[EA-3167]

It's been interesting seeing Western European NGO's struggle to find funding without USAID as well. I don't like Trump, I don't like much of what he's doing, but this at least has been a bit of a wake-up call for me. While the US is rich and should provide what it can, the degree to which the rest of the world (and the rest of the West) has clearly just shrugged and let us carry them is... interesting.

[sharemywin]

while it makes perfect sense in a democracy to argue about funding levels or even if the program should exist and make your voice hear through your representatives.

Turning it off without any planning like its the back up server for a social media company is irresponsible and will cause people to die.

[EA-3167]

Of course, what we're seeing is careless and foolish, I'm not endorsing any of it. I am however somewhat enlightened by the consequences of that foolish endeavor.

[gadders]

Wait until you hear about NATO (and I say this as a Brit).

[LunaSea]

Estonia and Poland both spend more as % of GDP than the US.

The US also spends less than the amount designated by the UN on foreign aid.

America also spent less than Germany in % of GDP in the World Health Organization funding.

[EA-3167]

As a percentage of GDP alright. Now how about absolute numbers, because pretending that doesn't matter isn't particularly helpful, and feels like playing with numbers rather than dealing with reality.

[MattPalmer1086]

Although I am not a Christian, the parable of the poor widows offering always resonated with me.

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

[LunaSea]

Well it shows who is pulling their own weight and the US isn't on a lot of subjects.

[gadders]

I think the WHO proved during COVID it is an ineffective, corrupt organisation. I hope more countries leave it.

[EA-3167]

I see that as different, it is first and foremost an American project, born from a conflict between superpowers. I don't think the same is true about global charity.

[hkpack]

It's not charity, it's a