing to be preached to by Mother Teresa-types, who walk the walk, To have vastly overpaid bureaucrats, who line their pockets with charity/taxpayer dollars, demanding ever more is simply too much. Heck, in 2014, even CRS paid $2.2 million in salaries to just 8 people. That would feed a lot of staving Ghanians.
Let the rich folks who run these "charities" lead by example, sacrifice for the cause of the poor, and THEN we can talk about how much the American taxpayers ought to be compelled to contribute.
It's one thing to be preached to by Mother Teresa-types, who walk the walk, To have vastly overpaid bureaucrats, who line their pockets with charity/taxpayer dollars, demanding ever more is simply too much. Heck, in 2014, even CRS paid $2.2 million in salaries to just 8 people. That would feed a lot of staving Ghanians.
Let the rich folks who run these "charities" lead by example, sacrifice for the cause of the poor, and THEN we can talk about how much the American taxpayers ought to be compelled to contribute.
18
Trump is just carrying out the orders of Robert and Rebekah Mercer who gave him Kellyanne Conway and Stephen Bannon - just when Trump's campaign was floudering and he needed their direct help. Conway came from Ted Cruz's failed campaign. Bannon came from Breitbart News and had been funded for years by the Mercers. Robert Mercer, an introvert, made his vast fortune in a hedge fund with special tax privileges. Funny how people with vast fortunes believe that even small government is too big! Cambridge Analytics created computer research which indicated that Americans were ready for a strong man government and the strongest man in the Republican Party - no kidding - was Donald Trump, a man who believes in nothing except Trumps, taking "their" oil, and grabbing pussies. Donald Trump is not the problem - someday, sooner or later, he will leave the Presidency. Hedge funders who think they should rule the world, and Americans who are looking for strong men to tell them what to do are the problem. The problem is the Trump voters, not the Trumps. What are we going to do about Americans who are so angry and disenfranchised that they want to be ruled by the Mercers? Those Appalachian hillbillies think that they are going to be better offed ruled by billionaire Mercers and their front man - Donald J. Trump. What will it take for the hillbillies to learn better and vote smarter?
50
A friend of mine who works for the State Department explained the ripple effect of these tax cuts. Not only do people starve (including children), but American farmers do not sell their crops, food processors, food transporters, administrators -- all kinds of American jobs are lost.
41
I like reading from people that if we lower taxes some may give more to charity, as if charity is not tax deductible now. I give to charities, but I have no problem with the USA government trying to help famine stiffen areas, especially when we are not innocent in the cause. The government can marshal more money and aid then most charities. To blindly say 'let private charity fill the bill', at home and abroad, shows the callousness of people to the suffering of others.
47
Refugees flee famine who wind up in cmps or smuggle themselves into Europe and America. The dominoe effect is that we deal with famine directly in our developed countries. Cutting food aid creates more famine and more refugees in an endless downward spiral of displacement and suffering.
It is truly ironic that we are cutting food aid to build more weapons which often wind up in the hands of fighters in poor countries creating more famine. Everything is interconnected and denying this for our parochial interests is perhaps our greatest blindness.
It is truly ironic that we are cutting food aid to build more weapons which often wind up in the hands of fighters in poor countries creating more famine. Everything is interconnected and denying this for our parochial interests is perhaps our greatest blindness.
38
A missionary spoke at our church last week and told of speaking with a woman in an African village. The woman's young daughter was pestering her, not responding to mom's scolding. Finally the woman apologized to the missionary saying, "my daughter is upset because today is not her day to eat." When I read of the President cutting our aid budget the image of that child pops into my mind.
60
A lot of the comments here run along the line of "am I (or the U.S.) my brother's keeper?" A question as old as time. Maybe we should let them designate their taxes to the war machine which they certainly don't object to, while the rest of us contribute to a better world which may not need such war machinery. Why is it so wrong to use the collective financial wealth of the US to save lives--and, as Mr. Kristof suggests, makes friends for our country?
Or is it all about greed? If they give to charity through a church, they can 1) claim the contribution as a charitable deduction, thus reducing their taxes; and 2) be sure it goes to someone their church has selected as needy. Kind of like the story of the Good Samaritan in reverse. You aren't helping a heretic, and it costs you less than if your government does the helping with tax proceeds. In any event, it smells less than honorable, even though wrapped up in Ayn Randian hyperbole about the limited nature of government and the evil of taxes.
Or is it all about greed? If they give to charity through a church, they can 1) claim the contribution as a charitable deduction, thus reducing their taxes; and 2) be sure it goes to someone their church has selected as needy. Kind of like the story of the Good Samaritan in reverse. You aren't helping a heretic, and it costs you less than if your government does the helping with tax proceeds. In any event, it smells less than honorable, even though wrapped up in Ayn Randian hyperbole about the limited nature of government and the evil of taxes.
28
To those who say that the US government is not responsible, there is the "do you lack even basic compassion" question? We have more than most and give less than.
More than that, are the uncountable benefits our country receives when we provide food. Whether it's via a USAID program or other means, those bales marked "Gift of the American People" stand for who we are, rather, who we used to be. American compassion for others has been a source of national pride and one of the hallmarks of our country. Until now.
The benefits of having someone, somewhere else say "the US people helped me when I was hungry" cannot be measured in dollars. Maybe that person is a simple farmer, grateful for the help. Or maybe that person is siding with the US in an international crisis.
Private charities do good works. But they don't promote national stature. They serve themselves.
Trump is wasting millions every week on his self-serving, self-aggrandizing trips to his club in Florida. It's not a private residence. It's a pay-to-play venue for which American taxpayers are footing the bill while Trump is profiting.
US$3 Million, as some reports have it that Trump spends on ONE WEEKEND at his Florida club would buy enough food to feed 1 million or more starving children for a week, perhaps longer. Trump is a callous, heartless money-monger who has never gone hungry or faced starvation.
More than that, are the uncountable benefits our country receives when we provide food. Whether it's via a USAID program or other means, those bales marked "Gift of the American People" stand for who we are, rather, who we used to be. American compassion for others has been a source of national pride and one of the hallmarks of our country. Until now.
The benefits of having someone, somewhere else say "the US people helped me when I was hungry" cannot be measured in dollars. Maybe that person is a simple farmer, grateful for the help. Or maybe that person is siding with the US in an international crisis.
Private charities do good works. But they don't promote national stature. They serve themselves.
Trump is wasting millions every week on his self-serving, self-aggrandizing trips to his club in Florida. It's not a private residence. It's a pay-to-play venue for which American taxpayers are footing the bill while Trump is profiting.
US$3 Million, as some reports have it that Trump spends on ONE WEEKEND at his Florida club would buy enough food to feed 1 million or more starving children for a week, perhaps longer. Trump is a callous, heartless money-monger who has never gone hungry or faced starvation.
76
Many will argue that the global wealthy have as much of an obligation as governments do in addressing problems like a humanitarian crisis. Many fund charitable foundations, but with an estimated $30 trillion in offshore tax havens and the increasing global inequality, where now the richest 8 people have as much wealth as the bottom half of the global population, it seems that more could be expected. In the US the Fortune 500 have about $2.5 trillion in offshore tax havens, which is pertinent as in 1950 corporations contributed a bit over 30% to federal revenue in the form of taxes compared to a bit over 10% in 2015. We have a global and national economic system which is increasingly favoring corporations and the wealthy, as in spite of income gains around the world the levels of inequality have increased dramatically.
If globalization is so good for the world why is it that “We are facing the largest humanitarian crisis since the creation of the United Nations..”? Many advocates appear to see globalization as creating a new world order, lessening the importance of national boundaries while making the world a better place to live. If that is the case then we should also expect that they pay their fair share in addressing the needs of the world that they are creating.
If globalization is so good for the world why is it that “We are facing the largest humanitarian crisis since the creation of the United Nations..”? Many advocates appear to see globalization as creating a new world order, lessening the importance of national boundaries while making the world a better place to live. If that is the case then we should also expect that they pay their fair share in addressing the needs of the world that they are creating.
10
To the generous taxpayers here who resent famine aid. Feeding the starving stabilizes troubled regions; powers children's brains so they can learn and keeps families together. My Dad was 1 of 14 children in rural Northern Ireland. His siblings worked on our 3 family farms. Yemen, Somali, South Sudan had farms, markets and food until famine caused by drought. Our allies are already assisting and so is the UN. I had Meals on Wheels when I lost 35 Pounds to medication side effects 2 years after I was hospitalized for 228 days. I was hungry, dizzy, disoriented, sapped of nutrients, but I was not a child or a mother losing breast milk. too many of us are one catastrophe away from homelessness and starvation. you cannot leave it to others. you have to participate before millions die, are displaced and anguish turns to anger and hate. Hate and anger cause wars. we are all at risk here.
52
Thank you for this. It is hard to comprehend the resentment of some people in this issue , especially when so much of the need and suffering is borne by the children, who even the hardest hearted among us don't hold accountable. (Or do
they?) Maybe this dismissal of the suffering of starving people is a conscience
reliever for these more fortunate people.
they?) Maybe this dismissal of the suffering of starving people is a conscience
reliever for these more fortunate people.
12
You see this as anti-foreigner on Trump's part. Wrong! He wants to get rid of Meals on Wheels too. And he's not a conservative ideologue who thinks that starving children should have, in the sacred marketplace chosen better parents. He doesn't care.
But the rest of us should.
But the rest of us should.
36
This is exactly what we expect of a president with no empathy.
26
Republicans claim to be the champions of unborn life, but where is their compassion for life after birth. Their hypocrisy is confounding. Can their be any logic in such thinking? Any morality?
If any one has any doubt as to their warped thinking, all one has to do is review Trumps proposed budget, which eliminates any dollars for poor families, children, or the elderly.
If any one has any doubt as to their warped thinking, all one has to do is review Trumps proposed budget, which eliminates any dollars for poor families, children, or the elderly.
38
You bet, in a hearbeat, usually a great waste, can't worry about the rare exception.
To suggest that only American dollars can feed the hungry is tiresome.
What about Saudi riyals? And euros, francs, shekels, yens, kronas, rmbs, et.al?
What about Saudi riyals? And euros, francs, shekels, yens, kronas, rmbs, et.al?
19
oh, how utterly tiresome sf.
you must be exhausted.
enjoy your dinner tonight, and please don't tire yourself out thinking about spending tax dollars on dying children
you must be exhausted.
enjoy your dinner tonight, and please don't tire yourself out thinking about spending tax dollars on dying children
28
Noone is suggesting that. Europeans, the Japanese, and the Chinese also contribute, more than you know about.
12
Satisfaction---even pleasure---at the suffering of others is at the core Trump's personality and his political brand. No one should expect anything else during his term in office. His supporters seem to share his instinct that the world's poor are simply "losers" who deserve nothing but scorn. Of course, such extremes of human misery ultimately create political instability and wars that lessen our own security. Those of us with more humane instincts and a longer view of history will be challenged to make up for our leader's myopic cruelty.
34
I have an idea, especially for those people who refuse a woman's right to choose, the so called "right to life" people. How about all of those people and legislators contribute to help people who are starving. They could then say they support the right to life, even after birth.
35
March 19, 2017
We Americas that have given our vote to this condition; now known as the DT"s syndrome - can all response to this articles narrative on the consequences of the political machine that has been created and now is rampant in stopping out the errors of Trumps failures to lead proactively and with efforts that are substantive and in support of the nation's character in the eyes of heaven and earth at home and everywhere......
Time for Donald to leave office.
Great Journalism - reporting is our only hope - thanks to all at NYT's
jja Manhattan, N. Y.
We Americas that have given our vote to this condition; now known as the DT"s syndrome - can all response to this articles narrative on the consequences of the political machine that has been created and now is rampant in stopping out the errors of Trumps failures to lead proactively and with efforts that are substantive and in support of the nation's character in the eyes of heaven and earth at home and everywhere......
Time for Donald to leave office.
Great Journalism - reporting is our only hope - thanks to all at NYT's
jja Manhattan, N. Y.
13
More emotional manipulation from the NY Times, which refuses to hold Obama responsible for his bloody legacy of war in Yemen, Syria, Lybia, Pakistan, Somalia and elsewhere. Send Barack and Hillary over there to clean up the detritus of their "we came, we saw, we killed him" imperialism. Send Nicholas Kristof. Send Planned Parenthood so they can try to convince Muslims that birth control is not haram.
16
In fairness, Nick should have pointed out that the assistance Israel receives from the US is entirely military, which it desperately needs for its survival in that dangerous corner of the globe. Military assistance should not be confused with humanitarian aid.
16
Another naive but well meaning column from Nicholas Kristof. I wish there were some sort of requirement for NYTimes columnists to learn statistics and the scientific method. Rather than writing about symptoms - famine - write about causes - governance and decisions made by the governed based on beliefs (religion). The West suffers from famine fatigue because people from stricken countries repeatedly starve to death. Western news sources have described this horror since the early 1990's. Increasing heat and longer droughts have killed traditional food sources like goats and sheep because there is nothing for the herd animals to eat. Yet the religion in these countries still tells women to cover, cuts off their visible private parts. Religion preaches only the Koran and early child marriage. So - duh - men continue to impregnate pubescent girls and the population exceeds the carrying capacity of the parched landscape leading to a biological sink despite large immigration to the (currently) more moist west. The religion dictates the governance. Trump is the problem - and all the men like him who put men before women. Trump goes after the religion which most embodies this creed openly - but Roman Catholicism continues to cherish the notion of male prerogative and will soon be a super majority of the Supreme Court Justices. Mr. Kristof should consider whether addressing causes rather than symptoms might address starvation.
13
An important message, one which would have been stronger without the gratuitous off-topic swipe at Israel. Aid to Israel is military, not humanitarian. A nearly equal amount goes to Egypt, by the way. Cutting aid to Israel wouldn't help a single starving child.
We have plenty of money for humanitarian aid. What's missing in this administration is a human heart. Trump wants to slam the "golden door" over which the Statue of Liberty's sputtering lamp presides. We won't allow the poor to come here, and we watch through Ryan's ice cold eyes as they starve in place.
We have plenty of money for humanitarian aid. What's missing in this administration is a human heart. Trump wants to slam the "golden door" over which the Statue of Liberty's sputtering lamp presides. We won't allow the poor to come here, and we watch through Ryan's ice cold eyes as they starve in place.
18
Agree with what you said as aid for Israel is definitely not food and this statement didn't belong in this article.
11
"Just let people around the world starve. What do they matter? America first!"
Welcome to right wing "values voters" America.
Welcome to right wing "values voters" America.
32
Why does all the blame go to Mr Trump or even Mr Obama?
Yes the government and the federal budget determines US aid levels and where the money will be spent.
But the American people foot the bill. So it's up to the citizens of this country to decide that we want to do more for others, including those that live in the poorest regions of the world.
And that requires us to speak up in favor of programs such as US aid and then also fund those programs.
And some those funds will come at the expense of things we want for ourselves.
Yes the government and the federal budget determines US aid levels and where the money will be spent.
But the American people foot the bill. So it's up to the citizens of this country to decide that we want to do more for others, including those that live in the poorest regions of the world.
And that requires us to speak up in favor of programs such as US aid and then also fund those programs.
And some those funds will come at the expense of things we want for ourselves.
6
We will pay the price for this crime. Becoming a military with a state attached is not the route to security. Everyone will line up against us. Just ask Prussia.
7
What a disaster the Trump budget is! Well, what could one expect from a person who is a disaster himself?
12
Since it is their own fault for failing to pick a multimillionaire real estate baron father or to be a blonde blue-eyed model or actress who cares?
Are they supposed to be their brother's keeper?
Are they supposed to be seeing the sick, the poor, the imprisoned and the despairing as though they were Jesus of Nazareth?
Not on your heathen hedonist pagan life!
Are they supposed to be their brother's keeper?
Are they supposed to be seeing the sick, the poor, the imprisoned and the despairing as though they were Jesus of Nazareth?
Not on your heathen hedonist pagan life!
8
We get it....YOU HATE TRUMP.......................but, we are not responsible for the entire world.......until all Americans are fed, clothed, houses and educated the world can pound sand...............why are you always on the side of non Americans? Perhaps birth control might help the world more. Your offer to pay for the illegal snatching of Trump's tax returns was beyond the pale.............
15
Sorry, BEA. That argument of "until all Americans..." doesn't hold water. There will always be problems here/ there have always been problems here. What you are really saying is that there will NEVER come a day when the conditions are just so that you will agree its appropriate to help other countries. Its an excuse for complacency. It is always the right time to do what we can and to aim for the common good and not just in our own backyard.
67
Exactly. So ask Trump why he's proposed his stingy, hate filled budget that hurts the programs you just mentioned. People in this country are going to suffer because of this curmudgeon. He's a hate filed, spiteful and very disturbed man. Pity this country and everyone in it that doesn't have any money.
25
This is not about hating anybody.
Its about the richest nation in the world cutting foreign aid and letting little kids starve to death,.
We have more that enough resources to solve global hunger, but no political will. Take another rook at the picture BEA.
And then go turn on Fox News and enjoy your dinner,
Its about the richest nation in the world cutting foreign aid and letting little kids starve to death,.
We have more that enough resources to solve global hunger, but no political will. Take another rook at the picture BEA.
And then go turn on Fox News and enjoy your dinner,
21
Thomas Awiapo devoted his life to giving back. Trump and his ilk have devoted theirs to taking. Sad.
20
I know I should have long since learned that Mr. Kristof represents a false and debilitating narrative that only democracies and especially the most robust on earth, of them, the US. is responsible.
You act as if the leaders of other countries have no responsibility for their citizens!
From Mexico to Somalia, Korea to Iran and from the UN to the conferences on hunger, the bloated elite roll on to greater glory and acceptance.
You disgust me and all Americans that view the hypocrisy of your words, deeds and assumptions.
You act as if the leaders of other countries have no responsibility for their citizens!
From Mexico to Somalia, Korea to Iran and from the UN to the conferences on hunger, the bloated elite roll on to greater glory and acceptance.
You disgust me and all Americans that view the hypocrisy of your words, deeds and assumptions.
15
Every five years since I have been a child, there has been a famine somewhere along the Sahel and the population of these areas is three times greater than when I was young. Now famine is extending into Yemen. There really is no hope for people that can not control there breeding.
12
Worldwide, more than 225 million women have an unmet need for modern contraception. And yet this administration has frozen funding to foreign organizations that offer abortion as an option. Meaning, they are also defunding basic contraception options as well which will result in more people. Argh.
44
Why is this idiotic idea of a great wall being FORCED on us??!!The majority of Americans don't want it and see it as huge waste of money, especially when the Trump Administration seems to want to cut anything that has a little bit of compassion in it!!
25
About 66 million Americans voted for Hillary in 2016. If each of them were to contribute $10, then a fund of $660 million could be raised to feed the hungry.
Or if you say that they cannot all spare $10, how about the richer half contributing $20 each? That would have same effect.
And if the average tax bracket for these people is 25%, then the federal government would be contributing $165 million.
Anything wrong with my proposal?
Of course. It solves the problem but without any Trump bashing.
It is unlikely to be popular here.
Or if you say that they cannot all spare $10, how about the richer half contributing $20 each? That would have same effect.
And if the average tax bracket for these people is 25%, then the federal government would be contributing $165 million.
Anything wrong with my proposal?
Of course. It solves the problem but without any Trump bashing.
It is unlikely to be popular here.
8
I agree with the problem, not the solution.
This starving child lives on a peninsula with the vast wealth.
You're going to have starving children as long as intolerant regimes exist, and the bulk of those regimes are Islamic. and the majority of oppression is fueled by Islam
This starving child lives on a peninsula with the vast wealth.
You're going to have starving children as long as intolerant regimes exist, and the bulk of those regimes are Islamic. and the majority of oppression is fueled by Islam
10
Maybe China can replace the US as the major donor to these international programs of humaneness since it has greater economic ability, and can play a greater global role.
5
"In effect, the Saudis have managed to block coverage of the crimes against humanity they are perpetrating in Yemen, and the U.S. backs the Saudis. Shame on us." Let's do more than accept shame. Groups to fast in front of U.S. on April 10 to protest these starvation murders. See Saudius.org
5
With this budget, it's official. America is morally and spiritual bankrupt. Its god is money and bullets.
15
Trump is a sociopath who doesn't care who dies, so long as he gets to keep his toys and adoring fans. But how does Barack Obama justify the war crimes in Yemen to himself?
4
How much does it cost the American taxpayer to send Trump to Mar-a-Lago for a weekend? How many starving children in Yemen would that feed?
20
$ 3 million a trip.
He has been down there 5 times in less than 60 days.
Do the math,
oinkl
He has been down there 5 times in less than 60 days.
Do the math,
oinkl
17
In the New Yorker, Jane Mayer talks about how Trump, Robert Mercer, Bannon and their ilk believe your value as a person is directly related to how much money you make. So the poor and starving in the US as well as foreign countries have a zero or negative value in their eyes.
A lot of Trump voters are beginning to see this applies to them as well. And they'll have at least 4 years of misery to contemplate that vote. A lot of people in Yemen and Africa won't live long enough to see our next president undo some of this damage to human life and human dignity -- not to mention damage done to our planet and future generations.
A lot of Trump voters are beginning to see this applies to them as well. And they'll have at least 4 years of misery to contemplate that vote. A lot of people in Yemen and Africa won't live long enough to see our next president undo some of this damage to human life and human dignity -- not to mention damage done to our planet and future generations.
18
"What is honored in a country will be cultivated there." Plato.
8
Thank you for another heads up and brilliantly put article. As an ordained minister-retired- I am disturbed and saddened that so many Christians voted for this administration.
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China is increasing it's aid to the world and becoming more involved in Africa and Latin America. They learned the lesson that America became the world's one superpower through soft power. It can't match our increasingly useless military strength. It's going a different route.
Russian or Chinese? I better learn both.
Russian or Chinese? I better learn both.
11
Nick, when anyone hears about Trump's budget cutting measures, especially about cutting or totally eliminating our age old commitments towards international aid,same person wonders if America is in decline.
Or if America is becoming poor?
But if they follow our political diatribes closely, they'll realize that it's just that our resolve to be the world leader in problem solving is over.
We've become more isolationist that we ever were.
And we've turned into heartless,poisonous self under a Trump administration.
Yes, Trump who wants to spend 54 billion dollars more in our war mongering tactics, doesn't really care if a child in Africa or Yemen live or die as you pointed out here.
For Trump it's wise to spend more on military infrastructures that can kill more innocent people like we killed dozens of civilians by bombing a local mosque in rural Syria yesterday.
And as per his mind structure, a death of a poor individual who doesn't have any money, to either stay in his expensive hotels where he charges $100,000 per night in Washington or lacks any money to buy any of his expensive beverages and high end fashion apparels, doesn't need to stay alive either.
So no wonder under Trump our country is shirking of all our responsibilities just to build a damn wall on the Mexican border from where hardly any foreigners come through.
But on the other hand he wants to take our defense oriented businesses to a level that none of the ex-presidents of our country every dreamed of.
Or if America is becoming poor?
But if they follow our political diatribes closely, they'll realize that it's just that our resolve to be the world leader in problem solving is over.
We've become more isolationist that we ever were.
And we've turned into heartless,poisonous self under a Trump administration.
Yes, Trump who wants to spend 54 billion dollars more in our war mongering tactics, doesn't really care if a child in Africa or Yemen live or die as you pointed out here.
For Trump it's wise to spend more on military infrastructures that can kill more innocent people like we killed dozens of civilians by bombing a local mosque in rural Syria yesterday.
And as per his mind structure, a death of a poor individual who doesn't have any money, to either stay in his expensive hotels where he charges $100,000 per night in Washington or lacks any money to buy any of his expensive beverages and high end fashion apparels, doesn't need to stay alive either.
So no wonder under Trump our country is shirking of all our responsibilities just to build a damn wall on the Mexican border from where hardly any foreigners come through.
But on the other hand he wants to take our defense oriented businesses to a level that none of the ex-presidents of our country every dreamed of.
5
It is not America's job to provide basics for any other country than America.
12
This is great.
You must be quite wealthy or dirt poor, and skilled at making your own clothes. Not to say your TV, iPad, smart phone, car and just about everything else in your life.
Buying products that were made exclusively in America would require a very large budget or extreme craftiness.
You must be quite wealthy or dirt poor, and skilled at making your own clothes. Not to say your TV, iPad, smart phone, car and just about everything else in your life.
Buying products that were made exclusively in America would require a very large budget or extreme craftiness.
10
Dear Nicholas,
What you failed to mention is the 3 Billion given to Israel is for defense. Israel is the only Democracy in the Middle East and the only reliable American Ally.As far as being prosperous, most young Israeli’s can’t consider buying a house, and very few live anywhere near the standard of living we enjoy in the United States. I don’t know how Mr. Kristof defines prosperous, but it dosn't apply to my Granddaughter that lives there or any of her friends.
Muslim Nations also receive billions in American Aid, and not one is a Democracy or a reliable Ally.
As far as ,the impending famine is concerned, you will find that Israel like the United States will be in the forefront of aid to the Muslim countries that are
affected.Just as they were giving medical aid to Syrians that were injured by Assad & the Russians.
No child should Die of hunger in todays world, they are definitely the responsibility of everyone who can render Aid.
What you failed to mention is the 3 Billion given to Israel is for defense. Israel is the only Democracy in the Middle East and the only reliable American Ally.As far as being prosperous, most young Israeli’s can’t consider buying a house, and very few live anywhere near the standard of living we enjoy in the United States. I don’t know how Mr. Kristof defines prosperous, but it dosn't apply to my Granddaughter that lives there or any of her friends.
Muslim Nations also receive billions in American Aid, and not one is a Democracy or a reliable Ally.
As far as ,the impending famine is concerned, you will find that Israel like the United States will be in the forefront of aid to the Muslim countries that are
affected.Just as they were giving medical aid to Syrians that were injured by Assad & the Russians.
No child should Die of hunger in todays world, they are definitely the responsibility of everyone who can render Aid.
9
It seems that every President since FDR has been bowing to the Saudi's. We need to send Tillerson to Saudi Arabia to mandate that a condition of aid/weapons is stopping the famine. How about a negotiated cease fire at least temporarily to bring in relief? Our Military/soldiers like humanitarian missions. If we can be on the ground in Syria for fighting why not Yemen for Humanitarian purposes? Why not some effort for the hearts and minds of Muslims. Though it doesn't fit Bannon's worldview it's the right thing to do.
6
TrumpBannon wants chaos, wants terrorists to attack us. He is cutting funding for the Coast Guard. Their mission is to,DUH!, guard the coasts.
But I guess they don't buy the expensive toys that the other services do.Carriers, Subs, fighters, that's where the money is. That's where the money flows.
In their paranoia and rage, in their sick ambitions , Trump and Bannon want the chaotic events that will justify martial law. Trump doesn't understand the constitution, but any dumb third world dictator can understand the chief- tribe appeal of martial law. Trump wants it simple enough that he can excell.
But I guess they don't buy the expensive toys that the other services do.Carriers, Subs, fighters, that's where the money is. That's where the money flows.
In their paranoia and rage, in their sick ambitions , Trump and Bannon want the chaotic events that will justify martial law. Trump doesn't understand the constitution, but any dumb third world dictator can understand the chief- tribe appeal of martial law. Trump wants it simple enough that he can excell.
10
Does the teaparty/GOP genuinely detest anyone not in the millionaire class?
7
It is interesting that, int he world of Mr Kristoff, the US is to blame for everything. No mention of the lack of Arab money to help here, the lack of Chinese money, the lack of European or Russian money, the lack of Argentinian money or Japanese money, or the fact, distasteful as it is to Mr. Kristoff and his kind, that the Yemenis (and Somalis and Sudanese) are to blame for their own problems. The problem is not lack of US money - which, by the way, we can't afford. Our moral obligation is to our own people first.
11
You left one out of your multiple choice.
D.) 400,000 dead Americans every year caused by medical error.
D.) 400,000 dead Americans every year caused by medical error.
2
Mr Trump. Hunger and starvation are both a very real reality in this world of ours. Hunger in this country is a very real reality. You have never gone without. Your children have never gone without. What is wrong with you? Have you no feelings whatsoever for your fellow man? Can you even comprehend what it is that you are doing? I honestly pity you. You are an empty shell of a man, with no love or empathy, period. You are a disgrace. Why so much hate? Is there anything in this world that you truly care about other than yourself? Apparently not. Shame on you and your kind!
15
The Republican war on the poor is just getting up to speed, what are you going to do? What am I going to do? For starters I try and hold this papers feet to the fire. Pushing it to be a responsible aggregator and dispenser of accurate information/news presented in correct context, this means, honestly. No weaseling.
For an update on what is the proud tradition of American news reporting and its mission please watch this four minute speech because as we read In Liz Spade's Public Editor column today the Times is about to step even deeper into the Stepford Wives of journalism. The press run by marketing departments is not worthy of our attention.
The Newsroom S1 E3: The 112th Congress (The Media Elite)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_i9fw43Moo
For an update on what is the proud tradition of American news reporting and its mission please watch this four minute speech because as we read In Liz Spade's Public Editor column today the Times is about to step even deeper into the Stepford Wives of journalism. The press run by marketing departments is not worthy of our attention.
The Newsroom S1 E3: The 112th Congress (The Media Elite)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_i9fw43Moo
1
And Republican and Donald Trump's administration claim to be "pro-life"!
I am ashamed of our government . . . That a minority of Americans have elected.
I am ashamed of our government . . . That a minority of Americans have elected.
13
There are sufficient number of comments here to suggest that the American tradition of help and generosity is now a lost issue. Added to that is an article on the mean-spiritedness of deportation.
The degradation of the US spirit is not trump, it is its a substantial portion of its people and trump is merely a manifestation of that newly founded spirit. The red and blue colors of the map speak volumes
The degradation of the US spirit is not trump, it is its a substantial portion of its people and trump is merely a manifestation of that newly founded spirit. The red and blue colors of the map speak volumes
5
We can't solve all the world's problems. Those countries are, like the U.S., overly populated. Nature takes it course to correct imbalances. Cruel but true. Hyenas and big cats eat the young of almost every species, in some cases while the mother is giving birth. Coyotes do the same thing with deer, with as high as a 70% predation rate. Nature is cruel.
6
The starvation in Yemen is not due to overpopulation. It's due to politics.
20
I agree we can't solve all the world's problems. But we certainly seem to start or contribute to many of them.
6
We have been watching this movie for a long time now. For Republicans, life begins at conception and ends at birth. Why would we expect anything different? Isn't that the definition of insanity?
We could likely feed all the starving people in Yemen with the money we spend on the Trumps in one day.
Them that's got, gets.
We could likely feed all the starving people in Yemen with the money we spend on the Trumps in one day.
Them that's got, gets.
16
Yes, Trump is willing to hurt Americans and the needful world wide. He and the GOP are really a disgrace. Why do not the Christian groups that supported them crying out, have they sold their sole for a pro life president?
9
The laissez faire economic fatalism of Rev. Thomas Robert Malthus provides President Trump, Speaker Ryan and most GOP politicians with basic counsel:
"To act consistently [in accord with the laws of population increase, of scarcity and of the market], we should facilitate, instead of foolishly and vainly . . . impede, the operation of nature in producing . . . mortality . . . ." An Essay on the Principle of Population (New York: Dutton, 1960), vol. 2, pp. 179-80; originally published in 1803.
For the underclasses, death is a blessing.
For most GOP "conservatives" food is not a basic human need. Like healthcare food is just another commodity subject to the inviolable laws of the market. This laissez faire capitalist approach assures the natural culling of the human herd.
For GOP politicians, as for Reverend Malthus, laissez faire capitalism is divinely preordained, as are the deaths of the non-affluent among the improvident, the old, the lame, the infirm and the chronically ill.
The prudent know it is best to turn a profit, stand back and let divinely inspired capitalism take its course. To do otherwise would be to compromise with sinful socialism!
Blessed be the shameless "conservatives" for theirs' is the kingdom of Mammon
"To act consistently [in accord with the laws of population increase, of scarcity and of the market], we should facilitate, instead of foolishly and vainly . . . impede, the operation of nature in producing . . . mortality . . . ." An Essay on the Principle of Population (New York: Dutton, 1960), vol. 2, pp. 179-80; originally published in 1803.
For the underclasses, death is a blessing.
For most GOP "conservatives" food is not a basic human need. Like healthcare food is just another commodity subject to the inviolable laws of the market. This laissez faire capitalist approach assures the natural culling of the human herd.
For GOP politicians, as for Reverend Malthus, laissez faire capitalism is divinely preordained, as are the deaths of the non-affluent among the improvident, the old, the lame, the infirm and the chronically ill.
The prudent know it is best to turn a profit, stand back and let divinely inspired capitalism take its course. To do otherwise would be to compromise with sinful socialism!
Blessed be the shameless "conservatives" for theirs' is the kingdom of Mammon
4
Mr.KRISTOF's many readers,of whom I am one,might take a different view of his tendendency to blame world hunger on parsimoniousness of Pres. TRUMP if he pointed out that David Miliband, a Blair croney, head of International Rescue Committee who got his position due to his political connections,makes an annual salary of over $600,000 a year plus other benefits. With so many suffering in this country, many living hand to mouth because of lost jobs, having been made superfluous by globalization,is it not in the President's and the country's interest to take care of folks'welfare in US above all?Likewise for Stephen O Brien, head of a humanitarian committee at the UN whose annual emoluments exceed a half million annually.Contributed loyally to the Humane Society since I have a soft spot for abandoned pets, but read with disappointment that Mr. Pacelle, head of HSUS pockets annual wage of 4 million.Charity should be given one on one, to those whom one knows will directly benefit, not to large organizations like the abovementioned.Kristoff should have pointed this out.
7
Well said. It would be good to know the total dollars spent by the UN, in salaries, fringe benefits, travel, entertainment, and pensions.
It would also be good to know the total dollars spent by US charities on actual costs to run the charity/foundation and the dollars given to their charity of choice.
CharityNavigator.com says there are 1.57 million nonprofits in the USA (at last count). I would like to see how many of these are political in nature; now many are artistic in nature; how many are educational in nature; and how many actually give food/support to the poor.
The $100-plus dinners to raise funds for political entities and the $100-plus parties given to raise money for 'the arts' could send those dollars to inner cities and poor communities in the USA.......but no romance there. And "select" Oscar nominees et al are given $100,000 gift bags......charity for the wealthy. Fantastically expensive dresses are given to actresses and rumors state some actresses expect to be paid to wear a designer's dress. Who needs a $100,000 dress? No one.......and this is one of the reasons the majority of people don't watch the Oscar ceremony: it's not relevant to the lives of most of us. Why not donate the $100,000 to charity - real charity, charity to help the poor.
It would also be good to know the total dollars spent by US charities on actual costs to run the charity/foundation and the dollars given to their charity of choice.
CharityNavigator.com says there are 1.57 million nonprofits in the USA (at last count). I would like to see how many of these are political in nature; now many are artistic in nature; how many are educational in nature; and how many actually give food/support to the poor.
The $100-plus dinners to raise funds for political entities and the $100-plus parties given to raise money for 'the arts' could send those dollars to inner cities and poor communities in the USA.......but no romance there. And "select" Oscar nominees et al are given $100,000 gift bags......charity for the wealthy. Fantastically expensive dresses are given to actresses and rumors state some actresses expect to be paid to wear a designer's dress. Who needs a $100,000 dress? No one.......and this is one of the reasons the majority of people don't watch the Oscar ceremony: it's not relevant to the lives of most of us. Why not donate the $100,000 to charity - real charity, charity to help the poor.
7
@Azalea: Well said. well written.
4
During my lifetime, there were several times I have questioned the moral values of my country. Although I was against the war in Viet Nam, after college I served in the military for 4 years. Wasn't too proud, but this was my country. Now however, the photo of Udai Faisal, reawakens my thoughts that our country does not always take the high road to serving humanity. To have a president of the world's richest nation present a budget that lacks any semblance of empathy, not only for the unfortunate in this country, but for those suffering famine around the world, is unfathomable. However, my primary anger is with The New York Times and other media outlets. Why isn't Udai's photograph on the front page of every newspaper and the lead story in every newscast in this country? We, the people, should be totally disgusted, that we have allowed our politicians to sink our country to such a depth of moral depravity. We should be ashamed, and we must not let it continue!
203
So the Pentagon might be gifted another $50-100 billion per year with Trump's budget. Instead of endorsing the check over to Lockheed-Martin and General Dynamics why don't the brass and the Secretary of Defense devote it to humanitarian intervention, not Somalia-style but some other efficiently-delivered, finely-targeted aid that doesn't involve base-building and permanent military presence. Or endorse the check over to Doctors Without Borders, the UN, and the military can partition off aid zones from these hideous regimes in Nigeria etc. Win-win: the US, its military win the world's heart, a precedent is set telling bellicose regimes to stuff it, famines are averted (!), and as a country we will have something to show for $50 billion, besides a couple more submarines. Besides, overseas crises create refugees and immigrants, not in a bad way, but that pressure is at the top of Western to-do lists.
2
The young mayor of Ithaca, NY, Svante Myrick, recently responded to Paul Ryan's statement that free school lunches damaged the "souls" of the recipients with the message quoted here. Myrick's statement should be pondered by all heartless Republican politicians. Quote from the mayor:
I got free lunch in school.
I can't say what effect it had on my soul. Only One knows that.
But I can tell you I'm grateful for it every day. Because it allowed me to focus on my math instead of the rumble in my stomach.
It allowed me to do my homework at night instead of being anxious about where I was going to find lunch tomorrow.
It allowed me to have a healthy functional childhood.
Because if you teach a boy to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.
But you can't teach a hungry boy anything at all.
I got free lunch in school.
I can't say what effect it had on my soul. Only One knows that.
But I can tell you I'm grateful for it every day. Because it allowed me to focus on my math instead of the rumble in my stomach.
It allowed me to do my homework at night instead of being anxious about where I was going to find lunch tomorrow.
It allowed me to have a healthy functional childhood.
Because if you teach a boy to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.
But you can't teach a hungry boy anything at all.
25
If the DNC wishes to find a way to beat trump and his like they should take this man and this story and put in on the news and front pages of every liberal thinking or left leaning paper everyday along with the Udai Faisal story every day in front of every congressman and senator until the crisis is over. We need to tell ISSIS and the world we're better then this even with Trump. Bill Gates are you listening.
6
Think about how many people we could feed if we eliminated a few tanks, planes or an aircraft carrier or two.
Imagine how many people we could feed if we did not prop up these corrupt 3rd world governments, so that one or two conglomerates can exploit the country ?
if governments around the world. ( especially 1st world with its massive wealth ) truly worked for all of its people, then there would be no need whatsoever for charity.
... or foreign aid.
Imagine how many people we could feed if we did not prop up these corrupt 3rd world governments, so that one or two conglomerates can exploit the country ?
if governments around the world. ( especially 1st world with its massive wealth ) truly worked for all of its people, then there would be no need whatsoever for charity.
... or foreign aid.
6
GOP to the world's and America's poor - Starve because you are not deserving.
8
How much did the DNC contribute to the world's poor? Was there a $350/plate fundraiser for Wall Street honchos or for Hollywood millionaires where the funds went to the poor?
4
It pains me that some lives are more valuable than others. My heart hurts. Thank you for shining the light on this. I heard you. I will do what I can from here to turn this tide.
I wish more Americans would wake up to our dangerous alliances (eg Saudi Arabia-who is as undemocratic as they get, all for oil).
When will we see human beings (not just embryos and fetuses) as precious and worthy of food, shelter, healthcare, safety and education? Life flourishes, if given the chance. Let's give it a chance!
I wish more Americans would wake up to our dangerous alliances (eg Saudi Arabia-who is as undemocratic as they get, all for oil).
When will we see human beings (not just embryos and fetuses) as precious and worthy of food, shelter, healthcare, safety and education? Life flourishes, if given the chance. Let's give it a chance!
1
And travel to his "Southern White House".
6
What are we to do?
Here is what we could do: use our military to take food in to these places and feed the hungry. That is the best possible use of a military in our age. Just feed the hungry.
The second thing to do? Stop this insane momentum to build a high wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. The way you stop immigration flooding is to strengthen economies in the countries of origin for migrants. If people have a legitimate way to earn a decent living for themselves and their families, they will want to stay in the country of their birth; their gang violence will give way to legitimate businesses.
The third thing? Figure out how to restore respect for human beings and all of life on this planet. Life is richer than capitalist extreme wealth-building.
We need balance. And we need love and compassion.
Here is what we could do: use our military to take food in to these places and feed the hungry. That is the best possible use of a military in our age. Just feed the hungry.
The second thing to do? Stop this insane momentum to build a high wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. The way you stop immigration flooding is to strengthen economies in the countries of origin for migrants. If people have a legitimate way to earn a decent living for themselves and their families, they will want to stay in the country of their birth; their gang violence will give way to legitimate businesses.
The third thing? Figure out how to restore respect for human beings and all of life on this planet. Life is richer than capitalist extreme wealth-building.
We need balance. And we need love and compassion.
14
We have rules about how the military can be used.
I suspect that making the US military provide assistance in the South Sudan would be akin to declaring war on a country that has already refused to accept the limits of their their ability to govern and refused administrative assistance from the international community.
I suspect that making the US military provide assistance in the South Sudan would be akin to declaring war on a country that has already refused to accept the limits of their their ability to govern and refused administrative assistance from the international community.
3
How telling that Trump pitted an increase in the Defense Budget against programs like Meals on Wheels, After School Initiatives, and Housing Programs. It shows what a black heart he has when it comes to caring for the least able to care for themselves. How scurrilous this man is. And how cowardly after all those campaign promises he made. Remember how he prodded Blacks, asking them, "What have you got to lose?" Well, they're about to lose what they need most: food, clothing, and shelter. And the 'death by a thousand cuts' the Republicans have been dreaming of for decades to the future of Medicaid is absolutely frightening. The notion they've peddled for years "that Medicaid is nothing more than a money-handout to lazy and shiftless minorities" cannot be more wrong. For starters, without Medicaid the elderly will no longer have proper access to Elder Care like Assisted Living and Nursing Homes. More of those who are in Trump's cross-hairs? That's right, those working class stiffs who voted for Trump believing they were voting to elevate their standing, work their way into the Middle Class. Well, take a break and forget going out and buying that big, bad Dodge Ram, and that nice Double Wide trailer. You've been had.
6
I have always thought it was a cruel joke that the Republican Christians were more concerned with abortion than with helping a child that was born. Food, school lunches, Meals on Wheels, are all the things that keep a person alive and well and are the first to be cut in a society that believes in total self-support. Ryan's budget and Trump's budget does this. Sad.
12
When Meals on Wheels, feeding poor American seniors, veterans, and children, isn't showing enough of a "return" to fund it, there isn't a snowball's chance in hell for the rest of the world.
America First, right?
America First, right?
6
As a currently circulating meme picture points out, the total cost for US Meals onWheels could be saved if Melanie Trump stayed in DC for just six days.
13
What a haunting face. It should bring anyone to tears. We have a POTUS that would cut off foreign aid, as if that somehow "puts America first". That should make you sick.
Juxtapose that little child's face in between the mottled, bloated, rage filled visages of the grossly over-fed Bannon and Trump. You won't need to say anything else. That will say it all.
Juxtapose that little child's face in between the mottled, bloated, rage filled visages of the grossly over-fed Bannon and Trump. You won't need to say anything else. That will say it all.
13
It ought not to be so hard to understand: Trump and his tribe don't care if these millions die. They do not care and, perhaps, this is part of their new manifest destiny thinking.
'We" have the food and the power. That these masses are "unable to care for themselves" if proof of the failings of the Islamic world (as the most at risk are in that Muslim conflict region Trump sees as a threat).
Never mind our Saudi "allies" flying U.S. planes are killing the population of Yemen from the sky and their ships are stopping food from arriving by sea and the mass killing is amplified.
This couldn't be better for Bannon. These Muslims are mass killing each other. All Trump's tribe need do is continue to supply the factions with weapons and money and the millions of innocents caught in the middle will vanish.
Of course, Putin is helping out here, too. Thus the Trump/Putin bromance. Between the two of them, they will set records for the propagation of death that will dwarf the numbers lost as a result of WWII.
It is horrifying that this Russian/Trump axis is the enabler for the rest of the civilized world to turn its collective back to say - "well, it's not OUR problem."
'We" have the food and the power. That these masses are "unable to care for themselves" if proof of the failings of the Islamic world (as the most at risk are in that Muslim conflict region Trump sees as a threat).
Never mind our Saudi "allies" flying U.S. planes are killing the population of Yemen from the sky and their ships are stopping food from arriving by sea and the mass killing is amplified.
This couldn't be better for Bannon. These Muslims are mass killing each other. All Trump's tribe need do is continue to supply the factions with weapons and money and the millions of innocents caught in the middle will vanish.
Of course, Putin is helping out here, too. Thus the Trump/Putin bromance. Between the two of them, they will set records for the propagation of death that will dwarf the numbers lost as a result of WWII.
It is horrifying that this Russian/Trump axis is the enabler for the rest of the civilized world to turn its collective back to say - "well, it's not OUR problem."
8
Trump is the bad guy for refusing to feed the displaced people resulting from Obama and Hillary's failed foreign policy?
Got it.
Got it.
6
Are you also blaming Obama and Hillary for the hungry in this country who need Meals on Wheels and free or reduced school lunch?
Just checking to see how consistent you are.
Just checking to see how consistent you are.
7
@Ken. Nothing matches the legacy of Bush junior's foreign policy (and domestic) fiascos. And a Democratic administration had to pick up the pieces for that with precious little gratitude from Republicans.
9
Is there a reason the Saudis are not being condemned here?
10
Yes, we like their oil.
4
Conservatives need to answer for their actions: if the deficit is a problem, then what justifies tax cuts?
Everything else is priorities.
Everything else is priorities.
2
It's beginning to feel as if the entire world is operating under the notion of "It's every man for himself."
107
You've just noticed this?
1
That has always been the case, you just haven't been paying attention.
1
No need to read the paper to realize that it's a selfish planet.
Walk down the street, visit your local market or neighborly restaurant.
Most people are minding their own business and looking to make the most of their precious day.
Walk down the street, visit your local market or neighborly restaurant.
Most people are minding their own business and looking to make the most of their precious day.
2
While improved distribution of food might alleviate the current problem, the long term problem is the unsustainable growth of human populations.
We have two options: 1) Ignore the problem and allow nature to take its course, reducing human populations through starvation, war and pestilence. Or 2) Give women in third world countries the option, through family planning, of deciding the timing and number of pregnancies over their lifetimes.
Unfortunately, "conservative" politics and religious dogma prefer the first "solution".
We have two options: 1) Ignore the problem and allow nature to take its course, reducing human populations through starvation, war and pestilence. Or 2) Give women in third world countries the option, through family planning, of deciding the timing and number of pregnancies over their lifetimes.
Unfortunately, "conservative" politics and religious dogma prefer the first "solution".
20
Of course you are correct. I am sure that over time the problem of over-population will be solved, one way or another. (My money is on the war and pestilence option).
In the meantime, it is important that long-range philosophies do not prevent society from easing the current problems of the individual. A starving person has a much different perception of the passage of time. Seconds become hours and any alleviation of suffering, no matter how minute, is important.
Let's all look forward to the next Apocalypse but in the meantime we can still supply food to someone.
In the meantime, it is important that long-range philosophies do not prevent society from easing the current problems of the individual. A starving person has a much different perception of the passage of time. Seconds become hours and any alleviation of suffering, no matter how minute, is important.
Let's all look forward to the next Apocalypse but in the meantime we can still supply food to someone.
3
There is a third option which is to bring in a certain amount of carrot and stick approach to family size.
Liberals tend to believe, on NO evidence, that women do not want to have children and that patriarchal men are forcing them.
If this were true then " Give women in third world countries the option" would work.
But many women WANT to have lots of children. (MY own wife never forgave me for the fact that I only would agree to two). They might be content with five, but five is already unsustainable.
Liberals tend to believe, on NO evidence, that women do not want to have children and that patriarchal men are forcing them.
If this were true then " Give women in third world countries the option" would work.
But many women WANT to have lots of children. (MY own wife never forgave me for the fact that I only would agree to two). They might be content with five, but five is already unsustainable.
5
"(My money is on the war and pestilence option)."
But that money won't do you much good if indeed there are war and pestilence, will it?
We need to curb population growth and we do need to furnish incentives for people to limit the number of children they have.
Think about Uday Faisal. His death is a tragedy. But if he had been killed five months before his birth, then by progressive logic, it would have been a "boon for women's health".
But that money won't do you much good if indeed there are war and pestilence, will it?
We need to curb population growth and we do need to furnish incentives for people to limit the number of children they have.
Think about Uday Faisal. His death is a tragedy. But if he had been killed five months before his birth, then by progressive logic, it would have been a "boon for women's health".
3
The US is truly the most selfish country in the World. We are analogous to Jesus' observation to the rich man and poor women in the Temple. When you hear of the wealthy giving away millions, know that their houses are full with riches, their children are wearing the finest clothes, and their BMW's are safely tucked away into their heated garages. The US may have allocated $36 billion for 2017 in "aid", but to date we have only spent $127 million by it's own account. How much of that "aid" really goes towards relieving suffering? You can see by the government link that the US is "Planning" on spending $55 million dollars in Yemen this year. Someone please tell me how we are going to do that?
http://beta.foreignassistance.gov/explore
http://beta.foreignassistance.gov/explore
2
"‘That Food Saved My Life,’ and Trump Wants to Cut It Off". this is a TOTAL lie. anyone who wants to donate money to buy food (or clothes or shelter) for any individual or group is free to do so.
3
Those of us who are working in the third world in US government supported projects are particularly disheartened. Is HRH Rwanda low enough on the Trump team radar screen that it my last another year or two?
3
Come home and tend the sick and poor in the US
1
Plenty of needy, hungry children here. Let's take care of them first before we ship billions to a hotbed of Islamic terrorism.
You're so predicable NYT.....lol
You're so predicable NYT.....lol
3
But the GOP isn't going to take care of the hungry American children. The travesty is global and our current response to it as a nation is short sighted as well as immoral.
6
Not only is the US cutting off humanitarian aid, but in Yemen, it is backing the murderous and indiscriminate Saudi bombing campaign, which is the cause of the misery of the civilian population.
5
It was Saudi citizens who were responsible for 9'11. Yet Saudi Arabia is not in the "banned countries'. And we even partner with them in Yemen. Is there any wonder that terrorism is increasing?
2
The problem here isn't big, bad President Trump and his evil instincts, it's the countries whose political instability threatens the safety and well-being of its people and those who finance that instability. Throwing our tax dollars at the problem won't make it go away.
4
And who threw many of those countries into instability? Read history before you cast blame.
2
I have read history and I was referring to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, among others. Unlike many liberals, my first instinct is not to blame the US for all the world's ills, nor do I see the US as the solution to everything.
2
Tax cuts for the already rich are much more important. Think of all the great things they will do with that money!
6
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for the second excellent moral compass piece this week. I was always very proud that the US gave so much to alleviate suffering in other countries--it was truly living our values to help provide healthcare and education around the globe.
This president's malicious redistribution of the budget will make so many people who are now struggling into desperate wretches: Meals on Wheels, Medicaid, and the pull back on USAID, the UN, and other organizations that support development and growth in less affluent places. To help others is not only charity and humanity but also self-interest; to stabilize parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where social and ethnic unrest promises to boil over should be to everyone's benefit.
I am not sure whether there is a Hell; I am sure that if there is one, our 45 will dwell there for eternity for what he is doing. The cruelty, disruption, and selfishness of this administration's agenda will bring wars, probably including terrorism. Trump voters, is this REALLY what you wanted? If so, shame on you.
This president's malicious redistribution of the budget will make so many people who are now struggling into desperate wretches: Meals on Wheels, Medicaid, and the pull back on USAID, the UN, and other organizations that support development and growth in less affluent places. To help others is not only charity and humanity but also self-interest; to stabilize parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where social and ethnic unrest promises to boil over should be to everyone's benefit.
I am not sure whether there is a Hell; I am sure that if there is one, our 45 will dwell there for eternity for what he is doing. The cruelty, disruption, and selfishness of this administration's agenda will bring wars, probably including terrorism. Trump voters, is this REALLY what you wanted? If so, shame on you.
11
Wow, you think he's done all that in 2 months? where were you when Obama was destroying the US?
1
Bannon: Mr President, seems there is a humanitarian crisis with starving children in some countries. But of course we need to cut international aid spending to focus on our problems here; we need to kill Obamacare and rebuild our coal industry.
Trump: Look, Steve, I don't like seeing pictures of starving kids. Can't we send them some American steaks or something, you know, to keep our cattle farmers in business? That's a WIN for all!
Trump: By the way, did you see that great photo of Jr on the tree stump? It was FAKE NEWS, of course, and I wouldn't be caught dead in those clothes, but he is making me proud, trying to appeal to our core base.
Trump: Look, Steve, I don't like seeing pictures of starving kids. Can't we send them some American steaks or something, you know, to keep our cattle farmers in business? That's a WIN for all!
Trump: By the way, did you see that great photo of Jr on the tree stump? It was FAKE NEWS, of course, and I wouldn't be caught dead in those clothes, but he is making me proud, trying to appeal to our core base.
7
The America first creed is first to help, first to defend, first in freedom.
It is morally wrong to not feed those in need. Much is expected of those who are given much. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Another president's inaugural address stated our purpose in the world:
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
It is morally wrong to not feed those in need. Much is expected of those who are given much. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Another president's inaugural address stated our purpose in the world:
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
7
The question is "what is the US role in the world?" Even we do not have unlimited resources, power, or mental energy. Starving people, family planning, disease control, and food production should take president. But without the arms, war mongering, and ego gratification, can we help? Yes! but only if "all" people have a set of the same priorities. Think grass roots to get to the big picture.
2
Death from starvation is most often the result of indifference or deliberate government policy whether in Ireland in the 1840's or south Sudan today.
The world can raise enough food to feed every man, woman, and child alive today. In the United States we raise so much food that we must use the surplus to create synthetic fuels (gasahol) and synthetic foods (high fructose corn syrup).
It is estimated that we Americans waste more than 40% of the food we grow.
There is no shortage. No child should go to bed or go to school hungry.
There is maldistribution of food and deliberate starvation of civilians for military, political, and economic purposes.
The United States and other governments through the United Nations have a responsibility to prevent the needless loss of human life in South Sudan, Haiti, Venezuela and other countries.
Who will lead?
The world can raise enough food to feed every man, woman, and child alive today. In the United States we raise so much food that we must use the surplus to create synthetic fuels (gasahol) and synthetic foods (high fructose corn syrup).
It is estimated that we Americans waste more than 40% of the food we grow.
There is no shortage. No child should go to bed or go to school hungry.
There is maldistribution of food and deliberate starvation of civilians for military, political, and economic purposes.
The United States and other governments through the United Nations have a responsibility to prevent the needless loss of human life in South Sudan, Haiti, Venezuela and other countries.
Who will lead?
21
the leaders in those nations are responsible, not the US
2
So much for Christian values. Trump never had any but the religious right that supports GOP budget cutting is the epitomy of hypocricy. What makes it particularly shameful is that foreign aid accounts for less than 1 percent of our nation's budget. Trump's weekend golfing trips to Mar-a-Lago and security for his kids' business trips abroad will exceed that 1 percent before this year is over. Oh, I forgot. Trump is going to donate his salary to charity. So he can take that deduction off his taxes and further rob the U.S. Treasury.
28
Mr Trump can suggest anything he cares to put forward, but without a Congress to carry out his suggestions none of the absurdities he proposes would see the light of day.
Mr Trump has become the "fall guy" whether he and the rest of our political pundits acknowledge it or not, while the real culprits are the heartless men and women we elect to Congress.
I wish those who have the platforms such as this would point the fingers of blame and responsibility for the literal carnage which is and will continue to the court where it belongs, our elected House of Representatives.
His political suggestions, like many of those who support them, is limited to himself and his family.
Animals feeding at the trough have better social vision.
Mr Trump has become the "fall guy" whether he and the rest of our political pundits acknowledge it or not, while the real culprits are the heartless men and women we elect to Congress.
I wish those who have the platforms such as this would point the fingers of blame and responsibility for the literal carnage which is and will continue to the court where it belongs, our elected House of Representatives.
His political suggestions, like many of those who support them, is limited to himself and his family.
Animals feeding at the trough have better social vision.
16
I can think of no more compelling evidence of the mental illness of the White House's current occupant than the incapability to help those in need; in fact, there appears to be an indecent lack of compassion and no sense of duty to help, only an unmitigated greed and the kind of selfishness one thinks didn't get properly beaten out of him as a child. Maybe it was even encouraged, which is more horrific.
I would like to see the press (and thank you, Mr. Kristof, for doing your job) hammer this administration on these sorts of issues. It is indecent to accept this kind of inhumanity, and indefensibly ignorant for them not to see the potential repercussions of allowing these human calamities to happen. How the Republican Party can sleep at night, and manage to cling to their so-called Christianity, I will never understand; Christ would be as angry at them as the money lenders in the temple. But it should be a drum beat that the catastrophes that happen, and that are happening on their watch, are solely theirs to own.
Let no one forget what their ignorance and inhumanity has wrought; they take the needless deaths of innocents to their graves.
I would like to see the press (and thank you, Mr. Kristof, for doing your job) hammer this administration on these sorts of issues. It is indecent to accept this kind of inhumanity, and indefensibly ignorant for them not to see the potential repercussions of allowing these human calamities to happen. How the Republican Party can sleep at night, and manage to cling to their so-called Christianity, I will never understand; Christ would be as angry at them as the money lenders in the temple. But it should be a drum beat that the catastrophes that happen, and that are happening on their watch, are solely theirs to own.
Let no one forget what their ignorance and inhumanity has wrought; they take the needless deaths of innocents to their graves.
30
Those of us who were given more, need to return more, whether as individuals or as a nation. Our history shows we have taken more (from Indians, slave labor) and benefitted mightily. The U.S. Has a moral and ethical obligation to intervene in these humanitarian crisis. Trump however, Mr. Businessman, does not see our international role in these unfortunate human situations. When American history is written about this period it will show how America tilted away from doing the right thing, and how millions perished. How sad for the world, and how sad for our once great country.
25
Those who were enticed to believe that a businessman could run our large, complex
country failed to see that
#1 Trump runs [still] his own company autonomously. If he doesn't like the way things are going, he just moves on to the next deal.
#2 Trump never had or asked advisers for input
#3 Trump was not PART of a large corporation with board meetings and finding consensus as a way to proceed
Why would anyone believe that he could be the leader of a government by the people and for the people. His agenda: by me and for me.
country failed to see that
#1 Trump runs [still] his own company autonomously. If he doesn't like the way things are going, he just moves on to the next deal.
#2 Trump never had or asked advisers for input
#3 Trump was not PART of a large corporation with board meetings and finding consensus as a way to proceed
Why would anyone believe that he could be the leader of a government by the people and for the people. His agenda: by me and for me.
3
Awful reality, perhaps made a bit more tolerable with a tiny bit of help...now being removed by a thoughtless narcissist, with the complicity of his enablers dictating its ominous course. Trump is a brute, unwilling to contribute...as he was raised to always take from others. Perhaps we ought to pity him, a hopeless narcissist condemned to be the worst president ever. But what of his cabinet of wealthy misfits? History will judge all of these thugs, and harshly. They should all renounce office, and go home to wallow in their shame. Incompetency is one thing; a corrupted soul, another.
10
The United States has been a major instigator of ad collaborator in the war against the Yemeni people since the beginning of the Saudi campaign. That's under the Obama administration. So now Trump's the convenient lightning rod.
So how does it make sense to first wag horrific war against a defenseless people and then complain that we don't send aid? How about stopping the war? Wouldn't that be a better idea?
So how does it make sense to first wag horrific war against a defenseless people and then complain that we don't send aid? How about stopping the war? Wouldn't that be a better idea?
8
Yes, the war in Yemen started under Obama.
But now it is own trump's watch.
And, Yes, stopping the war is a better idea.
But, in the meantime couldn't food be sent ?
Both things could be done. They are not mutually exclusive.
But now it is own trump's watch.
And, Yes, stopping the war is a better idea.
But, in the meantime couldn't food be sent ?
Both things could be done. They are not mutually exclusive.
2
All the countries cited in this editorial are in Africa, populated by Blacks and Muslims. The current US Administration is made up of people who have scant interest in the well-being of Blacks and Muslims. So far, out of site of preying eyes, they are gleefully exchanging with their White Nationalist, Racist and Christian brothers how they are eliminating the threat to "their" country.
With the budget this Administration has presented they are doing the same thing in our country. They have no problem eliminating some of the white "losers" along the way. Those are the very losers who voted for their executioner.
With the budget this Administration has presented they are doing the same thing in our country. They have no problem eliminating some of the white "losers" along the way. Those are the very losers who voted for their executioner.
7
Oh my goodness - you left nothing out. Really trying to tug all the heartstrings here. Shame on you. What a transparent effort to mischaracterize Trump's agenda and an insult to your readers.
3
To: A Woman in Boston. And what do you think Mr. Friedman should have left out of his excellent article? The truth?
1
Trump's agenda speaks for itself. It needs no explication.
10
And what, pray tell, is trump's "agenda" with respect to world-wide hunger and such programs as Meal on Wheels here in the USA?
We have seen his budget.
Does he have other plans?
We have seen his budget.
Does he have other plans?
7
Nothing like facing starvation to fuel more illegal immigration.
What do they have to lose? Their lives are forfeit if they stay.
What do they have to lose? Their lives are forfeit if they stay.
10
There is this thing called CHARITY.
4
Charity begins at home.
1
To the NYT: Please, once in a while take Trump off the front page and make stories like this headlines instead of an opinion piece (even if the news is difficult to get).
In this day and age, the news is global - not just Trump. The juxtaposition of stories like this show clearly the deficiencies of his policies and that our dollars should not be going to the 1% on Wall Street.
In this day and age, the news is global - not just Trump. The juxtaposition of stories like this show clearly the deficiencies of his policies and that our dollars should not be going to the 1% on Wall Street.
11
Mr Trump. When you and your people sat down to work on your budget proposals, was there a conscious effort to be as mean spirited and hateful and vindictive, as this budget is, or was it just a natural course of events, coming from a group of selfish low life people that couldn't get past themselves? This entire budget workup and proposal is the outcome from a modern day equivalency to the Wannasee Conference. Why do you hate this country and the world so much Mr Trump?
15
So how do we handle this situation? It is becoming increasingly hard for me tolerate even talking to the people that I know that voted for this onerous Donald Trump. I have friend who feel that same way. Many of us, the ones who cannot bear Trump, voted Green or Libertarian and there are many of us. So what do we do? The Democrats are not the answer. Leave this country and just go to some other place in this world? Revolution talk is not a viable answer although it is nice form of escapist thinking. The 2018 election is just ahead and we need to get the members of Congress out so that decent people can occupy those offices and fight the good fight for human decency.
7
Indeed, do we have faith and trust in letting the constitution work this out? Do we hope, against hope, that the current congress will come to its senses and rid us of this aberration? Wait for the election process? Hopefully, we'll have a country left by then. Or finally, will the people have to bring about a change? (A drastic option indeed.). Time will tell.
2
Trump's main goals are to further bloat the military, build a useless wall and give rich people a tax cut. I fail to see how any of this benefits the boneheads who elected him.
27
" the U.S. backs the Saudis. Shame on us."
I remember a meeting about a year ago to discuss the future of Syria. The Syrian government was not allowed to be part of the discussion, but Mr. Obama insisted that Saudi Arabia be present.
So let us keep in mind that coddling Saudi Arabia is US policy and cannot be laid at the door of Trump.
I remember a meeting about a year ago to discuss the future of Syria. The Syrian government was not allowed to be part of the discussion, but Mr. Obama insisted that Saudi Arabia be present.
So let us keep in mind that coddling Saudi Arabia is US policy and cannot be laid at the door of Trump.
12
""President" Trump does not know enough to Care..or care enough to Know.
In his Presence we have Normalized Abnormality. His nsanity is spreading by that "Presidency", because of His success in winning his Goal...Power.
Sometimes the sanest reaction to an insane situation...is Insanity. Thank You,
Mr. Kristof....for another clear picture of Ours.
In his Presence we have Normalized Abnormality. His nsanity is spreading by that "Presidency", because of His success in winning his Goal...Power.
Sometimes the sanest reaction to an insane situation...is Insanity. Thank You,
Mr. Kristof....for another clear picture of Ours.
19
We give Israel $3 billion each year in foreign aid. Amid all the other cuts, this line item remains in the Trump budget. Israel has a thriving modern economy, and they don't need our money.
Perhaps Israel could use this $3 billion to help those in need in their region of the world.
Perhaps Israel could use this $3 billion to help those in need in their region of the world.
32
MidtownATL: actually, Israel does need the money, because their security burden is the highest in the world on a per capita and percent-of-GDP basis. Plus, the $3BB in aid is largely military aid, which goes to purchase US made armaments and technology, which supports our own military research and industry. So, beyond it being the right thing to do, and far more efficient than our own spending and efforts against radical Islam, it actually helps us, unlike the billions poured down the rathole and into the pockets of the elite of other nations.
4
We have no troops stationed in Israel. The IDF tests equipment for the US in real life situations. There are many other countries around the world which are receiving more aid because we have troops stationed there, risking American lives and contributing billions to foreign economies. Israel has to spend its aid money in the US. So while Israel is always the easy target, they are by no means the biggest recipient of US dollars. Were you complaining when we had troops in oil-rich Saudi Arabia protecting oil-rich Kuwait and adding to the economy of one of the most repressive nations on earth?
4
"Were you complaining when we had troops in oil-rich Saudi Arabia protecting oil-rich Kuwait and adding to the economy of one of the most repressive nations on earth?"
Yes, I was.
Yes, I was.
4
I was stunned by the gleeful manner of the budget director discussing his mean-spirited, selfish, short sighted budget. Paul Ryan is equally joyful describing his travesty of a health care plan that will deny care to the most needy among us while giving tax cuts to the wealthiest. I would say shame on you except it's clear that Republicans have no shame.
58
Climate change, with widespread hunger and famine will lead directly to increased lawlessness, military conflicts and vastly increased recruitment of new "terrorists". The US DoD and State departments understand this; how can the GOP Congress and POTUS ignore this direct consequence? How can the Christian voters square this with their religous beliefs? Only by willfully ignoring the obvious consequences of the GOP plans.
28
Finally, I have to say it. I am ashamed of being an American.
60
Ditto. Can Minnesota, like California secede or at least suspend our being part of this United States fiasco?
4
And Wisconsin residents should be ashamed because Mr. Ryan is so spineless not being able to respond against this fiasco.
4
Truth be told....we just had an election where we watched billions upon billions of dollars of Super PAC money from donated from private sources buy insulting TV advertising. Imagine if that wasted money was used for food.
I wouldn't just blame Trump. Most of America that is rich America has twisted values. Why gamble millions on a PAC when the money could have directly towards solving the problems in the first place?
I wouldn't just blame Trump. Most of America that is rich America has twisted values. Why gamble millions on a PAC when the money could have directly towards solving the problems in the first place?
200
The problems of the world are not the problems of the rich. Their problems have to do with having to pay taxes for the services they benefit from and having to obey regulations that protect workers and/or the environment when they could squeeze a penny more from both without those regulations. What is it to them? When they don't like the air quality, they go to their mansions in the mountains or by the sea.
Most of us can't even imagine a billion dollars. If you spent one dollar every second, it would take 32 + years to spend one billion dollars. Surly, a portion of the US's billions could be spent to feed those babies.
2
The sooner Citizens United can be overturned, the better!
2
Easy for Trump to not care about these starving people, for they are not him. And what is not Trump does not exist.
282
Somalia, and now also Yemen, must be republicans' ideal countries. Their one aim is to do away with government, the source of all ills. The famine countries mentioned have no effective government, so they must have achieved the ideal state.
On a separate topic - I tried to comment on Mr. Kristof's earlier column on Jesus and Paul of Ryan, but comments were already closed. The column was absolutely brilliant!!
On a separate topic - I tried to comment on Mr. Kristof's earlier column on Jesus and Paul of Ryan, but comments were already closed. The column was absolutely brilliant!!
4
This is part of his America First narrative. Sad.
5
Trump don't care.
2
I pick the first. Good luck with getting Trump to notice anything beyond his nose. He is the bigger threat because a decent President would be trying to help.
5
More fake news. The left's latest tactic is using "compassion" as the touchstone for American policy.
Stop the hypocrisy.
Stop the hypocrisy.
5
This may be the administration's suggested budget, but it will be Republicans in Congress who ultimately have to pass it. We already know that the administration is completely heartless from the top down. I suppose we'll soon fine out whether the same can be said for entire Republican party. I'm not particularly hopeful that any of them care about anything more than power.
3
Trump - and his allies in Congress - do not understand the realities of "soft power". To Trump it makes perfect sense to fire diplomats and buy guns.
Someone should tell him that keeping out Muslims means - for example _ keeping out the graduate student who would otherwise go home after 3 years of the realities of American life. He (or even she) will know ordinary decent Americans and be much less likely to swallow the "Great Satan" myth.
The Chinese business student will go back to China knowing how to use Google and how to exploit the riches of the BBC website. They are going to chafe at the restrictions of the Great Firewall of China and think better of the freedoms of the West.
Sesame Street spreads on image of America which surely even Steve Bannon would find useful - if not appealing.
Food parcels reach not only the starving but also the public officials in areas with a great famine.
Trump's beliefs? Who needs friends when you have nuclear weapons?
Someone should tell him that keeping out Muslims means - for example _ keeping out the graduate student who would otherwise go home after 3 years of the realities of American life. He (or even she) will know ordinary decent Americans and be much less likely to swallow the "Great Satan" myth.
The Chinese business student will go back to China knowing how to use Google and how to exploit the riches of the BBC website. They are going to chafe at the restrictions of the Great Firewall of China and think better of the freedoms of the West.
Sesame Street spreads on image of America which surely even Steve Bannon would find useful - if not appealing.
Food parcels reach not only the starving but also the public officials in areas with a great famine.
Trump's beliefs? Who needs friends when you have nuclear weapons?
5
But if they can't pony-up $200-Large for Mar-a-Lago (free buffets), well... guess they'll have to wait for 'trumpcare'.... and hold their collective breathes in the meantime....
4
Yes. Help these people live. But also give them birth control or the famines will just become worse and worse.
17
you know, St Mother Theresa would disagree with you here.
this is the sensible long-term partial solution, but meanwhile starvation must be alleviated.
5
I keep trying to comment, and I am struggling.
I just cannot subscribe to a philosophy that claims that if there is need out there, then people can individually meet it - it is not a government responsibility. We just ignore that sometimes institutional solutions work better - like funding Meals on Wheels which combines government funding and local volunteers.
I can't understand how we don't see that we are letting Malthus dictate the situation for millions, who if war doesn't finish them off, then famine and pestilence are waiting for them. But we complain if they do the only sensible thing and flee to Europe or the US where they won't see their children starved, raped or killed. We don't want them in Europe, or here, but we don't try to make staying put a viable solution either. We just make them disposable.
And the greatest hypocrisy of all, they call themselves Christian. There just has to be a circle in hell somewhere near fire and ice just for them.
I just cannot subscribe to a philosophy that claims that if there is need out there, then people can individually meet it - it is not a government responsibility. We just ignore that sometimes institutional solutions work better - like funding Meals on Wheels which combines government funding and local volunteers.
I can't understand how we don't see that we are letting Malthus dictate the situation for millions, who if war doesn't finish them off, then famine and pestilence are waiting for them. But we complain if they do the only sensible thing and flee to Europe or the US where they won't see their children starved, raped or killed. We don't want them in Europe, or here, but we don't try to make staying put a viable solution either. We just make them disposable.
And the greatest hypocrisy of all, they call themselves Christian. There just has to be a circle in hell somewhere near fire and ice just for them.
11
It sickens me to see images of Trump, every weekend, dressed out in his golfing garb, on the course with his cronies, while slashing programs that are vital to all Americans. With every passing day my contempt for Trump grows deeper and my hope for impeachment grows stronger. Fingers crossed...
16
Yes, Impeachment is what he would be most deserving of, a narcissist impeached is the best retribution. God works in strange and mysterious ways, it is said, and verily so. His day will come, and the retribution will be most appropriate. Please have faith, and let us all pray everyday for such to come about, for the sake of the people and all those deserving of compassion.
it is
it is
4
We who have so much are obligated, morally, to share it with others who need it. If our collective moral compass still points us in the direction of Good, we must do the right things, even if it means sacrificing. For example, we could sacrifice by building less war machinery and using that money to feed starving children. Just a thought.
It saddens me to read some of the responses here that invoke Darwinism theories. And the (getting very tiresome) blame Obama rhetoric. Or the pathetic, amorality of thise who believe since theyre all going to die anyway...why bother helping them? What a sad lot we Americans are....spinning out such rhetoric justifying doing nothing while children starve. There is no justification, none whatsoever, for such selfishness. Dig deeper folks. Morally and personally. While youre at it, dig deeper into your pockets. Give to those who need it. It's one of the greatest joys of being human to find your compassionate self, then use it.
It saddens me to read some of the responses here that invoke Darwinism theories. And the (getting very tiresome) blame Obama rhetoric. Or the pathetic, amorality of thise who believe since theyre all going to die anyway...why bother helping them? What a sad lot we Americans are....spinning out such rhetoric justifying doing nothing while children starve. There is no justification, none whatsoever, for such selfishness. Dig deeper folks. Morally and personally. While youre at it, dig deeper into your pockets. Give to those who need it. It's one of the greatest joys of being human to find your compassionate self, then use it.
226
If Yemen, Sudan, etc had commodity resources to exploit, we would be there with bells on and our military would be protecting the exploiters.
5
We've been giving aid to these countries for decades, nothing ever changes because the people in charge don't care about their own countrymen, or in Yemen's case tribal members. How much is enough?
3
Only a heartless tyrant would offer such a mean spirited budget
7
This President is not our President of the United States. He is the anti President, he is a nemesis.
He is the vulgarian greed myster who is killing all the greatness of our Country, what makes us great is our humanitarianism, our generosity, our forward thinking, our reaching out to help people of any kind, anywhere. Humanitarianism is not the province of "liberals". There was a time when being a Republican meant being progressive.
There is acute malnutrition and starvation in India - the author has written of it herein this newspaper.
I want my Federal Tax Dollars to go to aiding society in the arts, education, medical research, medical care, feeding people, and reaching out and helping societies in acute need anywhere.
And to the fellow in Singapore, if you are reading, China allowed as many as 35 Million people living on their land to starve to death during 1959 - 1962. That's what Totalitarian governments do, kill people. We are not a Totalitarian Government.
Trump must STAND DOWN.
He is the vulgarian greed myster who is killing all the greatness of our Country, what makes us great is our humanitarianism, our generosity, our forward thinking, our reaching out to help people of any kind, anywhere. Humanitarianism is not the province of "liberals". There was a time when being a Republican meant being progressive.
There is acute malnutrition and starvation in India - the author has written of it herein this newspaper.
I want my Federal Tax Dollars to go to aiding society in the arts, education, medical research, medical care, feeding people, and reaching out and helping societies in acute need anywhere.
And to the fellow in Singapore, if you are reading, China allowed as many as 35 Million people living on their land to starve to death during 1959 - 1962. That's what Totalitarian governments do, kill people. We are not a Totalitarian Government.
Trump must STAND DOWN.
11
Do you understand democracy? Next time maybe your candidate will win and you can spend our tax dollars as you please. First, you're going to have to make a case for why it's better to spend the money as you see fit. You'll have to convince people. As for your dislike of Trump, it is obvious you just can't imagine someone like *that* being your neighbor, or your president. I did not vote for him, but he is my president and I will accord him respect as I have for every other president, whether or not you agree with him.
3
FYI, the people who starved to death did so due to failed economic policy and natural disasters and thus widespread famine--the entire country was poor at the time, there were no fat cats enjoying themselves at the time and spending money on frivolous things.
2
Trump and the Rs want to take food from hungry children. It is
obscene.
Oh yeah, they lie a lot too
obscene.
Oh yeah, they lie a lot too
4
If only we could put the children first....everywhere in our World Community....and have a strong United Nations insist somehow that no one will be allowed to prevent aid getting through to children in need.
Remember the story of Mother Theresa insisting on walking into Lebanon to rescue children, being told that she'd never be successful, she'd be killed, they'd be killed. She rescued a large number of children....and the fighting continued.
Thank God for all the NGOs that do so much with so little recognition, who don't care for anything except preventing more suffering. If only our politicians could give them more support.
Remember the story of Mother Theresa insisting on walking into Lebanon to rescue children, being told that she'd never be successful, she'd be killed, they'd be killed. She rescued a large number of children....and the fighting continued.
Thank God for all the NGOs that do so much with so little recognition, who don't care for anything except preventing more suffering. If only our politicians could give them more support.
5
Since Trump prefers war, forget everything else.
3
All I can do as an American trapped in trump world is to say I do not want food traded for missile ' s or walls.
5
Immediate help for the famine stricken populations with simultaneous incentives for family planning and education.
But trump , as always, ignores the core of the problem and how at the end will affect the USA .
He is too busy filling up the pockets of american oligarchs.
But trump , as always, ignores the core of the problem and how at the end will affect the USA .
He is too busy filling up the pockets of american oligarchs.
10
A defining criterion of Narcissistic Personality Disorder DSN 5 is impaired empathy. Our president is beyond impaired, he perhaps illustrate the approaching zero end.
Ending aid to the starving, one more element in Trump's Plot to End The America I once lived in.
As all too often now, written in sorrow.
Only-NeverIn Sweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Ending aid to the starving, one more element in Trump's Plot to End The America I once lived in.
As all too often now, written in sorrow.
Only-NeverIn Sweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
9
Thank You Larry I wish more people would take it seriously that Narcissistic Personality Disorder is specifically afflicting Donald Trump. It's more than "he is a Narcissist". I especially hope that Independent voters would google Narcissistic Personality Disorder before the Mid-term elections.
4
See comments by me foregoing above, re: psychiatric training NOT even needed for this diagnosis. Those with realistic SENSE should have been aware of this.
3
The UN is a corrupt organization where the funding never leaves the hands of corrupt officials.
4
Hawk. Your statement is demonstrably false. I have worked with the UN in many emergencies. UN staff are dedicated professionals who put their lives on the line daily in the support of humanity. Food aid goes to those who need it. This is one of our best expenditures of public money.
7
Money for a wall (that won't work) and for the military (that can't figure out how to use it) ... and for tax cuts for the very well-off (who feel that they really deserve their "hard earned" dollars). This is as barbaric an action I can imagine our country taking without starting a war - but that, too, may be the eventual result of Trump's (i.e., Bannon's) insanity.
18
When nature is abused it penalizes the abusers and when it is cared for it rewards*.In S.Sudan,Somalia drought, which is already present here,has morphed into famine : Civil war there has essentially blocked accessing food aid to the victims.In Somalia, in the middle of drought,Al-Shabab still carries out suicide attack in Moghadishu.It is in this capital where the severely malnutritioned and dehydrated children r cared for by brave volunteer Aid Health proffesionals.The pictures from Somalia and S.S.,broadcast on CNN yesterday, as the picture in your article is reminiscent of what we had in the 70s and 80s this country was in terrible civil war then.But that time both the Marxist Dictator and the rebel side were distributing the relief.There was some diverting of relief assistance from the regime side but it was put under tremendous Intern pressure it had no choice but to allow intern Aid.The US has unmatched tradition of generosity( CN pledged 120 Mil yesterday UK+France have already done) so not only the WH has to continue that but it has to further its effort of working with regional and Intern bodies to neutralize the obstruction to the relief effort Boko-Haram,Al-Shabab,Warring sides in S.S. r causing.The obstruction is 1 major factor that made Drought mutate into famine.*In 2013 I had brought 2+ 1/2 truck full of soil 2 my comp in A.A.and planted some 60(now they # 80) flowers+ pine and other trees+ spices used in hot beverages and making sauces,all have flowered.TMD.
2
Thanks, Nicolas for your deep compassion.
Trump, on the other hand, neither knows the word (it's not in his vocabulary) nor cares about the word.
Trump's only line (not just the bottom line) is that he cares for no one except himself.
Trump, on the other hand, neither knows the word (it's not in his vocabulary) nor cares about the word.
Trump's only line (not just the bottom line) is that he cares for no one except himself.
12
WOW, excited that Mr. Nicholas Kristof is still fighting on the way of journalism. He is really a great author and professional journalist, I like him very much.
6
Maybe we should stop allowing "underprivileged" Americans to use SNAP cards for buying junk food in convenience stores and redirect that money to the people in the world who really need food assistance.
4
Maybe we should look at the issue of food deserts where many poor people live. How many people have no grocery stores in which to use their SNAP benefits, no transportation to get to an area with a full-fledged grocery and are thus forced to buy food at local convenience stores, which are not known for their wholesome food offerings or low prices.
3
Maybe the "underprivileged" only have access to convenience stores. Without access to grocery stores and transportation, they go the only place they can.
3
SNAP is less than 4% of the total us budget in 2015. Only 6% of SNAP is administrative costs of the program. Agricultural income and price supports are also included in the 4%.
To compare the cost of a border wall is estimated to be 70% of SNAP. The children in families below the poverty line need this food to do well in school so they can have a chance to be productive members of society. I'm for SNAP and against boondoggles like a Border Wall.
To compare the cost of a border wall is estimated to be 70% of SNAP. The children in families below the poverty line need this food to do well in school so they can have a chance to be productive members of society. I'm for SNAP and against boondoggles like a Border Wall.
3
Established: Trump has no heart, is all about himself. So are most Republicans.
6
At Mar a Lago, there are no pictures of starving Yemeni children, hungry old folks who exist only because of Meals on Wheels or out-of-work coal miners. Mafia Don has it right: People just need to work harder to realize their dreams.
139
America arms Saudi Arabia to slaughter the Shia Muslim Houthi Yemenis along with missiles fired from American drones that have killed Yemeni children and a 16 year old American citizen Abdulrahman al-Awalaki at the behest of Don Barack "Ice Man" Obama of the Democratic Family.
3
President Trump, his family and supporters are parasites.
1
Build one less aircraft carrier and feed them all. In modern warfare even the Chinese can take one out with one cruise missile.
1
We feed them well. We protect them. We fly them every weekend to play golf on the world's single most advanced aircraft. We wait on them, hand and foot. These billionaires -- Trump, the Kushners, his billionaire appointees -- begrudge the indigent of this planet one subsistence meal a day. How is that not a crime? How is that not extreme immorality? And to anyone out there who still believes, "There's no difference between Good and Evil, and if there is, we cannot define it...": What if that were your child? Your grandchild? Your neighbor's or your lover's or your cousin's child? What if it were your dog? Would you deny your own dog food?
If there is anything that is Basic about life, that all can agree on, it is simple, straightforward, old-fashioned, scientific -- divinely ordered, if you wish -- Biology. Life is defined by survival. Survival is defined by nutrition. To willfully allow someone to starve when you have the means to save them readily available to you: that is the height of folly. And, yes, it is utterly Evil. Deserving of universal condemnation.
If there is anything that is Basic about life, that all can agree on, it is simple, straightforward, old-fashioned, scientific -- divinely ordered, if you wish -- Biology. Life is defined by survival. Survival is defined by nutrition. To willfully allow someone to starve when you have the means to save them readily available to you: that is the height of folly. And, yes, it is utterly Evil. Deserving of universal condemnation.
570
Donald Trump was smart enough to be born white rich real estate baron.
Paul Ryan was wise enough to live on the government benefits and employment welfare dole while white.
Neither man is a brave honorable military patriot nor a humble humane empathetic community civil human rights advocate.
Two parasites and scavengers by their selfish cruel nature and nurture.
Paul Ryan was wise enough to live on the government benefits and employment welfare dole while white.
Neither man is a brave honorable military patriot nor a humble humane empathetic community civil human rights advocate.
Two parasites and scavengers by their selfish cruel nature and nurture.
3
And Trump claims to be Christian and bristles at the Pope for reprimanding him. Heart and mind of evil, the Serpent in Adam & Eve story, that what he is. There is no good in the man, only evil.
2
Everything you say is true. But there are some who think it is more important to "make America great again". Not exactly fulfilling that ambition with this government of the greedy.
"How is Trump responding to this crisis? By slashing humanitarian aid, increasing the risk that people starve in the four countries — Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria."
In what manner and by what law are the taxpayers of America obligated to feed the people of Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria? If an American wishes to contribute money to help feed these people there is nothing stopping them, If an American does not care, he is free to do nothing or should be free to do nothing. We Americans did not -cause- the famine, why are we obliged to end it?
In what manner and by what law are the taxpayers of America obligated to feed the people of Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria? If an American wishes to contribute money to help feed these people there is nothing stopping them, If an American does not care, he is free to do nothing or should be free to do nothing. We Americans did not -cause- the famine, why are we obliged to end it?
20
The law of humanity, decency, compassion.
109
Americans did help to cause the famine in Yemen, albeitb indirectly. Do you really think the Saudis would have attacked without American cover?
13
Maybe it is just because it is the right thing to do...as a country.
13
Ultimately - the danger is this: the civil war in this country may not, as often alluded, be started by the trigger happy red state deplorable or the left fringe, but by the poor waking up from their stupor to realize they have been rolled many times by Repugnants who some voted for and others voted against.
Social-fiscal policies have destroyed the EU and soon us. Nice piece of NYT Sovietized propaganda, but the real issue--who pays for all this stuff when China and Japan stop buying our bogus bonds? The unborn generations?
1
It's horrible to look at this picture. Famine is one of the Four Horseman and the most devastating of them. My great-grandparents suffered in Stalin's famine in Ukraine. I wrote a novel about hunger. But with all of this, isn't it a bit disingenuous to reduce the issue to that of foreign aid? Mao's and Stalin's famines that killed millions were man-made, and the fact is that once their politics changed, neither China nor Ukraine are suffering under the lash of starvation. We need a political solution to these crises. Nor is it as simple as blaming the villain du jour: Saudi Arabia or the US. South Sudan was created to prevent ethnic cleansing (remember Darfur?), now its rulers are engaged in an ethnic cleansing of their own. Do you know anything about the rebels in Yemen? Are you sure that they are not worse than the Saudis? Feeding the hungry is useless if we don't do something to prevent more famines - and this needs to be done by people with knowledge, understanding and moral flexibility to reach for the right solution, which is not as simple as dropping food packages.
5
The all-mighty American government coming to the rescue of starving children! How beautiful.
"The U.S. contributes LESS than 1/5 of 1% of our national income to foreign aid, about half the proportion of other donor countries on average."
Most Americans think the federal government spends 26% of its (our) budget on foreign aid.
The USA, the wealthiest nation, the country with pride to spare on how great it is... helps the poor the least.
It breaks my heart to see these powerful men beat their chests with pride as their budget cuts threaten people worldwide with suffering and death.
OF COURSE they know what they are doing!
It is beyond comprehension.
Most Americans think the federal government spends 26% of its (our) budget on foreign aid.
The USA, the wealthiest nation, the country with pride to spare on how great it is... helps the poor the least.
It breaks my heart to see these powerful men beat their chests with pride as their budget cuts threaten people worldwide with suffering and death.
OF COURSE they know what they are doing!
It is beyond comprehension.
6
Yes Mr. Trump is so inept is funny, so thin-skinned it's funny, and so ignorant it's tragic yet funny. But Mr. Trump is cruel --cruel as only very few leaders are, autocrats excluded. Cruel is not funny and it is high time for our SNLs to focus not in the lighter notes of funny, but in the cruel and barbarous.
2
If you think this is bad, wait until we invade some oil-rich nation (Iran? Iraq? Venezuela?), subjugate their people, and steal their oil. Trump has lauded this course of action multiple times, so don't think he won't try to do it.
1
Can you give me some citations for these quotes? I notice that people will ascribe a lot of things to Trump that actually don't exist. I didn't vote for him, but can't believe how people have reacted. Really opened my eyes.
2
Thanks for your piece. It's further inspired me to work for bettering the lives of others-not destroying them; and then Boasting about it uder some Scam.
Why would anyone single out Israel without mentioning Japan and Germany, where we station tens of thousands of troops? Which of these countries faces an actual threat due to our oil money we send to enemies to fuel our pickup trucks and SUVs? Which of these countries is richer more populous, and protected as an island nation or surrounded by friendly countries that are part of the most powerful military alliance in the world? Which country is subjected to a threat caused by regional instability resulting from America's war of choice?
I'm in favor of weaning Israel off of it's dependence on American foreign aid. The lobbyists and organizations which promote the continued level of loans, military equipment, and funding are not necessarily helping the cause of peace.
Aside from the money we spend (and should continue to spend) defending rich, large, and safe nations like Germany and Japan, what about the money spent dealing with the Mideast? Are Saudi Arabia and other gulf state allies really too poor to contribute more? Yes we make money on arms sales to them, but mostly we project our power to protect our oil supplies and thereby essentially lend billions in support to despotic rulers while nations starve. How ironic, and disgusting, is it to critique aid to Israel while complaining about the Saudis causing the famine?
It's criticism like this that gives citing justified fault in America policy a bad name, singling out Israel, often another name for antisemitism.
I'm in favor of weaning Israel off of it's dependence on American foreign aid. The lobbyists and organizations which promote the continued level of loans, military equipment, and funding are not necessarily helping the cause of peace.
Aside from the money we spend (and should continue to spend) defending rich, large, and safe nations like Germany and Japan, what about the money spent dealing with the Mideast? Are Saudi Arabia and other gulf state allies really too poor to contribute more? Yes we make money on arms sales to them, but mostly we project our power to protect our oil supplies and thereby essentially lend billions in support to despotic rulers while nations starve. How ironic, and disgusting, is it to critique aid to Israel while complaining about the Saudis causing the famine?
It's criticism like this that gives citing justified fault in America policy a bad name, singling out Israel, often another name for antisemitism.
4
Exactly! How about all the money we give to Egypt? When will someone who mentions the aid to Israel ever mention that at the same time? Or to Pakistan, not to mention all the military aid. We know why they only mention Israel.
2
I'd love to know how much Trump donates to charity. Probably very little. If at all. And that might be one of the main reasons he doesn't want to release his tax returns!
5
Here is GOP's response. What's wrong with "self reliance"? Romney proposed "self deport", Trump is not cutting food but merely proposing, without using the words, "self depart".
1
Yep. I figured when I read that our foreign-aid budget was about to be zeroed out, that Israel would still extract every cent of its four billion dollars per year. And presumably that the corrupt rulers of Egypt would continue to reserve their 1.5 billion annual subsidy in exchange for maintaining a cold peace on Israel's western flank. Meanwhile, the picture of that dying child....
6
US foreign aid should be cut to zero - all of it. It isn't our job to lift non-citizens out of poverty. If individuals want to donate to charities instead, feel free.
4
Under Trump and his collaborating GOP, the United States has basically repudiated its World War II victory over the Axis Powers. We are becoming what we fought against.
2
To use that photograph to make a political point is not only wrong, it is inmoral. Mr. Kristoff please let us know how much you contribute yearly to world hunger. Innocent children dying of malnutrition should never be used for propaganda.
4
How does the Republican mind work? You think It's wrong to make a point using a disturbing photo of the real world results of inhumane choices in this conservative Republican presidents pseudo budget? But it's fine that he's threatening to doit? That doesn't bother? Just the photo of what will happen if that choice would be made? Sorry, republicans, if you want to starve people to death, you should see what you've done.
1
Why would you bother Trump with the problems of millions of children facing famine when he has more important things on his mind. He has to worry about his wires being tapped by the former President, who was a fake president because he may not have been born in the USA. He's worried about his businesses that his kids are running and whether he can make American policy match his business needs. He has to worry that government business will prevent him from going to Mar-a-lago each and every weekend. Last but not least he has to worry whether Alec Baldwin is going to do another skit about him on SNL. The starving children in the world are last on his list, just below the 24 million who will lose health insurance in the USA.
5
It surprises me most that fellow Christians are said to have voted for Trump based on their faith and values; they really need to get out more and to find a new preacher.
4
Hypocrites have always tended to stick together.
3
This president, this republican congress have no soul. How dare you, any of you, call yourselves proponents of any religion?
6
"In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread." Anatole France
This is the majestic equality of the law for Donald Trump. The French actually beat him to it by a few centuries. He is expanding the concept beyond shelter and food to basic health care, as well. If you can't afford it, then you have freely chosen to foregoe it.
This is the majestic equality of the law for Donald Trump. The French actually beat him to it by a few centuries. He is expanding the concept beyond shelter and food to basic health care, as well. If you can't afford it, then you have freely chosen to foregoe it.
When I read this kind of fact-based, real-world kind of journalism, I think about the Trump supporters described in a recent book about Tea Party people in Southwest Louisiana who say that, since they are "good people," they are resentful of those who would tell them to care about starving children in faraway places like...Yemen or, perhaps, even Texas. When did empathy and kindness become something to be disdained as somehow elitest or cosmopolitan?
3
WE are all our brothers and our sisters keepers. What happens to them can happen to us. If we have any shared humanity, if we share any common belief in altruism, if we adhere to any religion or philosophy of giving unto others, we must react and respond. Trump will do neither. I think he must have some immature sexual orientation---thus he sees power in long missiles, guns and military might. Compensation, perhaps?
2
I work with a group of South Sudanese women who relocated to Boulder, Colorado in 2006. They speak of the famine their families are dealing with currently in South Sudan. Look at the face of Udai and see the faces of their families. Help!
2
Anyone who is not moved by the photo of the poor, tiny child who died of starvation, is missing a heart...
3
Trump wants rte help the veterans, but that's a shallow vow, as told by those who depend on Meals on Wheels. In fact, for some of those people--Veterans or not--the volunteer delivering for meals on Wheels is the only human contact they receive.
Besides the humane element that Trump's faux "Budget" pretends to be, as a blogger, I have done some research of how the Pentagon tries to stay ahead of China and Russia in defense preparedness. It goes to science and technology--and now cyber-warfare. But, as Donald Trump suggests that he will cut many vital programs, consider the Science Foundation,NASA and Betsy DeVos is dismantling the Public School System. Army-funded research led to UNIVAC, the first general purpose computer and the Internet.
And the National Endowment for the Arts, PBS, NPR get culture out to rural aeea, produces Sesame Street, shows the history Channel and many Jen Burns documentaries.
Trump and Company don'r want to do anything but follow their own ideology, curt taxes for the rich, and he want to eradicate anything that President Barack Obama has accomplished. Conversely, in almost 60 days, all Trump has done is attack the judiciary for rebuking his two Anti-Muslim X Os and deport some working mothers of small children. But, where are those "Bad Hombres?"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Besides the humane element that Trump's faux "Budget" pretends to be, as a blogger, I have done some research of how the Pentagon tries to stay ahead of China and Russia in defense preparedness. It goes to science and technology--and now cyber-warfare. But, as Donald Trump suggests that he will cut many vital programs, consider the Science Foundation,NASA and Betsy DeVos is dismantling the Public School System. Army-funded research led to UNIVAC, the first general purpose computer and the Internet.
And the National Endowment for the Arts, PBS, NPR get culture out to rural aeea, produces Sesame Street, shows the history Channel and many Jen Burns documentaries.
Trump and Company don'r want to do anything but follow their own ideology, curt taxes for the rich, and he want to eradicate anything that President Barack Obama has accomplished. Conversely, in almost 60 days, all Trump has done is attack the judiciary for rebuking his two Anti-Muslim X Os and deport some working mothers of small children. But, where are those "Bad Hombres?"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
Matthew 25:31-46, "Judgement of Nations"
2
Can the New York Times run this picture of Udai Faisal every day on the
Front Page of every paper published until Trump changes his mind ?
Can New Yorkers paste this picture to the windows of all the Restaurants
that charge too much money for meals ?
Can we be given an address of a Humanitarian Agency that will spend 90 %
to help the Poor and not on themselves.
Can the U.N. please do something.
Front Page of every paper published until Trump changes his mind ?
Can New Yorkers paste this picture to the windows of all the Restaurants
that charge too much money for meals ?
Can we be given an address of a Humanitarian Agency that will spend 90 %
to help the Poor and not on themselves.
Can the U.N. please do something.
5
I would like to see that poor doomed child's image tattooed inside trump's eyelids.
4
Trump is a disaster for this country & for people all over the world. In many cases, he threatens our survival.
I have Medicaid, after bankruptcy & nearly 17 years without health insurance. I have cataracts in both eyes that will require surgery next year, without Medicaid, I'll be out of luck on that. I was diagnosed last year with diabetes. Without medical care, how will I protect myself if I can't see my doctor or pay for prescriptions for the various medications & diabetic supplies I now must have - or face blindness, amputation, damage to internal organs, heart disease & possibly death?
What is the point of throwing 24 million people off their health insurance? In what way will anything in this country be better if Paul Ryan & Trump get their way? Illness, disability & hardship for millions of people like the elderly who depend on Meals-On-Wheels, middle-aged folks who need job training, women's health clinics?
This boggles the mind.
Trump & the horrendous GOP agenda, if enacted, will destroy this country. No one has ever proposed stripping millions of people of an entitlement already in place & helping millions of people. Millions of people who will descend into illness, poverty & preventable death are not going to go quietly.
This will ruin this country. But at least the GOP will die a sudden violent death. Just watch. Trump & Ryan have a murder/suicide pact.
I have Medicaid, after bankruptcy & nearly 17 years without health insurance. I have cataracts in both eyes that will require surgery next year, without Medicaid, I'll be out of luck on that. I was diagnosed last year with diabetes. Without medical care, how will I protect myself if I can't see my doctor or pay for prescriptions for the various medications & diabetic supplies I now must have - or face blindness, amputation, damage to internal organs, heart disease & possibly death?
What is the point of throwing 24 million people off their health insurance? In what way will anything in this country be better if Paul Ryan & Trump get their way? Illness, disability & hardship for millions of people like the elderly who depend on Meals-On-Wheels, middle-aged folks who need job training, women's health clinics?
This boggles the mind.
Trump & the horrendous GOP agenda, if enacted, will destroy this country. No one has ever proposed stripping millions of people of an entitlement already in place & helping millions of people. Millions of people who will descend into illness, poverty & preventable death are not going to go quietly.
This will ruin this country. But at least the GOP will die a sudden violent death. Just watch. Trump & Ryan have a murder/suicide pact.
5
Trump's OMB director says they're just eliminating programs that don't work. Evidently, a program that sends food to countries with mass starvation doesn't alleviate hunger. I guess that's what "America first" looks like.
Just curious, though - d'ya think withdrawal of American food aid to Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen, will reduce animosity toward America? Will it make America safe again?
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Just curious, though - d'ya think withdrawal of American food aid to Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen, will reduce animosity toward America? Will it make America safe again?
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
6
"I was hungry and you fed me." When will all of those Religious Right Republicans come to their senses and realize that they not only betrayed their country but their religion as well. The only way that Jesus would countenance Trump's budget, would be if you took His "Sermon on the Mount" and turned it on it's head. There are different ways of starving and sticking to your political ideology in the face of this stark evidence of unChristian behavior is like denying yourself "food for thought".
5
The famine did not start with Tramp inauguration and the cuts to foreign aid have not been voted/approved yet.
Still Trump is at fault?
Am I the only one who see a problem with simple logic here?
Still Trump is at fault?
Am I the only one who see a problem with simple logic here?
6
I do not wish to deviate from the heart-wrenching topic of this article, but I felt more anger toward Trump so I would drop a line about him first. The congress should set a budget for Trump and his protection costs in Florida should not be bottomless. So far it appears that he spends more for himself and his family than what he saved for the Airforce1 (that someone else can use later).
I will make the donation to the UNICEF today.
I will make the donation to the UNICEF today.
7
Resist and protest!
6
Thank you, Mr, Kristof, for serving us a generous slice of humble pie. These are the Real News.
7
If Trump saw this picture (my money is on that he won't...ever) he would see a future terrorist.
I have to wonder if Carter, both Bushes, Clinton, and Obama all went to visit Trump together, they might be able to appeal to his ego by convincing him that by continuing humanitarian aid (here and abroad) that he would be regarded as a great hero. But then, isn't that like the scene in Schindler's List where Schindler tries to convince the camp commandant that he can pardon people and be merciful?
I feel great despair. Ryan and McConnel and Bannon and Trump's cabinet members also won't see this photo or read this column, and even if they did, it wouldn't register, such is the greed and the shocking remove from having any heart at all.
We are in great danger as a country.
I have to wonder if Carter, both Bushes, Clinton, and Obama all went to visit Trump together, they might be able to appeal to his ego by convincing him that by continuing humanitarian aid (here and abroad) that he would be regarded as a great hero. But then, isn't that like the scene in Schindler's List where Schindler tries to convince the camp commandant that he can pardon people and be merciful?
I feel great despair. Ryan and McConnel and Bannon and Trump's cabinet members also won't see this photo or read this column, and even if they did, it wouldn't register, such is the greed and the shocking remove from having any heart at all.
We are in great danger as a country.
9
Can anyone help me understand why the US is backing a Saudi-led coalition's blockade of Yemen that is contributing to this horrendous situation? This is a sincere question--I would like to learn. What is our justification to ourselves for backing the Saudis in anything, and especially this?
8
Where are the other Arab nations?
This is on them.
This is on them.
7
Our president gets off on humiliation and degradation -- that's what his stupid TV show was all about. Empathy is as foreign to him as trees.
9
So speaketh the GOP: "pro-life" only applies in the womb. Outside of it, you're on your own, moocher.
18
you forgot- republican 'pro-life' also applies if you are brain dead and on a breathing and feeding machine and your loved ones want to pull the plug.
5
The author exposes his real agenda. He offers no real solution to the starvation he uses in his attempt to manipulate readers sympathies to promote his political agenda. It appears that his real purpose is to reduce or eliminate aid to Israel and incidentally stir opposition to Trump. Even though he has no real solution for the starvation he uses to manipulate, he apparently would be pleased to see 6 million Israelis forced into the sea.
5
A lot of ink is spilled pandering to so-called Trump voter. Let's put more focus on who is being hurt. This piece is a start.
My 91 year old aunt gets meals on wheels. It's food but also a connection to another person. What is so hard about being a little generous? Gee whiz--I'm shaking my head as I write this.
My 91 year old aunt gets meals on wheels. It's food but also a connection to another person. What is so hard about being a little generous? Gee whiz--I'm shaking my head as I write this.
2
Why is your aunt dependent on Meals on Wheels? Surely you and your family have a greater obligation than Trump does to care for your own elderly aunt.
1
The Catholic Relief Services that you cited is not government funded. Christian organizations do good work around the globe even though you mocked the faith in your last article.
Your article begs the question What is Saudi Arabia and the other wealthy Arab nations doing to help their neighbors? Human suffering is indeed tragic, but there is ample tragedy here in the United States to address.
I remember the sanctions that were imposed on Serbia in the 1990s by president Clinton. Little concern was paid to that tragedy. Food shelves were empty and medical supplies were scarce. Is it easier to accept human suffering when it is imposed by one's own party?
Your article begs the question What is Saudi Arabia and the other wealthy Arab nations doing to help their neighbors? Human suffering is indeed tragic, but there is ample tragedy here in the United States to address.
I remember the sanctions that were imposed on Serbia in the 1990s by president Clinton. Little concern was paid to that tragedy. Food shelves were empty and medical supplies were scarce. Is it easier to accept human suffering when it is imposed by one's own party?
3
The crux of this problem is normalizing and accepting that the Trump team is here to stay for the next four years. This, after the release of facts that his team repeatedly worked with the Russians and encouraged their interference during the American election process for president/vice president.
So, instead of simply focusing on the symptoms of the American government disease (foolishly harming our world reputation by cutting off food for those who are starving), we must get to the root cause.
And that root cause is the treasonous Trump team who must be prosecuted by an independent prosecutor.
SCOTUS: call a state of emergency and for a new election for president/vice president. WHISTLE-BLOWERS: leak financials and Russian proof anonymously to reality-based respected media in order to move the investigations along and gain public pressure to Congress.
So, instead of simply focusing on the symptoms of the American government disease (foolishly harming our world reputation by cutting off food for those who are starving), we must get to the root cause.
And that root cause is the treasonous Trump team who must be prosecuted by an independent prosecutor.
SCOTUS: call a state of emergency and for a new election for president/vice president. WHISTLE-BLOWERS: leak financials and Russian proof anonymously to reality-based respected media in order to move the investigations along and gain public pressure to Congress.
2
Anyone that can look at the photo and not cry, is inhuman. Well, "pro-life" crowd, where is your compassion, principles and indignation NOW???? These are ACTUAL, born children, literally starving to death. They need emergency food, and money, now. In the longer term, much of this could be prevented with contraception. But, I guess it builds character to starve,
Right??? The greatest predictor of a family's ability to better themselves is the ability to limit family size. Certainly better for our planet.
Right??? The greatest predictor of a family's ability to better themselves is the ability to limit family size. Certainly better for our planet.
4
If we offered more aid to those countries, maybe we wouldn't "need" to ban their immigrants from entering our country because they wouldn't need to leave theirs. The inability of this administration to see the big picture is.... (staggering? disgusting? nauseating? repulsive?). Words fail me.
4
Completely heartbreaking.
2
The single greatest cause of famine in Yemen is a water shortage due to the heavy cultivation of Khat.
4
I agree wholeheartedly with all that Kristof has said, but he left Climate Change out of the most important crisis list. As global warming speeds up--even faster, under Trump--it will bring more famine, refugees and death for us to ignore.
Even while many of us dig out from record snowfalls or face flooding, drought, crop failure or wildfire; while the oceans and marine life die faster than science has predicted; while the EPA is being stripped (even as we read and write these comments), the news, with some exceptions (like NYT's excellent article yesterday on the death of coral reefs), along with Congress and other world leaders, seem to have agreed to forget about the global climate crisis. The Times used to put it in the Opinion section (to my annoyance, back then); today I'd be pleased to see it anywhere.
Even while many of us dig out from record snowfalls or face flooding, drought, crop failure or wildfire; while the oceans and marine life die faster than science has predicted; while the EPA is being stripped (even as we read and write these comments), the news, with some exceptions (like NYT's excellent article yesterday on the death of coral reefs), along with Congress and other world leaders, seem to have agreed to forget about the global climate crisis. The Times used to put it in the Opinion section (to my annoyance, back then); today I'd be pleased to see it anywhere.
4
Basically, we americans as taxpayers are a greedy bunch. That said, I'm happy to pay taxes so our government can be generous when the world needs us. That includes America too but also anywhere where people are hungry. Charity should have no boundaries. And, nobody can tell me that there isn't enough to go around. Thank you Mr Kristof for your incredible efforts.
5
The GOP is not about humanity. It is about selfish protection of their own interests. It is a shameful blight on humanity, and Trump (or maybe Bannon) is its chosen leader. And everyone who voted for him shared the shame.
3
Republican family values.
6
Unfortunately a large portion of the aid given to these desperate people ends up in their ruler's Swiss bank account.
5
How is that "man" still in office? How can this be? How can a child get to that condition? What makes a little child end up washed up on a beach?
I just can't fathom this.
But, thank you for your work and your words. They lead us into the greater need than ever for compassion to those we can reach. And motivate us to reach further.
I just can't fathom this.
But, thank you for your work and your words. They lead us into the greater need than ever for compassion to those we can reach. And motivate us to reach further.
4
Meals on Wheels could provide meals to 5000 homebound seniors using the same amount of money that Trump has spent on his Mar-a-Lago trips so far.
Looking at some of Trump's other budget cuts ( like EPA, etc) - these could lead to future food crisis around the world. Just look at the US - the recent cold snaps down South have farmers worrying that their trees may not bear fruit this year.
Looking at some of Trump's other budget cuts ( like EPA, etc) - these could lead to future food crisis around the world. Just look at the US - the recent cold snaps down South have farmers worrying that their trees may not bear fruit this year.
6
simple answer, in part. I read that Trumps back and forth to Florida and back to Washington costs a million dollars for each trip. Perhaps he should stay in Washington long enough to pay for a years worth of meals. How many meals could be given out for each million dollars saved?
4
The man has no heart, lacks empathy , could care less about the poor and to me, a President who doesn't have affection for a family pet tells me alot about him. He is an empty shell of a man.
5
"Udai Faisal was hospitalized last March in Sana, Yemen, with acute malnutrition. He died days later. Credit Maad al-Zikry/Associated Press"
The picture is indeed horrifying and makes Mr. Trump's cuts look horrifying.
See, however, Alan White in BuzzFeed a year ago:
"He was admitted to Yemen’s al-Sabeen hospital late last month, suffering from malnutrition, diarrhoea and a chest infection, which was where this photograph was taken. Two days later his parents took him out of the hospital. His father said it was because the doctors told him the situation was hopeless, but the head of the hospital’s emergency ward told the Associated Press he didn’t think the family could afford the medication he needed."
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/this-horrifying-photo-shows-the-human...
This was a year ago. The US was paying UN funding under Mr. Obama. Did that help Mr. Faisal pay for medicine? Apparently not. If Mr. Trump would even double US spending would that help Mr. Faisal get the medicine in the future? Unlikely. Why?
The article in BuzzFeed mentions the atrocities committed by the Houthis and their allies the Saudis and the coalition. Mr. Kristof is upset that the Saudis block media coverage. He should read Mr. White or reports of Médecins Sans Frontières. And all this took place a year ago when the funding of the US was abundant.
The problems are real; the use of the picture though was inappropriate.
The picture is indeed horrifying and makes Mr. Trump's cuts look horrifying.
See, however, Alan White in BuzzFeed a year ago:
"He was admitted to Yemen’s al-Sabeen hospital late last month, suffering from malnutrition, diarrhoea and a chest infection, which was where this photograph was taken. Two days later his parents took him out of the hospital. His father said it was because the doctors told him the situation was hopeless, but the head of the hospital’s emergency ward told the Associated Press he didn’t think the family could afford the medication he needed."
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/this-horrifying-photo-shows-the-human...
This was a year ago. The US was paying UN funding under Mr. Obama. Did that help Mr. Faisal pay for medicine? Apparently not. If Mr. Trump would even double US spending would that help Mr. Faisal get the medicine in the future? Unlikely. Why?
The article in BuzzFeed mentions the atrocities committed by the Houthis and their allies the Saudis and the coalition. Mr. Kristof is upset that the Saudis block media coverage. He should read Mr. White or reports of Médecins Sans Frontières. And all this took place a year ago when the funding of the US was abundant.
The problems are real; the use of the picture though was inappropriate.
4
Thank you for pointing out the manipulative use of the photo and the timeline. I, too, think it is inappropriate.
2
Oh Good Lord! That picture – says it all – is more than a thousand words. But then you are trying to appeal to an administration with – no heart, no logic, no decency, no compassion, and no mercy – nothing but arrogance and hubris. Let’s hope private philanthropy steps in to fill the humanitarian void being created by a breathtakingly foolish Trump administration. And, please bear with us world, as we suffer through this insane period in our history.
4
It is hard to believe that the 'family values party' as a whole, has its blinders on. I uess they feel that their second messiah, Pat Robertson will wave his magic bible and all gods children will be blessed!
2
If there is a God, me thinks he won't be kind to Donald Trump.
3
This president and his son have been gifted with every luxury, opportunity and access to power that is available on earth. Yet they refuse to look beyond their own desires. I suggest a bit of Dickens: "O God! to hear the insect on the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers in the dust!"
Here's hoping they get as awakening a visit as did Scrooge and have the decency to profit by it.
Here's hoping the rest of us get geared up to amend the Constitution so that we have a one person/one vote democracy.
Here's hoping they get as awakening a visit as did Scrooge and have the decency to profit by it.
Here's hoping the rest of us get geared up to amend the Constitution so that we have a one person/one vote democracy.
3
" In Yemen, “to starve” is transitive."
Very elegant. That says it all
Very elegant. That says it all
2
As long as Trump gets his multi million dollar weekly golf outings at his garish resort, who cares if children of color starve?
5
Sad story; haunting photo of a young innocent who should never have been conceived doomed to a horrible death.
Where there is poverty and conflict, there should be contraception programs, including in the US
Where there is poverty and conflict, there should be contraception programs, including in the US
1
Seeing the photo of that young child and realizing his subsequent death is heartbreaking. It is unfathomable to me how so many conservatives and others on the political right can be so callous and indifferent to people who may need some form of assistance in their life. This "if you fall on hard times, fend for yourself , too bad" attitude is heartless, disgraceful and nothing short of inhumane. Shame on the GOP and others who harbor such a callous attiude.
4
I didn't vote for this man, he does not represent any one of my positions on anything going on in the world today. I thought he was just a mean bully racist old white entitled man, but I was wrong, I now think he has dementia AND is a mean bully old entitled white man with but the way, the most awful children EVER.
3
Key graf: "It’s important to note that “all of these crises are fundamentally man-made, driven by conflict,” as Neal Keny-Guyer, C.E.O. of Mercy Corps, put it. And the U.S. bears some responsibility."
4
Trump is evil. How many more ways can it be said?
Impeach him now or better yet
Lock him up for crimes against humanity.
Impeach him now or better yet
Lock him up for crimes against humanity.
3
Nick, I'm retired and healthy. I can go anywhere and help. Give me some input as to what I can do and where I can do it. I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines. I'm a regular guy, not a doctor, not a farmer, but I can work. Point me in the right direction. I can go in the next 60 days.
5
Express your interest to be a volunteer to the NGO's that specialize redressing hunger
Find them in Google
Find them in Google
1
This is an interesting adjunct to your last column about Jesus and the way we seem to be heading on caring for the sick. I wonder what Jesus would say about Trumps budget proposals. Certainly seems related to what he said about camels and needles' eyes. Would that apply to an entire country?
3
Trump supporters seem to think this budget is necessary to get America back on the right track. This heart breaking story is just the beginning of the sorrow he is trying to unleash on the world. A person's and a country's character is judged by what they care about and what they care for. Our character is pretty low these days. I'm ashamed to say I'm an American.
4
What else made the starvation of these children possible was all the votes Trump received from America's so-called "Christians."
8
Sad indeed that people are starving while there is enough food in this world and so much of it goes wasted.The countries listed are corrupt dictatorships that leadership doesn't really care if the people starve. I can't agree with Kristof's cheap stab at Israel's foreign aid. The aid the US gives Israel comes back to benefit us many times over. Firstly Israel needs to spend 80% of the aid money in the USA thereby keeping our defense industries strong and jobs in America. Secondly Israel shares it's technological developments that enhance our own security to properly defend ourselves. In speaking with US Congressional Members of the House Intelligence Committee I was told the intelligence that Israel provides us daily is precious and the aid we provide is a bargain for what our government gets back. We need more friends like Israel that give back a lot more then they get. If Kristof is writing about food aid bashing Israel's aid has no place in his Op-Ed piece.
5
Thank you. And please keep sounding the alarm. You are one of a very few who do, and consistently.
6
What can we do?
The United States does not have a "massive" $20 trillion Federal debt. The United States has a $20 trillion Federal debt. US GDP is over $18 trillion a year: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp
Homeowners can get mortgage loans = 3X their annual incomes. The US is close to 1 : 1 on that scale AND the US prints money that homeowners can't. The US debt is manageable, we just need smart people to manage it rather than demagogues whose concern is taking from the have nots to give to the haves. Using adjectives to describe a purported financial condition is about as useful as sunglasses at night.
Homeowners can get mortgage loans = 3X their annual incomes. The US is close to 1 : 1 on that scale AND the US prints money that homeowners can't. The US debt is manageable, we just need smart people to manage it rather than demagogues whose concern is taking from the have nots to give to the haves. Using adjectives to describe a purported financial condition is about as useful as sunglasses at night.
4
What is important about the budget cuts isn't Trump or anti-Trump, or questions of policy: it's that people in this country and abroad are going to die because of them. The elderly and the ill in this country are going to die because of health insurance cuts and nutrition program cuts, women abroad are going to die because of lack of access to contraception and medical care, and more people are going to starve to death. Those are the numbers: how many people who will lose their lives, that we need to see. How many is too much? It is not hyperbole to say that we have a terrrorist in the Oval Office, whose actions equal lost lives.
19
The United States has a massive $20 trillion federal debt. I will repeat that: The United States has a massive $20 trillion federal debt. I applaud Trump's efforts to attempt to bring back sanity to the federal budget. We are a debtor nation and can no longer afford to ignore this issue. If that means that we cannot continue to send money overseas, that is the unfortunate result of irresponsible federal spending by both political parties for decades. Finally, someone is saying "No" to business as usual. It is not morally wrong for America to want to take care of itself.
3
The United States has a massive $20 trillion federal debt. Yes. First of all, what Trump has articulated so far, will actually not reduce the debt. That's because the money he saves from all the cuts are wiped out by the spending increases for the military, immigration detention and enforcement, and the border wall. You may like all those things and think they are good (I don't), but your argument that we should focus on the debt and that is what Trump is doing is a complete straw man.
Second, many smart people, including many conservatives, acknowledge that "soft power", i.e., aid to countries, like Yemen, to prevent them from devolving into civil war and becoming a breeding ground for Al Qaeda or ISIS is actually in the best interests of the United States and far cheaper in the long run. So if you're concerned about the debt . . .
Basically, I'm tired of conservatives pointing at the national debt and using it as an excuse to do anything they want, none of which decreases or even decreases the rate of increase of the debt. If you want to decrease the debt, decrease the debt. Stop using it as a smoke-screen to ram through completely unrelated conservative policies.
Second, many smart people, including many conservatives, acknowledge that "soft power", i.e., aid to countries, like Yemen, to prevent them from devolving into civil war and becoming a breeding ground for Al Qaeda or ISIS is actually in the best interests of the United States and far cheaper in the long run. So if you're concerned about the debt . . .
Basically, I'm tired of conservatives pointing at the national debt and using it as an excuse to do anything they want, none of which decreases or even decreases the rate of increase of the debt. If you want to decrease the debt, decrease the debt. Stop using it as a smoke-screen to ram through completely unrelated conservative policies.
2
Paul Bonneson, Trump's wife and kid cost the taxpayers a million dollars a day simply because she doesn't want to live with him.
That money could go a long way toward relieving the agony of poor people in this country and abroad.
Obviously you don't understand trade deficits.
That money could go a long way toward relieving the agony of poor people in this country and abroad.
Obviously you don't understand trade deficits.
1
Don't you mean, Paul, "It is not morally wrong for America to want to take care of its selfish?"
Don't you mean that "We cannot continue to send money overseas, unless it's in the form of troops on the ground, battleships in the waters and missiles in the air?"
That's what you really want, right?
Don't you mean that "We cannot continue to send money overseas, unless it's in the form of troops on the ground, battleships in the waters and missiles in the air?"
That's what you really want, right?
1
This is a right to live issue, a right to life issue. It is up to the media to tell the truth. American Clergy are so are silent, but they must reread their Holy Books and instruct their flock. One less air craft carrier and many are fed. Do Republicans ever read their Bibles? Isn't it heresy to place money ahead of living? Don't wait for Trump, whose "Great Wall" seems to refer to Wall Street. Perhaps a moral public could begin a truly great movement, and starve the industries which have created such conflict in the Middle East. Drive less, buy less plastic, divest from Big Banks, if possible. Take down that Wall.
12
Trump doesn't care about the poor and hungry in this country, chances are the rest of the world's problems aren't on his radar screen. Those who voted for this most ill informed narcissist are getting what they voted for. Our standing and respect in the world decline daily. We are an embarassment to ourselves.
14
What a truly sad story.
Equally sad is that the liberals can't find a way to prioritize the legislativet largess and cut or reduce the programs that aren't nearly as essential.
The same is true for conservative funding priorities.
Who remembers the Blue Ribbon legislative committee that Obama formed back during his first term. There were leaders from both sides. In the many weeks they met, they could not come to agreement on a plan that was affordable and effective.
Obama should have locked the door of their meeting room until they discharged their charge. It ended like all politics has ended, with finger-pointing instead of an affordable helpng hand.
Looking for blame? We all are. Truth be told we can all help one another far better than government can, and there's no 50% overhead.
Equally sad is that the liberals can't find a way to prioritize the legislativet largess and cut or reduce the programs that aren't nearly as essential.
The same is true for conservative funding priorities.
Who remembers the Blue Ribbon legislative committee that Obama formed back during his first term. There were leaders from both sides. In the many weeks they met, they could not come to agreement on a plan that was affordable and effective.
Obama should have locked the door of their meeting room until they discharged their charge. It ended like all politics has ended, with finger-pointing instead of an affordable helpng hand.
Looking for blame? We all are. Truth be told we can all help one another far better than government can, and there's no 50% overhead.
3
Fantastically mis-informed and ideologically wrong headed. The second sentence tells you all you need to know about the crippling bias that guides the writer's world view. With Republicans in majorities in both houses of congress, the presidency, the majority of state legislatures and Governorships, and soon the Supreme Court, this partisan sees only the Liberal handprint on the current administrations' utterly foul abnegation of its global responsibilities and our collective humanity.
Blame the Republican Party, period. How was anything the Democrats put forward going to succeed when the day after Obama got elected the first time, Senator Mitch McConnell told the Republican members of Congress they would vote 'no' to everything President Obama proposed. With a paradigm like that, all was doomed from the get-go and mind you, not because the Democrats didn't try.
1
This is an indictment of the United Nations which allows Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria to starve their people to death. The picture is appalling. Do people think the United States should invade these countries and remove the evil tyrants from power? Is that a solution? Do we open our borders to 20 million refugees who are starving? Those countries should be expelled from the United Nations and their sovereignty denied. The United Nations should be eliminated.
A European Union type organization which demands that countries adopt democratic reforms to become functioning democracies as a precondition of membership would change this. Compare the success of the EU with that of the UN. The UN is a bloated bureaucracy where the salaries of its bureaucrats could feed millions of people. The EU is not perfect but the changes it has created since it and its predecessors are significant.
The rulers of those countries should then be indicted and imprisoned. A person who lets an animal starve to death intentionally can be imprisoned. Why not the ruler of a state who starves his own citizens?
A European Union type organization which demands that countries adopt democratic reforms to become functioning democracies as a precondition of membership would change this. Compare the success of the EU with that of the UN. The UN is a bloated bureaucracy where the salaries of its bureaucrats could feed millions of people. The EU is not perfect but the changes it has created since it and its predecessors are significant.
The rulers of those countries should then be indicted and imprisoned. A person who lets an animal starve to death intentionally can be imprisoned. Why not the ruler of a state who starves his own citizens?
6
Overpopulation combined with the ruthless greed of the rich throughout the world are the twin foundations for famine, environmental degradation, loss of other species and the vicious competition for jobs and economic security. That said, there is at least a simple and quick fix for the famine in Yemen. Tell the Saudis to stop bombing, stop all military or other support to the Saudis until they do, stop all bombings and " special forces missions" by our military into Yemen and use our troops and wealth to deliver food and protect supply lines into the country instead of bombing mosques etc. This won't happen but there it is - I'm not sure about our culpability for the famine in other areas but we made Yemen and it is our moral responsibility to fix it.
12
This piece is one of the strongest indictments of Trump's proposed policies that I have read yet. There's no getting around the cruelty of cutting foreign aid at this time. Those of us with hearts will send money but how much better to coordinate this through our government.
17
The photograph shown here is incredibly disturbing, but we cannot turn away. Our country is certainly one of the richest in the world, and our people are basically generous. We need to put politics aside and help those who desperately need our assistance.
16
The US now has a huge $20 trillion federal debt plus another $3-4 trillion owed by the states. That is not wealth. It is debt, and it increases every day.
1
Our president has a misguided sense of priorities. Like most Republicans, he would rather feed the military-industrial complex than aid those in severe need. Add to that his need to build his absurd southern wall and you have a man who is unfit to be president.
In the meantime it is important that we show the world that our president does not represent the majority of the American people. Please donate what you can to an organization that helps those most in need. It may not be enough to make up for our disgraceful government action but every dollar makes a difference.
In the meantime it is important that we show the world that our president does not represent the majority of the American people. Please donate what you can to an organization that helps those most in need. It may not be enough to make up for our disgraceful government action but every dollar makes a difference.
13
This "quiz" makes us chose, but I cannot. While I think we can all agree (well, all of us who are sane, anyway) that Trump's tweets about wiretapping are not as important as looming famine, they are deliberately distracting from a very critical issue, that of Russian involvement in our electoral process. As for Trump's war on the news media - that's about as important as it gets. Without freedom of speech, and most importantly, of the press, Kristof's article never get published. No need to force choices - all of the options under this "quiz" are equally distressing, and equally important.
8
It could be 20 million persons who die in famine, it could be 200 million, or it could be 2 billion. What does Mr. Trump care if they are all in his out group?
As far as I can tell, one of the most effective military programs ever carried out by Americans was the Marshall Plan to reconstruct Europe (especially Germany), and Japan after World War 2. That turned former enemies into stalwart allies to this day, and made the U.S.A. highly prosperous. Imagine if, instead of that, that the U.S.A. had insisted on war reparations from Germany and Japan. Quite likely, the kind of prosperity America derived would not have happened, and it would have been exhausting its budget trying to field a military force to fight the wars to follow. World War 3 would be an occurrence in our past.
The point of all that was that investment in humanitarian aid and diplomacy, not to mention education, scientific research, and innovation pays dividends that persist.
If Mr. Trump perseveres too long on his current course, he will put America on the path to suicide. How will that make America great (again)?
As far as I can tell, one of the most effective military programs ever carried out by Americans was the Marshall Plan to reconstruct Europe (especially Germany), and Japan after World War 2. That turned former enemies into stalwart allies to this day, and made the U.S.A. highly prosperous. Imagine if, instead of that, that the U.S.A. had insisted on war reparations from Germany and Japan. Quite likely, the kind of prosperity America derived would not have happened, and it would have been exhausting its budget trying to field a military force to fight the wars to follow. World War 3 would be an occurrence in our past.
The point of all that was that investment in humanitarian aid and diplomacy, not to mention education, scientific research, and innovation pays dividends that persist.
If Mr. Trump perseveres too long on his current course, he will put America on the path to suicide. How will that make America great (again)?
31
America is borrowing money and gluten donating to the World. Makes no sense, let the contraliea with money chip in, see how long that last. I would prefer if we scaled back world involvement and see if the World missed us at all.
1
Donald Trump is a "me first and last" Scrooge. Whether it's his non-existent charitable giving or now, as President, his equal disdain for those in need whether it be health care or foreign aid. He's the 21st century reincarnation of "the ugly American."
9
Trump represents the mean and the violent in our country. Deplorable is not an adequate description.
But even under Obama, we supported Saudi Arabia in its brutal war against the poor of Yemen.
It is time for a new age of American compassion, the true element of greatness in our post WWII policies.
But even under Obama, we supported Saudi Arabia in its brutal war against the poor of Yemen.
It is time for a new age of American compassion, the true element of greatness in our post WWII policies.
11
Doubly maddening to think how many individuals that support Trump's agenda of leaving the poor to starve, the sick to go without treatment, and who would throw the otherwise vulnerable to the wolves, also call themselves "Christian" and "pro-life."
15
On St. Patrick's Day, I witnessed the mind boggling site of a man descended from refugees of a 19th century famine express his utter contempt for victims of a 21st century famine. Donald Trump's vision for America is unrecognizable to me.
21
I do not get it either. We have plenty. We can spare for countries that have little. It does not matter if they are led by warlords who do not care. We do care. I agree totally Nicholas. We have this soft power and it makes us great. I am ashamed.
16
On Thursday, I donated to the UN country fund for Yemen and to the Save the Children's East Africa fund. I will do so again next month. I hope that this article is wrong about other nations' response to our nation's likely cuts. I hope they shame us by giving more, not less, and I hope they proclaim their generosity and drive home to Americans just how mean a country Trump wants us to be.
14
Your previous column on Pious Paul of Ryan brought a smile to my face; this one brings tears to my eyes. In different ways, both invigorate me to oppose the most cruel and malevolent policies in my lifetime. Thank you for continuing to write powerful material. We need it more than ever before.
25
Trump does not like poor, weak, needy, old, Muslim or artistic people. He is also a germophobe which makes sense because he equates the underprivileged with the same fears. He also dislikes people who are not white and he does not respect anyone who is not wealthy. He does like power. So to understand his budget apply this logic: if a program benefits white, wealthy Americans it stays. All programs that benefit underprivileged Americans are not necessary. It's Trump's budget, not yours.
11
Trump's budget proves what I've been thinking for some time: He's not human. He's a conglomeration of the scarecrow, the tin man, and the lion from the Wizard of Oz, a brainless, heartless coward. Hopefully, other countries and aid organizations can fill the gap while Trump spends the next four years looking for ways to divert Americans' taxes from the needy to the greedy.
18
Well,there's some hope: donations to organizations that hlp the needy at home and abroad have risen in Germany, and quite a few of us sponsor children. A former American friend always said that America does so much good, especially for people in need, yet, in the same breath, said that the poor have only themselves to blame. Sounds very GOP /Trumpy to me. America, for us here in Europe, was admired for its humanitarian efforts, but it became obvious that these times were coming to an end when health care was cut if any form of family planning was involved.
This is truly deplorable and very, very sad.
This is truly deplorable and very, very sad.
7
It was only a matter of time for an end to the era of US-led humanitarian aids, after the US president established the moral equivalency with the Russia. Russia is also a country very active in recent humanitarian crises! Only their hands are soaked in blood of the innocents, not because of their doctors of course.
So the question is if there should remain any U.S.A.I.D. when there is nothing equivalent offered by the Trump's hero in the Kremlin. SAD!
So the question is if there should remain any U.S.A.I.D. when there is nothing equivalent offered by the Trump's hero in the Kremlin. SAD!
5
There are legitimate reasons to cut foreign aid. Our contribution is minimal, we use it for maximum political effect and the fact that some benefit and some don't can cause us more harm than good. Then, there is the obvious reason to give -- every bit helps.
People can reasonably come down on either side here. Yet, in editorial after editorial. Times columnists claim the moral high road and characterize the other side as the bad guys. It must be nice to live in a world where you are constantly morally superior to those who disagree with you.
People can reasonably come down on either side here. Yet, in editorial after editorial. Times columnists claim the moral high road and characterize the other side as the bad guys. It must be nice to live in a world where you are constantly morally superior to those who disagree with you.
8
Generally, I think "keeping children from starving to death" is a good thing. You trump, and his supporters think you can "reasonably "come down on the other side.
OK.
You are wrong however that it is "nice" to live in a world such as this. It is in fact, horrible.
OK.
You are wrong however that it is "nice" to live in a world such as this. It is in fact, horrible.
2
Is it reasonable, Michjas, to cut aid because "our contribution is minimal?" In other words, no one will miss our puny little contribution, so why bother?
Is it reasonable, Sir, to cease giving at all because "some benefit and some don't?" In other words, since we can't reach everyone, let's not even try to help anyone. Right?
Cause us "more harm than good?" What harm? In your head, Mister.
The side that wants to cut foreign aid is, indeed, wall-to-wall bad guys. Reasonable people don't have to be "morally superior" to understand that.
Is it reasonable, Sir, to cease giving at all because "some benefit and some don't?" In other words, since we can't reach everyone, let's not even try to help anyone. Right?
Cause us "more harm than good?" What harm? In your head, Mister.
The side that wants to cut foreign aid is, indeed, wall-to-wall bad guys. Reasonable people don't have to be "morally superior" to understand that.
1
if you choose not to help starving people, then yes we are morally superior to you.
1
Sorry, Trump promised moon and stars to working class, midle class and poor Americans but he is a false prophet. Marco told us that he was a con man, Ted Cruz told us that he is a pathological liar and lot of Republican leaders warned but we voted for him. Trump is Trump only.
16
I did not vote for Trump. I do not support Trump's policies.
To top this, I did not vote for my State Senator, Pat Toomey, who refuses to have town halls or engage with his constituents, does not answer his phones, faxes or emails. Please tell me how I am complicit in any of this.
To top this, I did not vote for my State Senator, Pat Toomey, who refuses to have town halls or engage with his constituents, does not answer his phones, faxes or emails. Please tell me how I am complicit in any of this.
9
In the long run, even setting aside the enormous morality factor, Trump's skewed budgetary agenda is only going to create more problems and more entrenched problems. Desperate people act desperately. They will fight over scarce resources (which will also be exacerbated with climate change, to which Trump also turns a blind eye). They will immigrate, yes, illegally, and some will die trying. They will turn to criminality. They will look for social groups to provide stability, including terrorist factions. People will do what they can to survive.
Far superior to offer a hand to the needy than to turn a cold shoulder. Indifference to problems does not stop them, it just allows them to compound until they explode all around.
Far superior to offer a hand to the needy than to turn a cold shoulder. Indifference to problems does not stop them, it just allows them to compound until they explode all around.
4
Mr. Kristof, I saw the photograph of Udai Faisal and I almost came unglued. No human being should be subjected to this kind of treatment.
This president of Half the United States comes from (untold?) wealth yet can conduct the nation's business (I use the word "conduct" charitably) with the sole purpose of depriving not only American citizens of Meals on Wheels but also citizens of other countries whose starving populations beg our help; seek the aid of our wealthy country for the barest means of sustaining lives that, by cruelty and neglect, are little more than exercises in the futility of living. And all this president can think of is budgeting trillions for defense, for walls and bans and wiretapping? This evil defines not only the current administration but also the American people.
In Dante's Ninth Circle of Hell, the three chief sinners are Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ; Cassius, the schemer of Caesar's assassination; and Satan, God's complete opposite.
Surely there is room for a fourth great sinner for, in my superb John Cardi translation of the great masterpiece, the great sins are those who commit "Compound Fraud;" those who are "Treacherous to Their Masters;" and "Satan."
Perhaps he's already here as personified by the fire-red toupee of the present monster who is (heaven help us!) the president of the United States. I hope this beast wakes up screaming every night, haunted by the face of Udai Faisal. Could a punishing justice be fairer than that?
This president of Half the United States comes from (untold?) wealth yet can conduct the nation's business (I use the word "conduct" charitably) with the sole purpose of depriving not only American citizens of Meals on Wheels but also citizens of other countries whose starving populations beg our help; seek the aid of our wealthy country for the barest means of sustaining lives that, by cruelty and neglect, are little more than exercises in the futility of living. And all this president can think of is budgeting trillions for defense, for walls and bans and wiretapping? This evil defines not only the current administration but also the American people.
In Dante's Ninth Circle of Hell, the three chief sinners are Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ; Cassius, the schemer of Caesar's assassination; and Satan, God's complete opposite.
Surely there is room for a fourth great sinner for, in my superb John Cardi translation of the great masterpiece, the great sins are those who commit "Compound Fraud;" those who are "Treacherous to Their Masters;" and "Satan."
Perhaps he's already here as personified by the fire-red toupee of the present monster who is (heaven help us!) the president of the United States. I hope this beast wakes up screaming every night, haunted by the face of Udai Faisal. Could a punishing justice be fairer than that?
11
Sorry but in that quiz, the answer is actually none of the above. Of course Trump's lies about wiretapping and his fascist war with the news media are not terribly important, although the fascist anti-First Amendment crusade does have some importance. But, my apologies, 20 million people about to starve is not that big a deal either.
The reason for that famine is, at base, global warming and overpopulation. The reason for global warming is, basically, humans, and thus also linked to overpopulation. Millions of people starving is an assistance in dealing with overpopulation.
I'd prefer it if humanity would deal with overpopulation by reducing its birth rate. Everyone should have at most one child per person, ideally if anyone isn't able to support children, they wouldn't have any. We need to reduce humanity's numbers and this sort of attitude about procreation would help.
But humanity won't do that, and so famine and plague are going to have to trim our numbers for us. And the photo of that suffering boy is hideous, but truly, the answer to it is that he should never have been born at all. Knowing they could not feed their baby, his parents should have used birth control. Since they didn't, he had to starve to death.
All of this is pretty terrible, but I'm sorry, it's true. One of the least valuable and necessary things on the planet now is another human being to burden the environment.
The reason for that famine is, at base, global warming and overpopulation. The reason for global warming is, basically, humans, and thus also linked to overpopulation. Millions of people starving is an assistance in dealing with overpopulation.
I'd prefer it if humanity would deal with overpopulation by reducing its birth rate. Everyone should have at most one child per person, ideally if anyone isn't able to support children, they wouldn't have any. We need to reduce humanity's numbers and this sort of attitude about procreation would help.
But humanity won't do that, and so famine and plague are going to have to trim our numbers for us. And the photo of that suffering boy is hideous, but truly, the answer to it is that he should never have been born at all. Knowing they could not feed their baby, his parents should have used birth control. Since they didn't, he had to starve to death.
All of this is pretty terrible, but I'm sorry, it's true. One of the least valuable and necessary things on the planet now is another human being to burden the environment.
5
Famine is not the result of overpopulation; rather it is a man-made political problem.
Much of the developed world (Western Europe, Japan, the U.S., and even China) has the opposite population problem: below-replacement level fertility rates.
Your Malthusian arguments sound very close to the zero-sum game philosophy evident in Mr. Trump's administration.
Much of the developed world (Western Europe, Japan, the U.S., and even China) has the opposite population problem: below-replacement level fertility rates.
Your Malthusian arguments sound very close to the zero-sum game philosophy evident in Mr. Trump's administration.
4
Dear MidtownATL,
Sorry I didn't mean to get all Malthusian, I'm not saying that famine is the best solution to overpopulation, but that we are not doing anything about overpopulation ourselves, so it will come down to famine and plague taking care of it.
And famine is not solely a political tool. The Syrian civil war began, in part, because of a years-long drought that cut food production drastically. That drought was due to global warming. Overpopulation is the driving force behind global warming, as the more people we have, the more damage we do to the environment to support them.
But I know, this isn't what people want to hear. People like to think humans are sacred and we need an ever increasing number of humans. But increasing our population is not sustainable, nor necessary, and it cannot end well.
Sorry I didn't mean to get all Malthusian, I'm not saying that famine is the best solution to overpopulation, but that we are not doing anything about overpopulation ourselves, so it will come down to famine and plague taking care of it.
And famine is not solely a political tool. The Syrian civil war began, in part, because of a years-long drought that cut food production drastically. That drought was due to global warming. Overpopulation is the driving force behind global warming, as the more people we have, the more damage we do to the environment to support them.
But I know, this isn't what people want to hear. People like to think humans are sacred and we need an ever increasing number of humans. But increasing our population is not sustainable, nor necessary, and it cannot end well.
1
"Overpopulation is the driving force behind global warming"
No, fossil fuel consumption is the driving force behind global warming. And we, as Americans, are responsible for the lion's share. We consume twice as much per capita as Europeans. Home sizes have tripled over the last 50 years. And we spend hours each day driving our Chevy Suburbans and Honda Pilots around for hours.
Dan, you live in NYC, so you presumably have a lower carbon footprint than most Americans. I live in Atlanta. Surprisingly, my wife and I walk to work and live in a 400sf apartment. (We choose an urban lifestyle, but this also has environmental benefits.)
The people outside of the developed world, often suffering from famine, disease, and war, are not the cause of global warming.
How can we, as Americans, self-righteously criticize the environmental impact of "overpopulation" in poor nations, when we (not the entire human race) are the problem?
No, fossil fuel consumption is the driving force behind global warming. And we, as Americans, are responsible for the lion's share. We consume twice as much per capita as Europeans. Home sizes have tripled over the last 50 years. And we spend hours each day driving our Chevy Suburbans and Honda Pilots around for hours.
Dan, you live in NYC, so you presumably have a lower carbon footprint than most Americans. I live in Atlanta. Surprisingly, my wife and I walk to work and live in a 400sf apartment. (We choose an urban lifestyle, but this also has environmental benefits.)
The people outside of the developed world, often suffering from famine, disease, and war, are not the cause of global warming.
How can we, as Americans, self-righteously criticize the environmental impact of "overpopulation" in poor nations, when we (not the entire human race) are the problem?
1
It truly is a travesty to see babies starving to death in this world when Trump and his billionaire cabinet cartel put a stranglehold on the State Department funds that could give aid to the neediest nations on the planet.
It's bad enough that Bannon and bandits want to deprive Americans of healthcare and social programs as well as clean air and water to benefit the wealthiest one percent, but to "cut food that saved" lives is sheer evil.
It's bad enough that Bannon and bandits want to deprive Americans of healthcare and social programs as well as clean air and water to benefit the wealthiest one percent, but to "cut food that saved" lives is sheer evil.
12
Anyone who views this gut-wrenching photograph and isn't moved to tears of grief and horror is devoid of a soul. May this poor child's soul rest in far greater peace than he ever experienced in his miserable, brief lifetime - and Trump and his venal, immoral party should hang their heads in shame. The last thing we need is to spend more on our bloated, fraud-ridden Dept. of Defense, unless it is to beef up cyber-warfare and detection units, and ensure that our veterans receive top flight health and mental health care, not to mention pay that doesn't require their families to resort to SNAP - particularly as the GOTP wants to gut that program, as well. We need an engaged and active Dept. of State - and we need to augment our international aid programs, including food, by any and all means possible. No more tax cuts for the greedy defense contractors and plutocrats - and more funding for Meals on Wheels, SNAP, TANF, and other programs which help to prevent families, children, the disabled and seniors from falling into abject poverty, hunger and homelessness. Where is our decency - our compassion - our concern for the most vulnerable? 3/18, 7:40 PM
13
Let us also not forget birth control as an important aspect of curtailing malnutrition. Trump is clueless about the world beyond the Tower. Where do we see values of charity inculcated in his own family. Am I mistaken ? Is there a Trump hospital for sick children? for cancer research? Why are we surprised when his own values miss the humanitarian mark.
13
Unfortunately, the people of Yemen don't get to vote in US elections. But millions of Americans who voted for Trump are now realizing that he had no intention of helping them.
If you put a business person in charge of the United States, they are going to do what they always do - try to make money for themselves. A good business person will try to add value to society and to others. But we know that our current President has no interest in others - hence his machinations to keep his tax burden low and his propensity to declare bankruptcy to avoid having to pay his own bills.
Are we surprised that such a selfish business person, who puts only his own interests first, would propose such a budget?
If you put a business person in charge of the United States, they are going to do what they always do - try to make money for themselves. A good business person will try to add value to society and to others. But we know that our current President has no interest in others - hence his machinations to keep his tax burden low and his propensity to declare bankruptcy to avoid having to pay his own bills.
Are we surprised that such a selfish business person, who puts only his own interests first, would propose such a budget?
8
We cannot even begin to wish for any kind of compassion, humanity or shred of decency from this president. All we as a nation of civilized people can do is make sure to vote in the next election but before we do that nominate someone
we can be proud to vote for as our president. That is, of course, before our
country is totally ruined by this administration.
we can be proud to vote for as our president. That is, of course, before our
country is totally ruined by this administration.
10
Meals on Wheels is the difference between 3 good meals and 2 good meals for some of our most vulnerable people, it is the difference between 2 good meals and 1 good meal for others, and for the most in need, it is the difference between 1 good meal and no good meals.
I wonder what our President is dining on at Mar-A-Lago tonight.
That my tax dollars are subsidizing his frequent visits to Florida so that he can recuperate from his difficult life in DC is absolutely disheartening
I happen to be on a road trip right now and just spent an afternoon walking around Pound, VA, a small town in a part of Virginia pinched by Kentucky and Tennessee.
I'd like to see Trump spend a weekend there.
And even then, I know he wouldn't have the empathy it takes to know that the program cuts he has in mind would be like pouring salt in the wounds of our neediest in every part of the country.
I wonder what our President is dining on at Mar-A-Lago tonight.
That my tax dollars are subsidizing his frequent visits to Florida so that he can recuperate from his difficult life in DC is absolutely disheartening
I happen to be on a road trip right now and just spent an afternoon walking around Pound, VA, a small town in a part of Virginia pinched by Kentucky and Tennessee.
I'd like to see Trump spend a weekend there.
And even then, I know he wouldn't have the empathy it takes to know that the program cuts he has in mind would be like pouring salt in the wounds of our neediest in every part of the country.
18
Like Mr. Kristoff, I am in horror at Trump's total and megalomaniacal disregard for those who will never have lives that approximate his level of privilege. Yet I have come to expect him to bull through, taking care of his own kind at the expense of less well-off Americans. It is just what he is going to do, and we brought it on ourselves by electing him. But Trump now plans to undercut the most positive role that the US has played in the world by cutting aid to those facing death by starvation, right in the face of a famine that humanitarians have warned us was coming for many months. This is not hype. This is a famine that will cause hundreds of thousands, even possibly millions, of agonizing deaths by starvation, forcing the people of Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria to helplessly watch their children die horribly in front of them while they can do nothing. I can only hope that this is the final stamp on Trump's passport visa to some level of Dante's, if not God's own, hell. Look at the picture Mr. President, and enjoy your Big Mac. I'm getting out my checkbook to support the aid agencies.
11
Foreign Aid is absolutely crucial and it is only a tiny part of the Federal Budget. It is incredibly troubling that Donald Trump would choose to slash it. Especially when, politically, he doesn't have to.
.
Trump could easily take the approach he has on so many other things - and ask why other wealthy nations aren't helping. According to the World Economic Forum, the United States leads the world in Foreign Aid measured by absolute dollars. Sweden leads on foreign aid as a percentage of GDP (they still only give 1.41%). The only Middle Eastern country to make the top ten for foreign aid is the UAE. The only Eastern country is Japan.
.
Instead of cutting off US aid, and letting that poor child (and millions of others) die - Donald Trump could put the screws to countries like Saudi Arabia, that aren't donating much even though they could well afford to do so. He could push a china: if they want to be considered a player on the world stage then they should give aid like one. It would be very Trump-esque.
.
Trump could easily take the approach he has on so many other things - and ask why other wealthy nations aren't helping. According to the World Economic Forum, the United States leads the world in Foreign Aid measured by absolute dollars. Sweden leads on foreign aid as a percentage of GDP (they still only give 1.41%). The only Middle Eastern country to make the top ten for foreign aid is the UAE. The only Eastern country is Japan.
.
Instead of cutting off US aid, and letting that poor child (and millions of others) die - Donald Trump could put the screws to countries like Saudi Arabia, that aren't donating much even though they could well afford to do so. He could push a china: if they want to be considered a player on the world stage then they should give aid like one. It would be very Trump-esque.
8
If he has no empathy for the poor who foolishly voted for him, what empathy can he have for those that are in other countries?
Foreign aid, delivered properly (and not into the Swiss bank account of some local crook/despot) is a superb force multiplier, much more effective (and cheaper) than an aircraft carrier and its attendant battlegroup. If you have the population of the recipient country on your side (or at least mildly indifferent), you only have to deal with the top dude and his cronies, whose primary concern is keeping their heads attached to their shoulders. This is a manageable problem.
2
Nicholas,
What is the purpose of that horrific photo? To show us how someone so small will hang on to life - and with that penetrating glance - mirror what self indulgent HGTV or Walking Dead slobs we have become.
Then there is the sad truth. There are too many people and too many poor leaders. We are now learning what that is like.
What is the purpose of that horrific photo? To show us how someone so small will hang on to life - and with that penetrating glance - mirror what self indulgent HGTV or Walking Dead slobs we have become.
Then there is the sad truth. There are too many people and too many poor leaders. We are now learning what that is like.
2
You answered your own question.
There is some sound research that indicates that the more wealth you accumulate the less empathy you have. There is some very sound speculation that the same is true of those who acquire power over others. One of the common characteristics of great sales people is a marked lack of empathy or at best a very low score on the Hartman Profile, a reliable measure.
This absence of empathy makes possible decisions and choices that cause pain in those who score high on the empathy scale. It boggles the mind of the majority who do experience the urges and consequences of empathy and compassion. In fact, the more empathy one has the less likely that person is to be wealthy or powerful, which goes a long way to explaining the dearth of women who are wealthy and powerful. Evolution is slow, complexity is hell and life is very difficult for millions of innocent people at the mercy of an unfeeling human heart.
This absence of empathy makes possible decisions and choices that cause pain in those who score high on the empathy scale. It boggles the mind of the majority who do experience the urges and consequences of empathy and compassion. In fact, the more empathy one has the less likely that person is to be wealthy or powerful, which goes a long way to explaining the dearth of women who are wealthy and powerful. Evolution is slow, complexity is hell and life is very difficult for millions of innocent people at the mercy of an unfeeling human heart.
9
If wealth decreases empathy, add in cell phone use and there we are...
Desperate people do desperate things. Cutting off aid isn't just heartless, it's a good way to encourage terrorism. When people lose hope they are more likely to buy into extremism, especially if those extremists are able to feed you.
We've been at war for two decades. Enough is enough. Building up our military was the solution in WWII but these are different times. Speaking of WWII, would Hitler have risen to power if Germany's economy wasn't in the toilet due to high unemployment thanks to the depression era. Probably not but people were desperate and the status quo wasn't working for them.
Global warming is real. As the climate changes faster than people can adapt poor people in third world countries are going to be the first impacted. We can bury our heads in the sand and do nothing or we can work with the rest of the world to find a solution.
I know that Republicans pride themselves on being fiscally responsible and I recognize that we need that balance to ensure that we don't overextend ourselves. Generosity is great but you have to take care of yourself first, ask any flight attendant. But this is the first time I have felt that the Republican party is cruel and if they let these cuts go through I won't forget ever. We can afford to spend money both here and abroad to make sure people don't starve.
We've been at war for two decades. Enough is enough. Building up our military was the solution in WWII but these are different times. Speaking of WWII, would Hitler have risen to power if Germany's economy wasn't in the toilet due to high unemployment thanks to the depression era. Probably not but people were desperate and the status quo wasn't working for them.
Global warming is real. As the climate changes faster than people can adapt poor people in third world countries are going to be the first impacted. We can bury our heads in the sand and do nothing or we can work with the rest of the world to find a solution.
I know that Republicans pride themselves on being fiscally responsible and I recognize that we need that balance to ensure that we don't overextend ourselves. Generosity is great but you have to take care of yourself first, ask any flight attendant. But this is the first time I have felt that the Republican party is cruel and if they let these cuts go through I won't forget ever. We can afford to spend money both here and abroad to make sure people don't starve.
8
"When people lose hope they are more likely to buy into extremism"
Apparently, that is how Mr. Trump got elected.
Apparently, that is how Mr. Trump got elected.
1
And what about the oil-Rich Saudies next door?
2
President Trump needs to realize that cutting off humanitarian aid to starving children is the direct opposite of being pro-life and also weakens America's moral standing in the world.
Furthermore, it seems pretty clear that Trump's top concern is that America is #1 in the world both militarily and economically. That resolution is honorable in and of itself. However, it is dangerous if, in our quest for power, America becomes so unrelenting that it loses its moral standing and thus produces a ripple effect by causing other countries that admire us to lose their moral standing as well.
Furthermore, it seems pretty clear that Trump's top concern is that America is #1 in the world both militarily and economically. That resolution is honorable in and of itself. However, it is dangerous if, in our quest for power, America becomes so unrelenting that it loses its moral standing and thus produces a ripple effect by causing other countries that admire us to lose their moral standing as well.
9
So far I have seen no evidence of anything honorable in this administration. Please give an example, one that specifically shows an honorable intent behind it.
For the past period, essentially since WWII, it has been difficult to have a famine without a war. The last Big One was the 1943~47 series in India, caused by the English war against the Indian peoples, and things have generally improved since then. We've even begun to see the obesity typical of the Euro-American peoples developing among Asians and Africans.
Now starts the news outbreak -- the environmental starvations.
The dropping water tables of the Middle East are a major contributor to the flood of dried out peoples into Turkey and Southern Europe.
It will get much worse when the Himalayan snow-melt fails, which we are already beginning to see the first signs of.
If the Asian Monsoon ever fails, who knows what could happen? It would be nice if the victims-to-be had the nuclear weapons and the institutional power to bring the carbon-burning peoples to their senses. Sadly that isn't how it's going to work out.
8
If there is any human history, or consciousness left in the universe to review it, ten years from now -- both truly questionable possibilities at this point -- the horror at the rich elite's decision to go shields up and starve the rest of us once recognizing that climate change and its consequences are now unstoppable will overshadow all the horror imaginable in response to all the rest of humanity's multiple holocausts, from The Black Plague onwards.
This crime against humanity will be stopped, but it won't be stopped by said rich elite.
It will be the rest of us, against them. 7.5 billion vs. 62.
Who will win, do you think? What will happen to the losers who've so profoundly demonstrated their criminal cowardice?
That, too, if there is a future history, will probably prove to be unspeakable.
The rage is palpable; the results are as inevitable now as climate change.
This crime against humanity will be stopped, but it won't be stopped by said rich elite.
It will be the rest of us, against them. 7.5 billion vs. 62.
Who will win, do you think? What will happen to the losers who've so profoundly demonstrated their criminal cowardice?
That, too, if there is a future history, will probably prove to be unspeakable.
The rage is palpable; the results are as inevitable now as climate change.
15
Both Mr. Kristof and too many of those commentating on this story-- and too may liberals in general-- make the grave mistake of assuming that Trump and his loathsome puppeteers are human, possessing human qualities like caring, compassion, and understanding. They are not. They are a band of inhuman monsters who revere nothing but the continual acquisition of wealth and power. They cannot be cajoled, persuaded or, above all, shamed. The only hope for the planet is their prompt removal from power, and that is becoming less likely by the hour. Back when Trump was elected, in the first rush of shock I turned to a friend and said, semi-jokingly, "We're doomed". Now it's far from a joking matter. Every day of this headlong, terrifying march into hell makes it increasingly clear just how right I was. Barring a miracle-- and they're in pretty short supply these days-- we are indeed doomed. Not just you. Not just me. All of us. The human dream may well be over.
28
Most of the time Kristof is pretty spot on but in his piece today raising the cry against cuts to humanitarian aid, this is so much pablum for the masses.
First, the biggest cause behind the crisis in the countries listed is internal strife, some ethnic but mostly religious by radical Islamist. So, where are Muslim brothers and sisters, especially in the oil rich nations of the Middle East, in helping out their co-religionist in need? No where, is the answer.
Second, the US and its allies ham-fisted approach and missed opportunities in the Middle East have led us to this pass. Why didn't we take out Saddam Hussein after the first Gulf War? Why didn't we aggressively partition Iraq after victory in the second Gulf War? Why are we still even in Afghanistan? Futile questions at this point, but leading to my next point.
Better than continued humanitarian aid would be a massive re-trenchment of US military action and presence in the Middle East and around the world. The era of great powers is over. We are in the age of guerrilla conflicts. If people that are pseudo-nations can't see the merits of getting along or figuring out how to peacefully separate, the US is not going improve the situation. We're probably making it worse.
Time to make America great again - and to do that we need to keep America first.
(BTW - the last comment is clear and deliberate. Trump is not Hitler and we are not on the eve of WW II. An engaged isolationism is needed now for America.)
First, the biggest cause behind the crisis in the countries listed is internal strife, some ethnic but mostly religious by radical Islamist. So, where are Muslim brothers and sisters, especially in the oil rich nations of the Middle East, in helping out their co-religionist in need? No where, is the answer.
Second, the US and its allies ham-fisted approach and missed opportunities in the Middle East have led us to this pass. Why didn't we take out Saddam Hussein after the first Gulf War? Why didn't we aggressively partition Iraq after victory in the second Gulf War? Why are we still even in Afghanistan? Futile questions at this point, but leading to my next point.
Better than continued humanitarian aid would be a massive re-trenchment of US military action and presence in the Middle East and around the world. The era of great powers is over. We are in the age of guerrilla conflicts. If people that are pseudo-nations can't see the merits of getting along or figuring out how to peacefully separate, the US is not going improve the situation. We're probably making it worse.
Time to make America great again - and to do that we need to keep America first.
(BTW - the last comment is clear and deliberate. Trump is not Hitler and we are not on the eve of WW II. An engaged isolationism is needed now for America.)
6
Wow. That's a lot of big tough talk. Pablum for the masses? How about food for the hungry, dying of starvation? Basic humanitarian aid--and dare I say decency and Kindness--this is the best defense we have and we can well afford to offer it. To do otherwise is simply immoral. Not to mention absolutely sickening.
No wonder we are having trouble having conversations.
No wonder we are having trouble having conversations.
13
Whether you care to admit it or not, all the people of the world are interconnected. Isolationism beckons war.
As for putting "America first", that according to our present administrations, means making victims of the needy and poor. That is disgusting.
As for putting "America first", that according to our present administrations, means making victims of the needy and poor. That is disgusting.
1
Time to make America Great Again? Well, okay! But your president chose to gut Meals on Wheels leaving the elderly poor without much need food. How is he putting America first when he's gutting every thing in sight, while the 1% continues to increase their bankability thanks to Trump?
2
Trump and other wealthy, powerful Americans strongly and innately believe that they deserve their opulent lifestyles and that public resources should be expended on their behalf, because, after all, they are paying for it so it is really their money. True in a sense since the very wealthy "persons" (including, by law, large corporations) do control both private and public wealth.
The poor and disadvantaged in this country and overseas deserve nothing but what the wealthy choose to give them.
There is little to do about this feeling that it is right to feast while others starve, just as there is little to do about the feeling, that, say, women and people of color are inferior, or that gay people shouldn't marry, or [fill in your favorite unchallenged prejudice here.]
The solution the wealthy give us is to build higher towers, and higher walls, and more heavily armed guards at the gates, to protect our island nation from the besieging, beseeching hordes of oppressed and starving "others." Perhaps no man is an island, but the wealthy in this country (and their wiling working class collaborators) are trying to turn our country into one.
The poor and disadvantaged in this country and overseas deserve nothing but what the wealthy choose to give them.
There is little to do about this feeling that it is right to feast while others starve, just as there is little to do about the feeling, that, say, women and people of color are inferior, or that gay people shouldn't marry, or [fill in your favorite unchallenged prejudice here.]
The solution the wealthy give us is to build higher towers, and higher walls, and more heavily armed guards at the gates, to protect our island nation from the besieging, beseeching hordes of oppressed and starving "others." Perhaps no man is an island, but the wealthy in this country (and their wiling working class collaborators) are trying to turn our country into one.
30
The horror of that child's death is an immediate tragedy. The deeper problem is that there are too many of us, and the numbers keep increasing. And our present government wants to slash protections for the environment that sustains us. More and more people will suffer the agony of slow death, as will other forms of life of this earth.
But I'm sure Donald and the Religious Right will look at that suffering little boy and think, well, at least his mother didn't use birth control or abort him before he knew the joys of living, and now he's happy in heaven. Such is their value for life.
But I'm sure Donald and the Religious Right will look at that suffering little boy and think, well, at least his mother didn't use birth control or abort him before he knew the joys of living, and now he's happy in heaven. Such is their value for life.
11
This is a Republican budget, not a Trump budget. It is Republicans who are the Ugly Americans who allow people to starve while they make money selling weapons into troubled areas so that mothers and fathers can see their children die with bullets made in America rather than live with food made in America.
It is Republican policy that gives us such a bad humanitarian reputation throughout the world. A nation so rich yet so selfish that it cannot bring itself to part with a few pieces of sliver to feed its own starving elderly with meals on wheels let alone save starving children in foreign lands.
It is the Republicans who do the Devils work, not true Americans. How did the Republicans get to the point where they can only think of how to get more blood money from building more arms rather than lending a helping hand to the less fortunate?
The greed of an unregulated free market.
It is Republican policy that gives us such a bad humanitarian reputation throughout the world. A nation so rich yet so selfish that it cannot bring itself to part with a few pieces of sliver to feed its own starving elderly with meals on wheels let alone save starving children in foreign lands.
It is the Republicans who do the Devils work, not true Americans. How did the Republicans get to the point where they can only think of how to get more blood money from building more arms rather than lending a helping hand to the less fortunate?
The greed of an unregulated free market.
11
Whether he had a hand in creating the budget or not, he supports it just as he he supports the horrid healthcare act. He is complicit in every way.
Starvation is a cruel killer. That is especially true in children. The process of slowly starving to death is deeply, physically painful. The pain gnaws at ones gut, hardening into a set of teeth whose gnawing biting worsens with each day on empty, each day with nothing to eat but itself. In a world awash in money and resources it is the shame of the human community that this is allowed to happen to millions of innocent children around this planet. The photo of Udai says it all. Such pain and suffering in the eyes of a child is just criminal. I wish every American a week without food to eat so they can have a direct experience of what it is like to feel your own body eat itself.
453
America has more poorly nourished kids than any other "civilized" nation. Try looking at the South Side of Chicago or the Delta for American kids.
1
It's not realistic to ask anyone to go without food for a week.
How about asking every one you know to forego steak for a week or even just forego their next hamburger and fries.
How about asking every one you know to forego steak for a week or even just forego their next hamburger and fries.
@Nancy M: What I wish is that every bleeding heart who writes compassionate comments about starving people throughout the world including children sponsor a person from a war torn area, like South Sudan or elsewhere--there r so many--and bring him to the US.Paraphrasing Martin Luther, faith without good works is hollow..Otherwise, please do not lecture us.No se ofenda, but left delights in portraying hopelessness and despair in developing world but concrete acts of good will, altruism r also necessary to prove one's sincerity.Whether the act of philathropy involves rescuing a helpless four legged creature who would otherwise die of thirst , hunger and mistreatment in the streets, or a human being on the edge, the act is what counts.
1
Whether it is recipients of Meals On Wheels here or victims of famine elsewhere, the first thing lost to food insecurity is the voice. You will say nothing to the one who brings you a morsel of food, fearing to do so might make that morsel your last.
Here, we remain in the thrall of Big Ag, devoting far too much arable land producing the wrong foods. We produce corn for energy, even though its contribution is net negative on balance. We salt the food chain with HFCS and wonder why we have an epidemic of diabetes and malnutrition.
If we embraced Meatless Mondays, the grain we did not waste to feed cattle could practically end famine in the four countries profiled by Mr. Kristof.
Choices have consequences. Fortunate to have food, we are sentenced to see the consequences of our inaction on the rest of the world's hungry people. Shame on us.
Here, we remain in the thrall of Big Ag, devoting far too much arable land producing the wrong foods. We produce corn for energy, even though its contribution is net negative on balance. We salt the food chain with HFCS and wonder why we have an epidemic of diabetes and malnutrition.
If we embraced Meatless Mondays, the grain we did not waste to feed cattle could practically end famine in the four countries profiled by Mr. Kristof.
Choices have consequences. Fortunate to have food, we are sentenced to see the consequences of our inaction on the rest of the world's hungry people. Shame on us.
7
I'll be sending my meager charitable contribution to The International Rescue Committee this year.
They are truly one of the best organizations on the planet.
They are truly one of the best organizations on the planet.
5
When one has no moral foundation, one feels no moral obligation whatsoever. That's why we'll be bludgeoned by the funding of soulless brute force initiatives (military, Mexican wall, and soon to be tax cuts for the rich) at the expense of anything that has even a scent of compassion and empathy for humans here (healthcare reductions, de-funding of the arts, etc.) or abroad (HIV programs, starvation aid, etc.). I'd argue that having no moral foundation - when urged on by extreme views and sheer hypocrisy - has now given way to immoral pursuits. As this rancid approach to 'governing', which is filled with lies and self-interest, is foisted upon all of us I fear that not only the world, but Americans will be sicker - in mind, body, and soul - for it. Instead of dying one day, we're on a long path to rotting from the inside, out. The end won't be pretty for those who brought us there but all of us will go down on the same ship.
16
Mr. Trump and his fellow travelers live in a paranoid world where the United States is having its pocket picked by a world filled with grifters. Projection? What they also seem to not comprehend is that their plans for slashing foreign and humanitarian aid work contrary to any attempt to create a peaceful planet. Perhaps this is what they want, but I believe it just does not occur to them at all that what they are doing is creating another generation of people who despise us. Allowing people to starve just to feed the military beast is not a solution, it is a moral and mortal insult. I assure Mr. Trump and his handler Mr. Bannon that a person watching children starve because the U.S. is cruel, or watching families blown up by drone strikes, creates more and more terrorists. Again, perhaps this is what they want simply to feed their paranoia that everyone is out to get them.
14
As "Zero Population Growth" (ZPG) formerly proclaimed: "whatever one's cause, it's a lost cause, without population control."
Yet nothing in Kristoff's column notes that the main cause of infant starvation, is parents having children without any realistic expectation that their children can be raised with a proper diet -- or any reliable food source, whatsoever.
The GOP has joined with the Catholic Church, and now even the Southern Baptists, to defund both the USA's Planned Parentoods" and birth control efforts worldwide-- and, most deplorably, in places where 20,000,000 people are currently starving.
By this time, next year, there will be about 80,000,000 additional humans on our planet, but there is little mention of the relationship between overpopulation, the lack of birth control materials, and the subsequent current mass starvation.
Have we lost our collective minds -- in that we can not connect the dots in this regard?
Religious and political opposition to the use of birth control, is clearly a crime against humanity.
The time is long overdue, to prosecute religious and political leaders, who are guilty of such crimes (against humanity) accordingly.
Via I-pad, from Aix-en-Province, France.
Yet nothing in Kristoff's column notes that the main cause of infant starvation, is parents having children without any realistic expectation that their children can be raised with a proper diet -- or any reliable food source, whatsoever.
The GOP has joined with the Catholic Church, and now even the Southern Baptists, to defund both the USA's Planned Parentoods" and birth control efforts worldwide-- and, most deplorably, in places where 20,000,000 people are currently starving.
By this time, next year, there will be about 80,000,000 additional humans on our planet, but there is little mention of the relationship between overpopulation, the lack of birth control materials, and the subsequent current mass starvation.
Have we lost our collective minds -- in that we can not connect the dots in this regard?
Religious and political opposition to the use of birth control, is clearly a crime against humanity.
The time is long overdue, to prosecute religious and political leaders, who are guilty of such crimes (against humanity) accordingly.
Via I-pad, from Aix-en-Province, France.
19
Trump works, socializes, and dines inside a bubble of billionaires. The word famine is not even in his vocabulary. The concept of food insecurity nowhere near his radar screen as he waits for his personal chefs to prepare his next Mar-a-Lago meal.
Here's the Mar-a-Lago menu on Thanksgiving:
Appetizers include a seafood display with large crabs, oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp and middle neck clams. There will also be "Mr. Trump's Wedge Salad," deviled eggs, roasted vegetable cous cous salad and ahi tuna martinis. There are also two soup selections, the lobster bisque and vegetable minestrone soup.
Six options are available for the main course, including oven-roasted turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy; herb marinated beef tenderloin with steamed vegetables, whipped potatoes, warm popovers and horseradish cream; leg of lamb with grilled pita and tzatziki sauce; pan seared Chilean sea bass with curried vegetables and coconut shellfish broth; red wine braised short ribs with potatoes and braising jus; and finally grilled diver scallops with roasted vegetable ratatouille.
Dessert features a three layer "Trump chocolate cake," pumpkin pie, toasted coconut cake, chocolate eclairs, pecan pie, brownie pockets, key lime pie and a hot apple crisp.
Here's the Mar-a-Lago menu on Thanksgiving:
Appetizers include a seafood display with large crabs, oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp and middle neck clams. There will also be "Mr. Trump's Wedge Salad," deviled eggs, roasted vegetable cous cous salad and ahi tuna martinis. There are also two soup selections, the lobster bisque and vegetable minestrone soup.
Six options are available for the main course, including oven-roasted turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy; herb marinated beef tenderloin with steamed vegetables, whipped potatoes, warm popovers and horseradish cream; leg of lamb with grilled pita and tzatziki sauce; pan seared Chilean sea bass with curried vegetables and coconut shellfish broth; red wine braised short ribs with potatoes and braising jus; and finally grilled diver scallops with roasted vegetable ratatouille.
Dessert features a three layer "Trump chocolate cake," pumpkin pie, toasted coconut cake, chocolate eclairs, pecan pie, brownie pockets, key lime pie and a hot apple crisp.
10
“Profiting those below at the expense of those above is called increase or gain; taking from those below to profit those above is called reduction or loss. In human terms, when those in higher positions are generous to those in lower positions, this is gain. When they take from those below to fatten themselves, this is loss.
To use a simile, when you are piling up earth to make a wall, if you take from the top to build up the base, then both top and bottom will be secure. Is this not gain? If you take from the bottom to increase the height of the top, there is the danger it will fall. Is this not loss?"
………
“When reduction is used in the sense of getting rid of errors to get into balance, it means getting rid of ephemeral trivia to get to the basic reality.”
………
“There is no harm in the world that does not come from the prevailing of outgrowths over the basis. Towering mansions with carved fences originated in houses. Lakes of wine and forests of flesh originated in eating and drinking. Torture and cruelty originated in punishment. Military adventurism originated in defensive warfare. Whenever human desires go to excess it is all rooted in developing their implications too far, to the point where they become harmful.”
Cheng Yi – China, 11th century A.D.
Extracts from The Tao of Organization, Cheng Yi, translated by Thomas Cleary, published by Shambhala, 1988, pp. 131-132 and 136.
To use a simile, when you are piling up earth to make a wall, if you take from the top to build up the base, then both top and bottom will be secure. Is this not gain? If you take from the bottom to increase the height of the top, there is the danger it will fall. Is this not loss?"
………
“When reduction is used in the sense of getting rid of errors to get into balance, it means getting rid of ephemeral trivia to get to the basic reality.”
………
“There is no harm in the world that does not come from the prevailing of outgrowths over the basis. Towering mansions with carved fences originated in houses. Lakes of wine and forests of flesh originated in eating and drinking. Torture and cruelty originated in punishment. Military adventurism originated in defensive warfare. Whenever human desires go to excess it is all rooted in developing their implications too far, to the point where they become harmful.”
Cheng Yi – China, 11th century A.D.
Extracts from The Tao of Organization, Cheng Yi, translated by Thomas Cleary, published by Shambhala, 1988, pp. 131-132 and 136.
Yes, politics is a zero sum game. Trump happens to think the material balance/scale should remain tilted to his side.
As an Afro-American, I say that Trump must be prosecuted in the World Court for murder for every single person outside the US who dies during the next 4 years because he refuses to support them with paltry American tax dollars.
Trump is also directly responsible for every person murdered in say the Philippines.
Trump is also directly responsible for every person murdered in say the Philippines.
4
Are we, as a nation, that hard up for Saudi oil, still, that we continue to grovel to them? If there was any country, repeat- any country in the world, who's values are diametrically opposed to the United States, and who's interest's are diametrically opposed to our national security, it's Saudi Arabia. They have cost us not only trillions of dollars in wars, and thousands of lives, but continue to surreptitiously undermine our national security. Enough.
25
The depravity of president Trump and his God-fearing Republican enablers apparently has no limits.
Just as a start on the road back to sanity, i'd like to see a thunderous denunciation by meals on wheels recipients and similar constituents who need assistance and also voted for Trump admit the colossal mistake they made. The struggle against Republican intellectual dishonesty must take place one step at a time, one vote at a time.
Just as a start on the road back to sanity, i'd like to see a thunderous denunciation by meals on wheels recipients and similar constituents who need assistance and also voted for Trump admit the colossal mistake they made. The struggle against Republican intellectual dishonesty must take place one step at a time, one vote at a time.
28
The slow, painful deaths of 20,000,000 people are difficult to contemplate but ultimately inevitable. There are currently more than seven and a half billion people occupying a planet that can only sustain six billion. If aid "rescues" these people now it will only be to die later of disease, war or further famine. This is made more certain by the effects of climate change on the availability of food and water and living space.
If we do not acknowledge the reality of "darwinian" forces we will doom humanity to be crushed by them.
Trump's motives may be less than noble but they are not as bestial as Mr. Kristoff paints them.
If we do not acknowledge the reality of "darwinian" forces we will doom humanity to be crushed by them.
Trump's motives may be less than noble but they are not as bestial as Mr. Kristoff paints them.
5
There's enough for every man's need - even now, at 7.5 billion souls. But not enough for every man's greed. Not enough, if we spend it on war, or on the expensive fripperies and power grabs of the 1 percenters who own a huge percentage of the world's wealth.
But what is "inevitable" is the denial from persons like you.
But what is "inevitable" is the denial from persons like you.
28
"There are currently more than seven and a half billion people occupying a planet that can only sustain six billion."
Nonsense. Where is your evidence? Why is 6 billion the magic number, and not 4 billion, or 16 billion?
200 years ago, Thomas Malthus thought that overpopulation would ultimately be checked by famine, disease, and/or war. Today we find the opposite problem in developed nations, with below-replacement level fertility rates.
Nonsense. Where is your evidence? Why is 6 billion the magic number, and not 4 billion, or 16 billion?
200 years ago, Thomas Malthus thought that overpopulation would ultimately be checked by famine, disease, and/or war. Today we find the opposite problem in developed nations, with below-replacement level fertility rates.
7
Philip, That's an lazy answer to a complex question. As others have already responded, it has been shown that the world can support the population. However, if we take your approach and do nothing, the population will grow and unnecessary misery will be the result. Aid provides opportunity for education, and should include food and birth control. However, our current leadership would rather people pro-create and starve on massive scale. But hey, that's just nature, right?
1
The U.S. bloated defense budget will sink us the way the former Soviet Union's spend broke their economy. Seeing the horror of starvation among the weakest needs to wake us up to do better, because we can. We have the power to serve Life by helping others who are food insecure and victims of war. We have that power stop this but it won't come from threatening others, and bombing and terrorizing innocent citizens and blockading their countries.
17
Reading this article makes my mind wander from guilt to anger. Why doesn't this feeling reach those who can make a difference.
I will continue my gifts to Catholic relief, Doctors without borders etc, but where are the political big movers?
I will continue my gifts to Catholic relief, Doctors without borders etc, but where are the political big movers?
16
I don't expect much from Trump supporters in terms of human decency, but I just wonder if all those who voted for Jill Stein can still convince themselves there was no difference between Trump and Hillary Clinton. The 20 million that get buried, can have "At Least They Voted Their Conscience" on their tombstones, if they are fortunate enough to have tombstones.
28
Thank you. I think it is imperative that the Stein voters be continually held to account. They have not performed their function as citizens. Their claims that "we need to show the Democratic Party that we need different candidates" was an abdication of that responsibility. There were only two possible outcomes for this recent election: either Trump or Clinton would win. The baseless claim that "they are the same", that "Wall Street owns them both" was an immature assumption at best. We heard exactly the same thing from the Nader voters in 2000. In both elections, the alternative, so called "vote-your conscience" voters delivered disaster to their nation.
36
While the outcomes of both elections were certainly very bad, it also has to be said that, had the Democratic Party learned something from the Nader voters in they might've won this last time. The Dems continued to think that they could win despite ignoring their base and undermining Bernie Sanders. There is plenty of blame for both parties in our current situation.
5
Time to move on and deal with the present. Trying to cast blame doesn't help.
3
The famines come from religious and ethnic sectarianism and power struggles, and humanitarian aid becomes just one weapon among others. Feeding the innocent children does little to stop the source of the conflicts. The aid will be allowed in only if those whose policies make the aid necessary are not publicly condemned or resisted.
Arms embargoes would stop or slow some of the struggles, but humanitarian aid is often allowed only if arms embargoes are lifted or pursued so as to be ineffective. Preventing the responsible parties from laundering money and stashing gains in expensive properties in New York or London would remove a frequent aim of the fighting, but would disturb too many powerful people.
Humanitarian aid leaves existing power relations unaffected, which is what makes it ineffective in stopping the conditions that make it necessary. It gives us the feeling that we are doing something. The victims will live to be victimized another day, which is something -- but not what they really need. They really need collective and coordinated global efforts to stop the conflicts, but the world is heartbreakingly far from these, and at best will substitute humanitarian aid while the roots of the conflicts remain, producing a continuing need for the aid.
Arms embargoes would stop or slow some of the struggles, but humanitarian aid is often allowed only if arms embargoes are lifted or pursued so as to be ineffective. Preventing the responsible parties from laundering money and stashing gains in expensive properties in New York or London would remove a frequent aim of the fighting, but would disturb too many powerful people.
Humanitarian aid leaves existing power relations unaffected, which is what makes it ineffective in stopping the conditions that make it necessary. It gives us the feeling that we are doing something. The victims will live to be victimized another day, which is something -- but not what they really need. They really need collective and coordinated global efforts to stop the conflicts, but the world is heartbreakingly far from these, and at best will substitute humanitarian aid while the roots of the conflicts remain, producing a continuing need for the aid.
15
Surely the best response that I have read, linking the politics to the AID industry.
Many of the bombs and planes to the Saudis are sold by the American armaments industry. No one in the U.N. or E.U. has ever proposed a tracking system or imposed a moratorium, to my knowledge, of targeting those companies making the missiles and bullets used and sold to terrorist groups.
The U.S. purposely targeted water treatment plants in the Gulf War starting 1991, resulting in half million baby deaths. Madeleine Albright herself stated on TV that it was 'worth it", yet the outrage never materialized among the brain-dead American public. Our occupations since then have created 15 million refugees. Rarely have I seen a story on where they went, and how the receiving countries managed to absorb them, until the exodus spilling oiut of Turkey from Syria. Some of them might have been forced from Iraq 20 years ago. The pursuit of American Empire has deranged the minds of military men and continues as the major scourge against humanity without provocation.
Many of the bombs and planes to the Saudis are sold by the American armaments industry. No one in the U.N. or E.U. has ever proposed a tracking system or imposed a moratorium, to my knowledge, of targeting those companies making the missiles and bullets used and sold to terrorist groups.
The U.S. purposely targeted water treatment plants in the Gulf War starting 1991, resulting in half million baby deaths. Madeleine Albright herself stated on TV that it was 'worth it", yet the outrage never materialized among the brain-dead American public. Our occupations since then have created 15 million refugees. Rarely have I seen a story on where they went, and how the receiving countries managed to absorb them, until the exodus spilling oiut of Turkey from Syria. Some of them might have been forced from Iraq 20 years ago. The pursuit of American Empire has deranged the minds of military men and continues as the major scourge against humanity without provocation.
6
Is delivering humanitarian aid really just for suckers, as our President seems to think? Well, even if you don't have a conscience, not delivering it is a good way to encourage those who might otherwise care about America hate us like the anti-American terrorists do. And saving these people's lives would be a nice way of sowing some good will in countries where we otherwise might not have a chance. Take it out of the proposed budget's gigantic "defense" spending increase. Maybe those lives saved will be millions less enemies we have to defend ourselves from.
Meanwhile, it seems our inaction is not due only to our desire to cut taxes on the richest Americans, or that we need our money to build the proverbial wall with Mexico; it also seems, at least insofar as the Sudanese, that the U.S.government wants to avoid conflict with the Saudis, even over grave humanitarian concerns. Of course, now that we are going back to gas-guzzling vehicles, we will need more oil, and of course, it never hurts to have an ally staying on top of Iran.
But is feeding the starving Sudanese really going to jeopardize any of that? It must be something else....Hmmm, let's see...well, we know there the Trump Organization does business in Saudi Arabia....
Meanwhile, it seems our inaction is not due only to our desire to cut taxes on the richest Americans, or that we need our money to build the proverbial wall with Mexico; it also seems, at least insofar as the Sudanese, that the U.S.government wants to avoid conflict with the Saudis, even over grave humanitarian concerns. Of course, now that we are going back to gas-guzzling vehicles, we will need more oil, and of course, it never hurts to have an ally staying on top of Iran.
But is feeding the starving Sudanese really going to jeopardize any of that? It must be something else....Hmmm, let's see...well, we know there the Trump Organization does business in Saudi Arabia....
13
Yes, you are right, all these catastrophes are man made and man made alone.
These famines are the result of in fights mostly started by Muslim clans in countries that would be otherwise rich enough to sustain any number of people.
But of course these countries also have some of the highest birth rates on the planet, producing economic pressure.
But it is also true there is not much the US or anyone can do, especially not by sending aid money which in any case goes into the coffers of the local war clans and politicians.
The US, like most other aid suppliers, and yes, all of them have sent billions of USD in aid over the past decades have not and will never make any real and lasting difference if on the other hand they do continue to supply weapons like the US does.
The US is the largest arms supplier of the world and as long as this business is so vital to the US economy all humanitarian aid in these countries will be a lost cause.
Look at the Chinese approach in Africa:
They do not supply weapons, they do not try force heir ideology onto local clans.
The put the required infrastructure in place, educate the required work force and simply do their business.
As a side effect, as you could see if you were to go there, the regions in which the Chinese have done so are relatively calm and prospering - because the Chinese also put a very effective security force around their investments which calms down any such local wars.
Time to learn others are right.
These famines are the result of in fights mostly started by Muslim clans in countries that would be otherwise rich enough to sustain any number of people.
But of course these countries also have some of the highest birth rates on the planet, producing economic pressure.
But it is also true there is not much the US or anyone can do, especially not by sending aid money which in any case goes into the coffers of the local war clans and politicians.
The US, like most other aid suppliers, and yes, all of them have sent billions of USD in aid over the past decades have not and will never make any real and lasting difference if on the other hand they do continue to supply weapons like the US does.
The US is the largest arms supplier of the world and as long as this business is so vital to the US economy all humanitarian aid in these countries will be a lost cause.
Look at the Chinese approach in Africa:
They do not supply weapons, they do not try force heir ideology onto local clans.
The put the required infrastructure in place, educate the required work force and simply do their business.
As a side effect, as you could see if you were to go there, the regions in which the Chinese have done so are relatively calm and prospering - because the Chinese also put a very effective security force around their investments which calms down any such local wars.
Time to learn others are right.
23
Is it possible that only the liberal thinking population has the heart and human decency to be concerned about poor, starving, suffering populations around the world, including those in our own country, the wealthiest in the world?
Christianity has nothing to do with it, as the Republicans make painfully clear. I know many people who have left their religion behind them who make an effort to do the right thing by the poor and suffering, whether it be donating time or money or simply voting for individuals who will do what they can to make the world a better place and its people fed, clothed, housed, and educated.
trump, Ryan, and their followers are an embarrassment, doing little good for our country or the World.
Christianity has nothing to do with it, as the Republicans make painfully clear. I know many people who have left their religion behind them who make an effort to do the right thing by the poor and suffering, whether it be donating time or money or simply voting for individuals who will do what they can to make the world a better place and its people fed, clothed, housed, and educated.
trump, Ryan, and their followers are an embarrassment, doing little good for our country or the World.
41
At what point will the Pope and other Christian leaders remind the members of the House and Senate, that to take food from the hungry and health care from the sick and dieing would be a sin?
It violates one of the Ten Commandments, straight out of the Bible that the GOP carries with it everywhere. They sneer at the liberals and the atheists who contribute time and money to charities like Meals on Wheels.
The money Trump and Ryan save by allowing children and others in Yemen and Somalia will not be spent on our children in the United States, it will be given to men like Goldman Sach's Blankfein, who's salary just dropped from $65 in 2016 to $22 million this year. So sad, from more than $1million a week to only $400,000 per week.
It violates one of the Ten Commandments, straight out of the Bible that the GOP carries with it everywhere. They sneer at the liberals and the atheists who contribute time and money to charities like Meals on Wheels.
The money Trump and Ryan save by allowing children and others in Yemen and Somalia will not be spent on our children in the United States, it will be given to men like Goldman Sach's Blankfein, who's salary just dropped from $65 in 2016 to $22 million this year. So sad, from more than $1million a week to only $400,000 per week.
60
Christians in fact are warned they destine themselves to Hell if they do not feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and the prisoners, according to their holy book (Matthew 25:31-46). Atheists don't believe this but realise they must help the needy.
"At what point will the Pope and other Christian leaders remind the members of the House and Senate"
When JFK was running for President in 1960, many felt he was plotting to have the US run from the Vatican this way.
The pope has a trillion dollars in loot he can sell to then feed the impoverished in the peace loving Muslim wolrd.
When JFK was running for President in 1960, many felt he was plotting to have the US run from the Vatican this way.
The pope has a trillion dollars in loot he can sell to then feed the impoverished in the peace loving Muslim wolrd.
4
I saw a Congressman on TV explaining that the price of one weekend trip from the White House to Mar a Lago for Trump and his entourage is about $3 million — the same amount the feds currently spend per YEAR for Meals on Wheels.
The callousness and phoniness of these Trump people is unfathomable. Seriously, I really can't understand it.
Are they human? What happened to them that caused them to lose their humanity?
The callousness and phoniness of these Trump people is unfathomable. Seriously, I really can't understand it.
Are they human? What happened to them that caused them to lose their humanity?
625
They were never loved. Never ever. Thats how they see the world.
So typical - and so very false - Meals on Wheels is NOT a Federal Program.
Trump's budget calls for the elimination of ONE program - of the many - that some of the nation's 5,000 Meals on Wheels groups rely on: Community development block grants.
And the Feds spend significantly more than $3 million - as a matter of fact - almost $700 million that will be untouched.
From the progressive Mother Jones magazine:
"But spinning this as "Mulvaney guts Meals on Wheels" is pretty ridiculous. The vast majority of federal funding for Meals on Wheels—which comes via HHS's Administration on Aging, not HUD's CDBGs—remains intact. Someone managed to plant this idea with reporters, and more power to them. Good job! But reporters ought to be smart enough not to fall for it."
Trump's budget calls for the elimination of ONE program - of the many - that some of the nation's 5,000 Meals on Wheels groups rely on: Community development block grants.
And the Feds spend significantly more than $3 million - as a matter of fact - almost $700 million that will be untouched.
From the progressive Mother Jones magazine:
"But spinning this as "Mulvaney guts Meals on Wheels" is pretty ridiculous. The vast majority of federal funding for Meals on Wheels—which comes via HHS's Administration on Aging, not HUD's CDBGs—remains intact. Someone managed to plant this idea with reporters, and more power to them. Good job! But reporters ought to be smart enough not to fall for it."
1
They call themselves "Christians."
I doubt many of the cuts proposed in the administration's budget are motivated by saving money. The motivation seems to be appeasing the base and keeping most others apprehensive and off balance. To argue for another aircraft carrier or two while claiming such things as humanitarian foreign aid or Meals on Wheels are not affordable masks an agenda quite unrelated to relative costs - imagine a family able to afford a new top-of-the-line car but claiming aspirin for a child's headache unaffordable. Fortunately much - although probably not enough - of Trump's budget will change as it winds its way through the process.
21
The pictured child starved during the Obama Administration, and its policies. The child was dead before anything Trump did.
The war in Yemen is doing this, and Obama set the course supporting the Saudi horrors inflicted on them.
The food aid of Obama did not stop this. It did not get there.
Hillary was promising as to Yemen more support for what the Saudis were doing.
Now, it is awful, but it is not Trump who did it, and it was not something anything before Trump or offered instead of Trump would have changed.
Yes, it should change. End the war in Yemen, end our support of the Saudis doing this, push through food aid instead of the USN helping a blockade of starving people.
But no, those who did it were not Trump, and those who ran against him promised more of the same.
The war in Yemen is doing this, and Obama set the course supporting the Saudi horrors inflicted on them.
The food aid of Obama did not stop this. It did not get there.
Hillary was promising as to Yemen more support for what the Saudis were doing.
Now, it is awful, but it is not Trump who did it, and it was not something anything before Trump or offered instead of Trump would have changed.
Yes, it should change. End the war in Yemen, end our support of the Saudis doing this, push through food aid instead of the USN helping a blockade of starving people.
But no, those who did it were not Trump, and those who ran against him promised more of the same.
26
It seems everything is Obama's fault according to Trump supporters.
This is not about the past, it is about what can be done now! Blame game may make you feel better, but the children will continue to die unless you demand action now.
This is not about the past, it is about what can be done now! Blame game may make you feel better, but the children will continue to die unless you demand action now.
11
I like Obama, but this is one is not (yet) Trump's fault. The story is trying to blame this one on Trump. That is just not right.
6
@Mark Thomason: your literal rebuttal seems to take a page out of OMB Director Mulvaney's logic of "how are you going to tell the coal miners and single moms" that you are spending money elsewhere.
But first of all, blaming Obama seems to retain its potency even though President Obama is no longer in the political arena let alone the White House. The next thing you know is Mark Levin and Andrew Napolitano accusing Mr Obama directing a global spy network. Admittedly, no one in the Middle East liked Mr Obama's even keeled approach. Israel didn't like it. Saudi Arabia didn't. Turkey didn't. Syria didn't. ISIL didn't. But the U.S. did re-enter Iraq to clean up its own mess.
Understandably, it is frustrating even to reasonable people to see all the tribes, terrorists of different ideologies and thugs and warlords beat the crap out of each other using ordinary citizens as weapons, the U.S. has learned picking sides result only in the rise of Al Qaeda.
Still, the Obama Administration and the NGOs are doing what they could. No, it is not great to see aids got siphoned off by the militants but they still tried. Even a faction of food got through, one more child like the one shown might live. And the aid is minuscule relative to the drone attacks and Florida vacation every weekend.
So trying to equate Mr Trump's I-don't-give-a-hoot attitude with Mr Obama's we-are-doing-something-cautiously attitude amounts to Stein's and Sarandon's misguided they-are-all-the-same attitude
But first of all, blaming Obama seems to retain its potency even though President Obama is no longer in the political arena let alone the White House. The next thing you know is Mark Levin and Andrew Napolitano accusing Mr Obama directing a global spy network. Admittedly, no one in the Middle East liked Mr Obama's even keeled approach. Israel didn't like it. Saudi Arabia didn't. Turkey didn't. Syria didn't. ISIL didn't. But the U.S. did re-enter Iraq to clean up its own mess.
Understandably, it is frustrating even to reasonable people to see all the tribes, terrorists of different ideologies and thugs and warlords beat the crap out of each other using ordinary citizens as weapons, the U.S. has learned picking sides result only in the rise of Al Qaeda.
Still, the Obama Administration and the NGOs are doing what they could. No, it is not great to see aids got siphoned off by the militants but they still tried. Even a faction of food got through, one more child like the one shown might live. And the aid is minuscule relative to the drone attacks and Florida vacation every weekend.
So trying to equate Mr Trump's I-don't-give-a-hoot attitude with Mr Obama's we-are-doing-something-cautiously attitude amounts to Stein's and Sarandon's misguided they-are-all-the-same attitude
8
A common refrain one hears is that we should stop sending all that money overseas to countries that do not deserve it and rather spend it at home. People truly believe foreign aid is some astronomical amount that if reduced would solve all manner of domestic problems. No questions though when it comes to throwing more money at a bloated military industrial complex.
38
Agreed. I think this is absolutely shameful: "the U.S. contributes less than one-fifth of 1 percent of our national income to foreign aid, about half the proportion of other donor countries on average." And as another poster noted, Chinas has been building infrastructure projects and goodwill around the world while America was focused on waging wars on Iraq and Afghanistan--and now the rest of the world (except Russia), if Trump is believed.
6
Much of US foreign aid does not involve sending money overseas. It is spent in the US buying, at above market prices, goods from agribusinesses. Said goods are then shipped exclusivly on US flagged ships at above market prices.
This is the equivalent to giving a fish, when it would be better to teach how to fish.
I'm certain that this aid will not be stopped by Trump, as the lobbyists will easily preserve this money shift from the average taxpayer to the already obscenly wealthy.
This is the equivalent to giving a fish, when it would be better to teach how to fish.
I'm certain that this aid will not be stopped by Trump, as the lobbyists will easily preserve this money shift from the average taxpayer to the already obscenly wealthy.
3
I understand that is part of what is done but there are programs that do in fact teach them to fish. The biggest issue is simple minded voters who do not take a minimum amount of time to actually understand. They do think we support the the world.
I, for one, do not believe that Trump's budget is any more than a typical Trumpian negotiating ploy: start low, stay low, and even after you agree and sign, find an excuse to re-negotiate.
But I concede the possibility his ploy may have a more cynical political basis: to offer a budget that demands the budget increases he wants, gives the hatchet to the things the Republican Congress seeks and in addition eliminates things he knows to be essential: that way, he gets to pretend (something he's actually quite good at) that he's being "fiscally conservative. which of course, is not true."
But I concede the possibility his ploy may have a more cynical political basis: to offer a budget that demands the budget increases he wants, gives the hatchet to the things the Republican Congress seeks and in addition eliminates things he knows to be essential: that way, he gets to pretend (something he's actually quite good at) that he's being "fiscally conservative. which of course, is not true."
8
I am reminded of the starvation I witnessed in India and Haiti 30 years ago. While it still happens there and many other places, it is far less widespread than it was. Direct aid from other nations helps immensely but so does education and government reform. These had a greater impact than CARE packages and sacks of USAID food that were sold in markets. Yes, donated food is re-sold in many places. Still foreign aid is essential and a minuscule portion of our budget. To cancel the construction of one sub and spend that amount on agriculture assistance, education and health care would do more to promote peace and understanding than any row of nuclear missiles that will never be used. Deterrence comes in many forms, will Western politicians ever understand this?
39
Everything they do is meant to provoke.
I believe that it's essential not to engage with these people on rational terms. Nearly everyone wants to feed starving children, so they give them a poke in the ribs. They know exactly how much trouble they stir up with Meals on Wheels, which feed veterans and old people. So, they give that a tweak on the ear. It's not policy, it's brazen trouble seeking, and to counter it with compassion, or reason is to miss the point. Breitbart himself used this tactic, as does all of alt-right radio.
Meals on Wheels is barely a rounding error on the cost of a single bomber. So why are they doing this? Why now?
Since (what's left of) the left is anemic and confused, the likely outcome of this rabid goading is open conflict.
I find this far more worrying than the actual issues.
I believe that it's essential not to engage with these people on rational terms. Nearly everyone wants to feed starving children, so they give them a poke in the ribs. They know exactly how much trouble they stir up with Meals on Wheels, which feed veterans and old people. So, they give that a tweak on the ear. It's not policy, it's brazen trouble seeking, and to counter it with compassion, or reason is to miss the point. Breitbart himself used this tactic, as does all of alt-right radio.
Meals on Wheels is barely a rounding error on the cost of a single bomber. So why are they doing this? Why now?
Since (what's left of) the left is anemic and confused, the likely outcome of this rabid goading is open conflict.
I find this far more worrying than the actual issues.
38
NPR had an interesting piece on today. Basically, their guest was explaining that the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) "scores" various bills to show the impact they would have on the national deficit / debt. What they don't do is score the bills to show the potential return on the investment. He made the point that the interstate highway system couldn't get a good score in today's system because they only look at the costs and not the benefits.
The money we spend on feeding people who are starving, besides being our human responsibility, is invaluable just in terms of the good will it buys us.
I know this sounds very clinical, but the GOP seems to be incapable of thinking in terms other than money. And so since they have truly lost any empathy for others, we need to appeal to their mercenary hearts and point out the benefits of things like the state department, foreign aid (only 1% of the budget) and the good will gained by helping the less fortunate.
It is up to us to make sure that this heartless approach is stopped. It is up to us to overturn this evil administration.
The money we spend on feeding people who are starving, besides being our human responsibility, is invaluable just in terms of the good will it buys us.
I know this sounds very clinical, but the GOP seems to be incapable of thinking in terms other than money. And so since they have truly lost any empathy for others, we need to appeal to their mercenary hearts and point out the benefits of things like the state department, foreign aid (only 1% of the budget) and the good will gained by helping the less fortunate.
It is up to us to make sure that this heartless approach is stopped. It is up to us to overturn this evil administration.
36
The sad reality of the Trump budget, indeed of Mr. Trump himself, is that he has normalized unabashed self-interest. When a presidential candidate can admit to not paying any federal taxes, I can admit to valuing myself over my neighbor. I can say, without shame, I rather buy my child a new play station, then send some food to a poor child in Yemen that I will never meet, that might die anyway, or might one day grow up to become a terrorist or a solider in a war against the United States and her allies.
As disturbing as Mr. Trump and his heartless policies are, it is important to remember that he is the symptom, not the problem. Millions of intelligent Americans voted for Mr. Trump because he appealed to their sense of insecurity, their sense, not of greed, but of selfishness. "It is good, and true to think that you are better than them-- no matter who the "them" happen to be.
The problem is that Mr. Trump uncovered a truth about the American psyche- that we selfish, insecure and afraid.
As disturbing as Mr. Trump and his heartless policies are, it is important to remember that he is the symptom, not the problem. Millions of intelligent Americans voted for Mr. Trump because he appealed to their sense of insecurity, their sense, not of greed, but of selfishness. "It is good, and true to think that you are better than them-- no matter who the "them" happen to be.
The problem is that Mr. Trump uncovered a truth about the American psyche- that we selfish, insecure and afraid.
53
I hate to admit this is the real root of the problem, and I' feel we won't be able to change this by just writing about it.
President Trump's budget is merely the most evident symptom of the underlying disease: the mean-spirited "conservatism" of the Grinchly Oligarchic Party.
In current parlance, "conservative" means "one who uses short-term economic efficiency as the justification for all socio-economic policies irrespective of the consequences for persons." Short term capital accumulation and profits are the be all and end all of "social interactions." For such "conservatives" all "human" relations are transactional and fungible, whatever is legal is moral, and "justice" is the inevitable outcome of laissez faire "free"-market exchanges.
"Conservative freedom" is "the opportunity to expend one's time, talent and resources in any way one deems conducive to the pursuit of one's self-interest--whether one's self-interest is 'enlightened' or 'unenlightened.'" Indeed, blessed be those who pursue "unenlightened" self-interest, for they are so readily manipulated and victimized by their more astute "betters."
President Trump's "conservatism" is obscured by populist campaign promises that, it is becoming increasingly evident, will never be honored. Trump's "conservatism," unlike that of most GOP "conservatives," is wholly amoral. As the Trump University con-job indicates, he does not abide by even the minimalist ethic embodied in the principle: "Whatever is legal, is moral."
The Trump presidency is a disgrace, but with Pence and Ryan next in line, would his removal from office improve things?
In current parlance, "conservative" means "one who uses short-term economic efficiency as the justification for all socio-economic policies irrespective of the consequences for persons." Short term capital accumulation and profits are the be all and end all of "social interactions." For such "conservatives" all "human" relations are transactional and fungible, whatever is legal is moral, and "justice" is the inevitable outcome of laissez faire "free"-market exchanges.
"Conservative freedom" is "the opportunity to expend one's time, talent and resources in any way one deems conducive to the pursuit of one's self-interest--whether one's self-interest is 'enlightened' or 'unenlightened.'" Indeed, blessed be those who pursue "unenlightened" self-interest, for they are so readily manipulated and victimized by their more astute "betters."
President Trump's "conservatism" is obscured by populist campaign promises that, it is becoming increasingly evident, will never be honored. Trump's "conservatism," unlike that of most GOP "conservatives," is wholly amoral. As the Trump University con-job indicates, he does not abide by even the minimalist ethic embodied in the principle: "Whatever is legal, is moral."
The Trump presidency is a disgrace, but with Pence and Ryan next in line, would his removal from office improve things?
67
"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is the search for a moral justification for selfishness."
John Kenneth Galbraith
John Kenneth Galbraith
4
At least Pence and Ryan aren't mentally unstable, like Trump - - (unless Trump's mental instability is a shrewd, calculated act).
1
We hate to think we'll have to accept the obvious outcome of this presidency - that America is not the moral, righteous beacon of humanity we grew up believing. At the very least - we are not united among our belief that the strong should protect the weak, and that as a wealthy free nation we inherit with that comfort the duty to help each other - both our neighbors and our fellow men on distant parts of the planet.
Trump represents the darkest part of our own hearts. He has brought to surface the motives of the reptilian brain that even the best of us would exhibit when threatened. Help our own. Forget the others. This is life or death at every turn.
This government is populated by truly evil people. Trump is a truly evil human being - and he hasn't disguised it. His supporters are not so. His supporters are our brothers and sisters who believe the horror movie they've played over and over. And this government will inevitably need to prove the truth of their views by bringing that horror upon us.
We will all lose.
But we will recover. America is not an evil nation. We are still the same people who simply allowed the darkness overcome us for a moment.
Meanwhile, the poor will die. The starving will die. The threatened will die.
Rather than being hypnotized by the bald fact that our president is a truly terrible human being, we need to allow our family who voted for him back into the fold.
This too, shall pass. We are still who we are.
Trump represents the darkest part of our own hearts. He has brought to surface the motives of the reptilian brain that even the best of us would exhibit when threatened. Help our own. Forget the others. This is life or death at every turn.
This government is populated by truly evil people. Trump is a truly evil human being - and he hasn't disguised it. His supporters are not so. His supporters are our brothers and sisters who believe the horror movie they've played over and over. And this government will inevitably need to prove the truth of their views by bringing that horror upon us.
We will all lose.
But we will recover. America is not an evil nation. We are still the same people who simply allowed the darkness overcome us for a moment.
Meanwhile, the poor will die. The starving will die. The threatened will die.
Rather than being hypnotized by the bald fact that our president is a truly terrible human being, we need to allow our family who voted for him back into the fold.
This too, shall pass. We are still who we are.
44
Allowing Trump voters back into the fold won't turn the tide. Those same voters are the ones showing up at Trump rallies and defending him, albeit holding their noses. They should be demanding answers from him, reminding him that he works for them and this is not what they signed up for.
Great, we are still who we are; our hearts are at peace. And people who needed only a little food are not here to trouble us. I can't say that I feel better.
1
" that America is not the moral, righteous beacon of humanity we grew up believing... We are still who we are."
Joe, we haven't been a beacon of humanity since at least the Viet Nam war. Thanks to our new president, people in Europe are learning about Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears. We are learning that we elect and probably will re-elect a liar who falsely accuses his predecessor of tap(p)ing his phone. He berates his allies and falsely claims they own us money, while cutting the already parsimonious foreign aid budget EXCEPT to Israel.
Joe, you should get out and see the world - and talk to people who see the U.S. for what it is - and who we elect to the highest office in the land.
Joe, we haven't been a beacon of humanity since at least the Viet Nam war. Thanks to our new president, people in Europe are learning about Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears. We are learning that we elect and probably will re-elect a liar who falsely accuses his predecessor of tap(p)ing his phone. He berates his allies and falsely claims they own us money, while cutting the already parsimonious foreign aid budget EXCEPT to Israel.
Joe, you should get out and see the world - and talk to people who see the U.S. for what it is - and who we elect to the highest office in the land.
It is the duty of developed countries to support the poor countries which need food aids. Those supports should be done from the humanitarian view point even if developed countries do not have direct faults of famines. Not only the U.S. but also other developed countries should bear this humanitarian load of duty.
29
A patient went to the doctor and complained that it hurts when I breathe. So the doctor replied, "don't breathe".
This doctor's prescription reminds me of the liberal diagnosis of most problems. "A Saudi-led coalition, backed by the United States, has imposed a blockade on Yemen that has left two-thirds of the population in need of assistance." Doesn't it make more sense to get to the root problem of the Saudi blockade of Yemen rather than deal solely with effects of this blockade - as tragic as they are ?
One other note. "Humanitarian aid is one of the world’s great success stories, for the number of people living in extreme poverty has dropped by half since 1990." Talk about taking credit for another's accomplishements. The great reduction that we've seen in global poverty has not been from relatively small amounts of foreign aid but rather due to the introduction of capitalism in historically poor countries like China and even Vietnam. We can certainly debate whether our granting such low wages countries continued access to US markets is in our best interests. But it is disingenuous to say that foreign aid is somehow more potent than free trade.
This doctor's prescription reminds me of the liberal diagnosis of most problems. "A Saudi-led coalition, backed by the United States, has imposed a blockade on Yemen that has left two-thirds of the population in need of assistance." Doesn't it make more sense to get to the root problem of the Saudi blockade of Yemen rather than deal solely with effects of this blockade - as tragic as they are ?
One other note. "Humanitarian aid is one of the world’s great success stories, for the number of people living in extreme poverty has dropped by half since 1990." Talk about taking credit for another's accomplishements. The great reduction that we've seen in global poverty has not been from relatively small amounts of foreign aid but rather due to the introduction of capitalism in historically poor countries like China and even Vietnam. We can certainly debate whether our granting such low wages countries continued access to US markets is in our best interests. But it is disingenuous to say that foreign aid is somehow more potent than free trade.
13
@Princeton 2015...you have a long way to go translating that education you seem to proud of into understanding of how the world works. Society is more than economies...society is culture and culture is understanding that we are the products of thousands of years of people nurturing one another in communities.
"Free trade" as a standalone is a myth and an excuse for oligarchic excess...as practiced since the 1700's it is a moral abomination.
And before your get all huffy...I learned in the bosom of a fine liberal arts college, as an officer the crucible of war, the pinnacle of Ivy League graduate schools in my profession and a whole lot of life in the melee of economic development.
You can try. But I don't think your unsupported opinions are going to change my conclusions after 50 years of first hand observation of what works and what doesn't.
"Free trade" as a standalone is a myth and an excuse for oligarchic excess...as practiced since the 1700's it is a moral abomination.
And before your get all huffy...I learned in the bosom of a fine liberal arts college, as an officer the crucible of war, the pinnacle of Ivy League graduate schools in my profession and a whole lot of life in the melee of economic development.
You can try. But I don't think your unsupported opinions are going to change my conclusions after 50 years of first hand observation of what works and what doesn't.
2
South Sudan to US: We are starving. US to South Sudan: Tighten your belts. South Sudan to US: send belts.
1
The "introduction of capitalism to China" is a form of foreign aid? China is not capitalistic but rather it has state-owned communism with a corrupt government that allows rampant nepotism.
Thank you, very well argued and presented.
But how to get back to where we belong? We are in a crisis situation. I don't have confidence that the dominant Republican party will rediscover its moral center. Without US government know-how and networking, we the people cannot make up the difference through private charity.
We can refuse to support this government, and tax resistance might also be appropriate. And why not extreme nonviolent responses such as secession? As Trump purges and dismantles a balanced government; as he zeroes out peace and diplomacy programs and increases military expenditure, we cannot allow ourselves to become complicit through inaction.
Faith communities must not accept this new status quo. The progressive faith leaders will be marginalized. But Right Wing Jews are getting blank checks for Israel, can't they stand up for Jewish values on other matters? And are any evangelical leaders yet feeling the burn of conscience?
I think many Americans do not feel our common connection with the rest of humanity and the world. As long as we get our cellphones we don't seem to care who died to make them.
But how to get back to where we belong? We are in a crisis situation. I don't have confidence that the dominant Republican party will rediscover its moral center. Without US government know-how and networking, we the people cannot make up the difference through private charity.
We can refuse to support this government, and tax resistance might also be appropriate. And why not extreme nonviolent responses such as secession? As Trump purges and dismantles a balanced government; as he zeroes out peace and diplomacy programs and increases military expenditure, we cannot allow ourselves to become complicit through inaction.
Faith communities must not accept this new status quo. The progressive faith leaders will be marginalized. But Right Wing Jews are getting blank checks for Israel, can't they stand up for Jewish values on other matters? And are any evangelical leaders yet feeling the burn of conscience?
I think many Americans do not feel our common connection with the rest of humanity and the world. As long as we get our cellphones we don't seem to care who died to make them.
9
You hit the nail on the head regarding we don't care who dies as long as it does not create a hardship for me. Out of sight and out of mine. Where are the alleged Christian leaders these days, must be hiding under their pulpits.
1
How about the Muslims? Does anyone record the number of Muslims who work to help others of their faith?
3
Since the publication of Trump's budget, I can't help but think that one consequence (if not an actual objective) of this administration will be the criminalization of poverty. In many instances, being poor will amount to a death sentence, and the so-called POTUS seems just fine with that... as long as the face in the mirror remains well-fed.
23
It's called financial genocide.
It's not Trump who's cutting off aid and services; it's the Greed Over People party, those who gerrymander and disenfranchise to stay in power to reduce the federal government down to a medieval era level of service and care.
32
I usually don't read stories like this. For one thing, I can't control it. Also, to take the burden of every death upon ones shoulders is a crushing burden. Furthermore, the realist in me know that aid is often stolen by the powerful and never reaches its intended beneficiaries or rots on docks due to lack of secure infrastructure.
I read this one primarily because this St. Patrick's Day the Irish American Times devoted a thematic issue to The Great Famine that drive many of us Irish to these shores.
Perhaps those of us who were victims of famine, and certainly those in the British Isles who let it consume over a million souls, have a special obligation to not stand idly by as millions face a similar fate.
I don't believe there are simple solutions to these problems. Nor do I believe in "doing something" no matter how ineffectiveto assuage my own guilt. Yet I have this St Paddy's season seen a new light that rouses me out of my customary conservative indifference. It was that laissez fairer philosophy after all that filled the mass graves and coffin ships that forever scar my heritage. Perhaps we Irish should channel our anger at the Famine into action toward the goal of ensuring that such hunger never again haunts humanity.
I read this one primarily because this St. Patrick's Day the Irish American Times devoted a thematic issue to The Great Famine that drive many of us Irish to these shores.
Perhaps those of us who were victims of famine, and certainly those in the British Isles who let it consume over a million souls, have a special obligation to not stand idly by as millions face a similar fate.
I don't believe there are simple solutions to these problems. Nor do I believe in "doing something" no matter how ineffectiveto assuage my own guilt. Yet I have this St Paddy's season seen a new light that rouses me out of my customary conservative indifference. It was that laissez fairer philosophy after all that filled the mass graves and coffin ships that forever scar my heritage. Perhaps we Irish should channel our anger at the Famine into action toward the goal of ensuring that such hunger never again haunts humanity.
149
Well, what comes to mind is "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke. So, I think what this is telling us is that we truly have our work cut out for us. Maybe people of compassion needed this very painful wake up call to propel us to make sure this situation ends as soon as possible. And the suffering can be redeemed by forceful, persistent, smart and organized action to elect men and women of compassion.
30
Fiirst: I hate cliches, but I must say that the picture accompanying the article is worth a thousand words. If that doesn't arouse people from their selfish slumbers, nothing will.
Second: Kristoff is correct, but unfortunately most Americans subscribe to beliefs that are downright delusional:
a) many Americans are sure that America has always been the most generous nation on the planet. In fact, I read that most Western European countries contribute a higher percentage of their GDP to foreign aid.
b) Most Americans believe that they have discharged their duties to the planet in full. They don't know what Kristoff tells us in this article: America is promoting starvation in Yemen because America is backing the Saudis who are blockading Yemen and have halted the influx of food.
c) Most Americans think that this country is way too permissive to immigrants, but most Americans don't know:
i) that Iraqis who worked for the American military, and want to obtain sanctuary in this country because many of their fellow citizens hate them, are having trouble getting into America. They fought with us. Ergo, they are one of us. We should let them in!
ii) in the 30's and 40's, America, far from overflowing with generousity, was very selfish. America maintained very high quotas which restricted Jewish immigration to this country. Until the end of 1941, Germany was willing to let Jews leave. However, they couldn't leave becasue no one would take them in.
Second: Kristoff is correct, but unfortunately most Americans subscribe to beliefs that are downright delusional:
a) many Americans are sure that America has always been the most generous nation on the planet. In fact, I read that most Western European countries contribute a higher percentage of their GDP to foreign aid.
b) Most Americans believe that they have discharged their duties to the planet in full. They don't know what Kristoff tells us in this article: America is promoting starvation in Yemen because America is backing the Saudis who are blockading Yemen and have halted the influx of food.
c) Most Americans think that this country is way too permissive to immigrants, but most Americans don't know:
i) that Iraqis who worked for the American military, and want to obtain sanctuary in this country because many of their fellow citizens hate them, are having trouble getting into America. They fought with us. Ergo, they are one of us. We should let them in!
ii) in the 30's and 40's, America, far from overflowing with generousity, was very selfish. America maintained very high quotas which restricted Jewish immigration to this country. Until the end of 1941, Germany was willing to let Jews leave. However, they couldn't leave becasue no one would take them in.
39
Americans give more to non-governmental charities than any other nation. The difference between us and other countries. You are misinformed about Germany, it was very difficult to leave, you had to pay and also get permission for a visa, even if you had a country to go too. Of course, no one wanted them, America included. Most of the people in the state department were virulent anti-semites.
4
Even the people who wish to us to abdicate our moral duty to help people who are in need of humanitarian aid, in the name of lower taxes, must surely acknowledge that there are also pragmatic and non-altruistic reasons to help people. As Nick points out, the Ebola crisis relied on humanitarian aid, as will many other local crises that become global. Bombs do not solve all problems despite what the Trump administration seems to think. His "low-tax" buddies don't seem to mind military spending, but it is shortsighted in the extreme.
25
A quarantine of affected regions would have been effective as the disease burned itself out in origin countries.
4
"When asked if I am pessimistic or optimistic about the future, my answer is always the same: If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren't pessimistic, you don't understand data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor; and you aren't optimistic, you haven't got a pulse." (Paul Hawken) I cannot believe the hearts of Congress are so hard they would cut funding to Meals on Wheels or severely reduce the State Dep budget. On the other hand, some in Congress refuse to take a difficult stance and some are deeply committed to lowering taxes on the wealthy while they want to increase spending for the military, build a wall and pay for Trumps numerous trips to Florida (while protecting his wife in N.Y.). One minute I am optimistic our government will express the better angels of our nation and then I become pessimistic that our government is run by greed.
Yes, I am expressing to my Representative the outrage, dismay, injustice, disbelief I have for Trump's simple outline of proposed expenses. I do not expect my Representative to be a coward; I expect him to vote to care for the people in his district as well as people of the world.
Margaret Mead observed civilization began with the first healed femur. A healed bone meant someone took care of the injured. I sincerely hope civilization is not coming apart as survival of the fitness and greediest replace decency and care.
Yes, I am expressing to my Representative the outrage, dismay, injustice, disbelief I have for Trump's simple outline of proposed expenses. I do not expect my Representative to be a coward; I expect him to vote to care for the people in his district as well as people of the world.
Margaret Mead observed civilization began with the first healed femur. A healed bone meant someone took care of the injured. I sincerely hope civilization is not coming apart as survival of the fitness and greediest replace decency and care.
100
Unfortunately Trump's budget proposal will get support from his right wing "America First" base of followers. It is disheartening to note that so many of my fellow countrymen care so little about what is going on in the rest of the world. Of course we cannot solve all the world's problems - there will always be poverty and starvation. But it is our duty as citizens of the world, not just the United States, to do what we can to help those in need. I would have hoped that we were better than this.
32
Actually it's Trump First, Other Billionaires Second and The Rest of America Third. There's not enough space on the baseball cap to fit The Rest of Humanity.
32
Are Americans finally getting the picture? It's bad enough that there is someone in the White House who has effectively handed the running of the country over to a nihilistic White Supremacist, and the souless G.O.P. led by the equally souless Paul Ryan.
But now this. A White House budget that makes us losers, as well as losing the very qualities of kindness and compassion, that has long seperated us from the most brutal of regimes.
And in order to pay for Trump's campaign promise of building a wall, and buying more guns, we are on the way to losing something no advanced weaponry could ever save us from -- and that's our humanity.
But now this. A White House budget that makes us losers, as well as losing the very qualities of kindness and compassion, that has long seperated us from the most brutal of regimes.
And in order to pay for Trump's campaign promise of building a wall, and buying more guns, we are on the way to losing something no advanced weaponry could ever save us from -- and that's our humanity.
284
It's the arrogance of Trump's unbridled privilege and that is putting it kindly.
2
And it's also the ignorance of those who support him.
2
US taxpayers aren't responsible to solve these tragic problems. The lower taxes which are coming from our congress will free all of us to contribute more to private charity. Private charities are efficient and are the most effective and sustainable long-term solution. Private charity also allows personal engagement with the most needy among us.
30
Obviously, only a limited percentage of citizens will use the very small amount they would save on their taxes to make charitable contributions. And it's far LESS efficient and much more costly for a non-profit to process tens of thousands of small individual donations than to receive a lump sum that can be budgeted for in advance. Also, individuals are ALWAYS free to interact through personal engagement with "the most needy among us" through many organizations even if they don't have a anything to give financially. In addition, government aid given to other countries is particularly beneficial for the US politically. It's unconscionable that a country as wealthy as ours wouldn't assist others in these ways.
364
@WER: Why is someone who's living or working in the Oligarchy of Saudi Arabia lecturing those of us who live here on the uses of taxes and charities? Why is the House of Saud bombing Yemeni civilians instead of feeding them? Good grief!
46
Hmm..tax cuts. What tax cuts? When Trumpcare goes into effect, who is going to have any extra money to donate? Those of us who face higher premiums will be putting all our funds into paying for insurance if we can afford it.
8
Just think of all the money those wealthy people will save by letting the millions die. Makes their day.
Shameful and shameless!
Shameful and shameless!
154
I was that little girl in a classroom that never had a lunch. My mother had died and my home was filled with heroin addicts. Ultimately, my sister would die of a drug overdose and my brother from a drug related malignancy. I know hunger. Luckily, I lived in a country where a school lunch was given to me daily. I grew up to be a pediatrician and care for children. I am not sure what I would have done without those wonderful teachers and school administrators looking out for me.
I do not know what has happened to this country. I am bewildered, confused and angry at a President that is so misguided in his set of values and priorities that world poverty and hunger cannot even be on his radar. What are WE to do!
I do not know what has happened to this country. I am bewildered, confused and angry at a President that is so misguided in his set of values and priorities that world poverty and hunger cannot even be on his radar. What are WE to do!
949
Trump is a kind of a dictator. We were taken. The people who voted for him think erroneously that by killing the programs of the medical care, arts, humanitarian aid, medical research, education, environmental protection, legal prosecution of the wrongful acts by banks, and on - the progressive work that got us to a great point in 2016, that somehow, they are going to benefit.
I feel like surveying West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and the Red States, and asking the unemployed there, how do you like things now? Where's that job Mr. Trump promised you?
I feel like surveying West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and the Red States, and asking the unemployed there, how do you like things now? Where's that job Mr. Trump promised you?
1
I am so sorry about the travails you endured growing up. If this administration had its way, you would be required to "do or die" without the help of the "failed welfare state". I grew up in an upper middle class home and neighborhood and wanted for nothing, yet my parents always made sure that we knew about and did not denigrate those who were not fortunate to have the same things we did. My family were agnostic at best and I can still remember my mother telling me to distrust people who called themselves Christian, but who would not recognize Christ if he returned!
1
You need to stop the whole dictator idea. When someone decides to try and kill Trump it will be because of people like you spreading the idea that he is not legit. You lost the election and OMG! people you think of as your lessors won. Horrible! Thank God they are not your neighbors (or are they? Could there be stealth Trump supporters that live near you?) I was not a Trump supporter and would never have voted for HRC, but he is president now. If you don't like it then work to change it, but stop with these stupid comments.
5
To the commenters who justify inaction because of the political situation that engendered this crisis, in the midst of such a dire situation it is entirely appropriate to look past ultimate causes and just focus on the immediate reality of helping the starving. I'm so tired of hearing that "we're not the policemen of the world"as justification to sit idly by as tragedies occur. Even the poorest Americans among us are blessed with resources unimaginable in famine-stricken parts of the globe.
Finally, to the commenters who state that Arab states should do more to help, it's the US backed Saudi regime who is largely responsible for this. Assuming that muslims should take more responsibility because of a common religion overlooks the fact that Islam is not monolithic And it wilfully ignores our own responsibility.
Finally, to the commenters who state that Arab states should do more to help, it's the US backed Saudi regime who is largely responsible for this. Assuming that muslims should take more responsibility because of a common religion overlooks the fact that Islam is not monolithic And it wilfully ignores our own responsibility.
106
Also, the very same people who say not a dime for aid because corrupt officials will embezzle it are frequently happy to send bombers just about anywhere to "make us safe." Never mind that each bomb costs precious lives and millions of dollars.
1
To second your piece a simple analogy struck me: are we the kind to arrive at a crash site and say we are not the ambulance and watch the folks in the accident die?
My God, such a picture. At first glance i thought it was a tiny, wizened, starving, elderly woman. What to do, what to do? I give generously to various charities and it all seems for naught.
Is the answer to give more, stress birth control, education? it seems hopeless. I will never forget this picture. And i will continue to give. What else can most of us do?
Is the answer to give more, stress birth control, education? it seems hopeless. I will never forget this picture. And i will continue to give. What else can most of us do?
41
This column throws a spotlight on what is important in the world. My childhood friend, Martha Crystal Myers, went to Yemen as a medical missionary, loved the people, and lived and worked among them for many years. In 2002, Martha was killed by the angry husband of one of her patients. The patient had made the mistake of speaking kindly of Dr. Myers. Every time I hear of Yemen now, I think of Martha and her work there. If little Udai had been in her care, perhaps, he would have had a better chance to live. From now on, it seems, the least among us can no longer look to the United States for help. We are too busy serving the desires of the one per cent.
84
This sounds like the "no good deed goes unpunished" syndrome that makes many Americans reluctant to intervene. One needs to be mindful that anecdotal data is just that of course. Hopefully the Yemenis as a whole were more appreciative of assistance.
5
This kind of thing is not just something that happens among Yemenis. It happens here, too. Human beings of all races, colors, creeds, nationalities are capable of doing truly horrible things. And any of us who condemn an entire people because of something that an isolated few of their members does is also doing horrible things.
I almost wrote, "I am sorry, Nick, I can't read this." The photo was so upsetting, my wife, from across the room, seeing that 4"x4" picture exclaimed, "That is a starving baby!" Because I did read your article. And so I can't write that. The child in that photo is, IS (capitalized, Italicized, underlined, bold typeface exclamation point/exclamation point/exclamation point), a living thing. The baby in the picture may, as a point of fact, be cold and buried, but that picture cannot be unseen. But it --both photo and child-- is one that Trump, our "exalted" president and, I have to say as emphatically as I attempted to do in my previous sentences, his lackeys in both houses of Congress could care less about. Full Stop.
Really, Nick, nothing more needs to be said.
Really, Nick, nothing more needs to be said.
275
But if liberals can argue that we shouldn't be the world's policeman, then how can they argue that we should be it's breadbasket? Staying out of the affairs of other nations is either right or not. There cannot be a menu of choices.
4
The individual in the photo is not our problem.
3
Our Potus and his lackeys in Congress, as you call them, are void of anything that resembles a human being.
On Friday's press conference, our new Budget Director, Mick Mulvaney, was asked directly about the draconian cuts for resources that the United States has traditionally offered to international areas experiencing horrific famine. The Budget Director did not respond, and ignored the reporter's inference that human suffering cannot be eliminated like a budget line item. Instead, Mulvaney, sanctioned, in public, out loud, policies of starvation as necessary. The US is still the wealthiest nation on this planet. Udai Faisal's death needs to haunt us all. His heart was in our hands, and we failed.
278
The poor child's eyes reach out to to everyone, and ask the world:why? Why is this happening? The sad reality is many government leaders don't care, and that many of us don't know what to do to help.
Furthermore, we now have a president who lives his life via narcissism, and during an era when many people are sporting the me rather than the we mentality. I know people who are elated at Trump's presidency because their portfolios have gone up. They care not that he is a pathological liar who denigrates others in order to make himself feel good. They care not for his treasonous words or complete disrespect and aggressive behavior toward women.
And sadly, they do not care about that beautiful child in the photo who died. All they care about is their portfolios, and many don't realize it was the Obama administration who led this country out of the financial mess, and that many of Trump's appointees are the same people who cared not if the whole country drowned in the financial crisis they created. Therefore, if the new leadership doesn't care, and many of their followers don't care, what is everyone else to do?
We must do something everyday to stop this indifference to human suffering that is at least partly fueled by the new found narcissism that is sickeningly present and sanctified in this society. So, give to worthy charities, and call and write politicians ever day. And, email a photo of the dead child to a Trump supporter. This tragedy must end.
Furthermore, we now have a president who lives his life via narcissism, and during an era when many people are sporting the me rather than the we mentality. I know people who are elated at Trump's presidency because their portfolios have gone up. They care not that he is a pathological liar who denigrates others in order to make himself feel good. They care not for his treasonous words or complete disrespect and aggressive behavior toward women.
And sadly, they do not care about that beautiful child in the photo who died. All they care about is their portfolios, and many don't realize it was the Obama administration who led this country out of the financial mess, and that many of Trump's appointees are the same people who cared not if the whole country drowned in the financial crisis they created. Therefore, if the new leadership doesn't care, and many of their followers don't care, what is everyone else to do?
We must do something everyday to stop this indifference to human suffering that is at least partly fueled by the new found narcissism that is sickeningly present and sanctified in this society. So, give to worthy charities, and call and write politicians ever day. And, email a photo of the dead child to a Trump supporter. This tragedy must end.
131
Not only does cutting aid programs effect those that are in need around the world it also effects farmers and other workers in agriculture here in the US whose goods are being shipped to those in need. Unfortunately many of those people drank the Kool-Aid and voted for Trump.
52
Demagogue 45, the Toddler “president,” is only interested in preserving the lie of white supremacy and cares nothing about dying children of color either home or aboard.
But this isn’t new for America; just ask the indigenous people of this land and the African American.
While never hesitating to exploit, enslave, degrade, or rob people of color of their labor and resources to enrich white people and white institutions, those steeped in white supremacy has never cared about the actual lives and survival of people of color, and it didn’t start with the Toddler “president.”
“There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one’s head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people’s pain.” James Baldwin
But this isn’t new for America; just ask the indigenous people of this land and the African American.
While never hesitating to exploit, enslave, degrade, or rob people of color of their labor and resources to enrich white people and white institutions, those steeped in white supremacy has never cared about the actual lives and survival of people of color, and it didn’t start with the Toddler “president.”
“There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one’s head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people’s pain.” James Baldwin
213
Everything Donald does is about helping the 1%. He lied to his voter base to get elected with no intention of doing anything to help them. He is giving them a wall which they will pay for. He is taking away their healthcare. He is giving massive tax breaks to the wealthy. He is spending $3MM of taxpayer money every week so he can play golf, and further enrich himself by using Mar a Lago every weekend. He is costing the Us and NYC millions of dollars to secure Trump Tower so his wife doesn't have to live with him. His adult children are costing us millions of dollars to protect them while they are on trump business or vacationing. And we should cut support to Meals on Wheels which costs around the same on an annual basis as a weekend in Shangri La, i.e., Mar a Lago. And cut support to the arts and science,so we can pay to provide security for trump's children as they travel around the world for self-enriching business and leisure. I don't care that the middle class and poor trump supporters will suffer under his draconian policies. They bought in to his white supremacist ideal. They never understood that they were being used and lied to so trump could advance their agenda to rob from the poor and give to the rich
7
This is why Trump wins. Muslims are engaged in a civil war and all you can do is condemn white Americans who have nothing to do with it.
5
Trump's budget cuts do not reflect the overwhelming sentiment of this country which is, that it our our moral duty to help others in times of crisis. While altruism in and of itself is reason enough to help others, we also gain the respect of other nations and set an example as a people of compassion.
For all the chatter from conservative lawmakers about Christian values, I find it hard to understand how they square their budget with their faith .
The simple question is, what would Jesus do?
Waiting for Paul Ryan's response.
For all the chatter from conservative lawmakers about Christian values, I find it hard to understand how they square their budget with their faith .
The simple question is, what would Jesus do?
Waiting for Paul Ryan's response.
381
The budget director described Trump's cuts as "compassion" when we can tell a Detroit single mother that her taxes are going to be wasted on programs that "don't work"--like Meals on Wheels and school lunches. Probably that mother's children benefit from a subsidized lunch program in her public school. How Orwellian that vicious Scrooge-like cuts to public welfare programs (Dickens' "too many people") should be cloaked in terms of "compassion".
Sick, sick, sick.
Sick, sick, sick.
1
Loaves and fishes anyone?
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth?
For starters.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth?
For starters.
I am afraid Steve, we will all wait indefinitely for Paul Ryan's response, for Mick Mulvaney's response and infinity for Donald Trump's response. They do not care.
2
First, let me say that I am very sympathetic to the plight of malnourished people everywhere, even in places where much of their population is actively hostile to us.
However, the author's appeal to emotion does not even make sense as an emotional appeal. There is nothing about the situation he describes that makes now special. Trump's proposed reduction in no less appropriate now than it would be any other time, past, present or future.
There is almost constantly the scourge of starvation somewhere. It is testimony to the evil in many people that either war or despotic dictators are usually the cause of the starvation. Humanity would look much better if the causes were natural, but they are usually not.
If sending more aid would truly end the starvation, then a strong emotional justification would truly exist. But so long as war and despotic dictators are the cause, the only real way to end the starvation is to force end to the war and destroy the despots.
However, the author's appeal to emotion does not even make sense as an emotional appeal. There is nothing about the situation he describes that makes now special. Trump's proposed reduction in no less appropriate now than it would be any other time, past, present or future.
There is almost constantly the scourge of starvation somewhere. It is testimony to the evil in many people that either war or despotic dictators are usually the cause of the starvation. Humanity would look much better if the causes were natural, but they are usually not.
If sending more aid would truly end the starvation, then a strong emotional justification would truly exist. But so long as war and despotic dictators are the cause, the only real way to end the starvation is to force end to the war and destroy the despots.
15
@Errol: If that child were yours would you still dismiss the concept of sending more aid?
10
Did you read all the way through Kristof's column? Apparently not, or you would not have missed the story of Thomas Awiapo, told well into the story. Here's a young man who was saved from the starvation that claimed the lives of two of his brothers. He survived, thanks to a U.S.A.I.D. and Catholic Relief Services program that provided children with food if they attended school. And now he's an adult with a master's degree and is able to work to help his country, to help more people to survive and to even thrive and to grow up to in turn make a contribution.
Or perhaps you failed to read the section where Kristof talks about the threat to the future of all of us from Ebola, which humanitarian aid helped to conquer before it killed even more human beings than it did. When and where will the next Ebola emerge? And when it does, will the world bring forth the cooperation and humanitarian aid to stop it before it stops us? Not if Trump and people like you have their way. Getting rid of the despots first is no more than an excuse for doing nothing.
Or perhaps you failed to read the section where Kristof talks about the threat to the future of all of us from Ebola, which humanitarian aid helped to conquer before it killed even more human beings than it did. When and where will the next Ebola emerge? And when it does, will the world bring forth the cooperation and humanitarian aid to stop it before it stops us? Not if Trump and people like you have their way. Getting rid of the despots first is no more than an excuse for doing nothing.
1
In the meanwhile, do you object to feeding those who are starving now, so they'll have a chance of living until the war is forced to end and the despots are destroyed?
1
This crisis is caused by a confluence of factors, including weather, but mostly wars related to the religion of Islam and those who don't want to be subjugated by it. It also is tribal, most especially in South Sudan, a vicious tribal conflict between two war lords.
Trump is going to balance the budget on the poor, sick and elderly if he has his way. Paul Ryan is Ayn Rand on steroids and must be stopped. We should first be working on that. But, "us poor folks haven't got a chance unless we organize" so let's do that.
The gulf states, all Muslim, have many billions of petrol dollars. Yemen, South Sudan, northern Nigeria and Somalia are all in tribal or religious wars related to them. Muslims should be helping this situation, which they are largely creating and ignoring.
We are not the firemen of the world, rushing in wherever there is pain and suffering. We really need to step back, tend to our poor and homeless, our under-educated by a broken system, etc. We also need a strategic viewpoint of how to use our power and resources to form shields from folks who would do harm if they could.
I am terribly sorry for those folks. Fewer children would help, so send birth control that can be permanent until removed. But my pragmatic self says we are dealing with triage. In this case, the brains of the children are already damaged. That can't be changed. Heartless? No, just facing facts, something do-gooders overlook. Sorry, Nicholas, wrong drum to beat.
Trump is going to balance the budget on the poor, sick and elderly if he has his way. Paul Ryan is Ayn Rand on steroids and must be stopped. We should first be working on that. But, "us poor folks haven't got a chance unless we organize" so let's do that.
The gulf states, all Muslim, have many billions of petrol dollars. Yemen, South Sudan, northern Nigeria and Somalia are all in tribal or religious wars related to them. Muslims should be helping this situation, which they are largely creating and ignoring.
We are not the firemen of the world, rushing in wherever there is pain and suffering. We really need to step back, tend to our poor and homeless, our under-educated by a broken system, etc. We also need a strategic viewpoint of how to use our power and resources to form shields from folks who would do harm if they could.
I am terribly sorry for those folks. Fewer children would help, so send birth control that can be permanent until removed. But my pragmatic self says we are dealing with triage. In this case, the brains of the children are already damaged. That can't be changed. Heartless? No, just facing facts, something do-gooders overlook. Sorry, Nicholas, wrong drum to beat.
12
No one is suggesting we do everything, but that we do something. Up until January 20, 2017, the United States was the indispensable nation, the leader of the free world. Quite frankly, looking at that dying child and reading your pragmatic self facing facts we do-gooders "overlook" is my definition of heartless.
Trump's budget adds 54 billion to Defense, billions for the ridiculous border fence, not paid for by Mexico, cuts the State Department by one third, slashes food and help for the needy and combined with the healthcare bill, un-insures billions. In NO way does this budget tend to our poor and homeless and we are a nation that has the wherewithal to aid starving people throughout the world and still care for America's poor and homeless, neither of those are priorities for the Trump Aministration, is that not hideously obvious!
Trump's budget adds 54 billion to Defense, billions for the ridiculous border fence, not paid for by Mexico, cuts the State Department by one third, slashes food and help for the needy and combined with the healthcare bill, un-insures billions. In NO way does this budget tend to our poor and homeless and we are a nation that has the wherewithal to aid starving people throughout the world and still care for America's poor and homeless, neither of those are priorities for the Trump Aministration, is that not hideously obvious!
30
@Paul: There but for the grace of God go you. True, we're not the firemen of the world and also true that the real villains in this story are the potentates of the Gulf states. Even so, the U.S. remains by far and away the wealthiest nation on earth. I'll happily donate whatever tax revenues of mine are being used to build the Great Wall of Donald to purchase food and medical supplies for the wretched of the earth.
14
Very true, Stu. But, our wealth is not endless. We don't tax the rich nearly enough. Now it will be even less and Ryan is determined to destroy Medicare and SS if he can. So, the Reality is that there will be far less money to help the wretched refuse of the world, to steal a phrase. No matter how much you want to contribute.
As for myself, I donate to causes here that help the poor, with after tax income, although I'm retired. I was blessed in my working life. And continue to be so. I'm also no paragon of virtue. Just a pragmatist.
Africa and the Middle East are basically insoluble in our lifetimes and probably for several centuries. Until the Shia and Sunni have their Reformation and stop their 1400 year war and Islam decides to live in peace with the rest of the non-Muslim world, there will be no peace in those two regions. Just the hard facts.
As for myself, I donate to causes here that help the poor, with after tax income, although I'm retired. I was blessed in my working life. And continue to be so. I'm also no paragon of virtue. Just a pragmatist.
Africa and the Middle East are basically insoluble in our lifetimes and probably for several centuries. Until the Shia and Sunni have their Reformation and stop their 1400 year war and Islam decides to live in peace with the rest of the non-Muslim world, there will be no peace in those two regions. Just the hard facts.
6
How inspiring to hear Thomas was rescued and so could contribute so much to the world.
If I remember correctly, the idea of providing lunches at school to encourage education was proposed by the much maligned American hero George McGovern. The (also, more recently, attacked) John Podesta arranged a meeting with President Clinton, who supported it and made it happen. This shows that a few good people can set in motion constructive programs that can transform lives and help to heal the world. It was not an expensive program.
But the pain of what happened to Thomas' siblings, and to Udai, confronts all of us who care with the need to act quickly.
Unfortunately, Trump, his wealthy donors, and the current crop of Republicans in Congress, apparently do not care. Who can imagine what the world looses with each cruelly starved life?
If I remember correctly, the idea of providing lunches at school to encourage education was proposed by the much maligned American hero George McGovern. The (also, more recently, attacked) John Podesta arranged a meeting with President Clinton, who supported it and made it happen. This shows that a few good people can set in motion constructive programs that can transform lives and help to heal the world. It was not an expensive program.
But the pain of what happened to Thomas' siblings, and to Udai, confronts all of us who care with the need to act quickly.
Unfortunately, Trump, his wealthy donors, and the current crop of Republicans in Congress, apparently do not care. Who can imagine what the world looses with each cruelly starved life?
149
You know you can contribute without the help of the government, right?
29
That is true but, as in collective bargaining, sometimes the effect of volume can have a greater impact than individual giving. As others have said, it also is a strategic positioning of the US to be champions of the underdog--it has a security implication and garners good will towards the US when we hope to effect a change in a region.
Yes, we need both: individual and governmental giving. That 45 doesn't understand or appreciate it puts us, in my opinion, in greater danger.
Yes, we need both: individual and governmental giving. That 45 doesn't understand or appreciate it puts us, in my opinion, in greater danger.
3
Moira, governments deploy massive resources during famines and they arrive promptly. Medical supervision, appropriate nutrients, saline for re dehydration etc. .NGO's and charities too often arrive with an agenda of proselytizing and inappropriate interventions. the government hits the ground with security protection of armed forces. Troops know how to deploy and they are trained to assist ini crisis. Famine is as big a crisis as can be.
Nicholas, that picture over your column broke my heart. I'm sorry that yours has to be broken too by the denial of visas so you can publicize these crimes against humanity but I applaud you for consistently hammering the message home that these horrific events keep unfolding.
I can just imagine the eye rolling of some in the Trump crowd who might, in effect, say, hey, "the poor will always be with us," or something to that effect. But the fact that the US, pre-Trump, was actively contributing to the problem in Yemen is more than a shame: it makes our country complicit in these crimes too.
"Shame on us" is right. When it comes to foreign aid, slashed in Trump's new list of priorities, he seems to delight in acting with the utmost cruelty. In fact, when you think of it, cruelty is a good word to describe much of what Trump proposes spending taxpayer dollars on--stiffing those who can least afford to be stiffed (including his own supporters) while rewarding those who absolutely don't need it.
Up is down and down is up in Trump World.
I can just imagine the eye rolling of some in the Trump crowd who might, in effect, say, hey, "the poor will always be with us," or something to that effect. But the fact that the US, pre-Trump, was actively contributing to the problem in Yemen is more than a shame: it makes our country complicit in these crimes too.
"Shame on us" is right. When it comes to foreign aid, slashed in Trump's new list of priorities, he seems to delight in acting with the utmost cruelty. In fact, when you think of it, cruelty is a good word to describe much of what Trump proposes spending taxpayer dollars on--stiffing those who can least afford to be stiffed (including his own supporters) while rewarding those who absolutely don't need it.
Up is down and down is up in Trump World.
418
Many of Trump's decisions and actions seem fueled by deep anger. Rather than spend millions on his misguided projects, we should underwrite visits to a good psychiatrist or sessions with a Radix practitioner. Could well get him on a healthier path that would benefit the rest of us as well.
25
"Many of Trump's decisions and actions seem fueled by deep anger". I don't agree (and I could not care less about his psychy) ... I believe he is a spoiled, selfish, self-absorbed child who never gives thought to more than his personal needs and comforts and has not the slightest understanding or empathy for ordinary people, especially ones who are the least among us either because of poverty, disability, age. All foreign to him and those he has chosen to surround us with in his cabinet choices. Look at his proposed budget to tell you what he's really about. He maybe could benefit from therapy but to suggest it is in the purview of US citizens to provide it for him is an outrageous suggestion, especially given the changes proposed in the ACA which will have devastating effects on so many in need. The answers to trying to beat tragedies in this world is never going to come from this administration. Rather we hear talk about continuing present conflicts and possible plans for new ones. Grand plans for a grand wall are far more important to this bunch than the welfare of any human life, here or abroad, especially for human life that looks different from any of those in office.
11
Interesting that the column is supposedly about Meals on Wheels, a program for seniors and disabled people, but Christine didn't even bother to mention seniors or the disabled in her post. Beyond that, I find it extremely hypocritical of NYT and its followers to suddenly find compassion for seniors, when about 10 days ago a column about ICU care elicited many comments basically recommending that Medicare patients be denied access to ICU care. And I seem to remember that Obama's health care Tsar, Ezekiel Emanuel also wanted to cut or eliminate health care for seniors, a group he is on record as characterizing as a waste of resources. Obama himself famously suggested that seniors needing hip or knee surgery content themselves with aspirin. Now that Trump has targeted a program that helps seniors, NYT and its readers seem to have very selective memories.
2
The proposed budget from our new leader cuts funding for the Meals on Wheels program, among other draconian cuts to social services.
Yet, Trump is spending another weekend in Florida courtesy of the American taxpayer, and we get to pay for the First Lady living in Trump Tower as well.
There is something very wrong going on here.
Trump wants to pay for his military budget increase on the backs of the poor and elderly.
I recall that my high school French teacher informed her students that Marie Antoinette got a bum rap when she said that the French peasants should eat cake, as, according to my teacher, cake was cheaper in ancien regime France than bread.
We know that unhealthy food is cheaper to buy than healthy food. So, given Trump's proclivity for McDonald's and other fast food, maybe we should all consume Big Macs, and, since access to basic healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive for most, when we get sick we can just go to the ER and declare bankruptcy after we receive the bill.
Yet, Trump is spending another weekend in Florida courtesy of the American taxpayer, and we get to pay for the First Lady living in Trump Tower as well.
There is something very wrong going on here.
Trump wants to pay for his military budget increase on the backs of the poor and elderly.
I recall that my high school French teacher informed her students that Marie Antoinette got a bum rap when she said that the French peasants should eat cake, as, according to my teacher, cake was cheaper in ancien regime France than bread.
We know that unhealthy food is cheaper to buy than healthy food. So, given Trump's proclivity for McDonald's and other fast food, maybe we should all consume Big Macs, and, since access to basic healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive for most, when we get sick we can just go to the ER and declare bankruptcy after we receive the bill.
427
His voters liked Trump for the same reasons that WWII Europeans liked Hitler.
He was promising them that they would become more prosperous and influential.
People who are hucksters know who their fans are, in the same instinctive ways
that spiders do before they build their webs.
He was promising them that they would become more prosperous and influential.
People who are hucksters know who their fans are, in the same instinctive ways
that spiders do before they build their webs.
294
I suggest we cut the health care of the congress and senate that the American tax payers cover. Let them have the same "choice".
Leave the poor and elederly alone.
Leave the poor and elederly alone.
9
I am so thankful for the insightful articles written by Nicholas Kristof. Thank you Mr. Kristof for speaking the truth and courageously exposing the lies and heinous deeds of the Trump administration.
3
And it isn't even a wall on the border of Mexico that he wants. It's a spite fence!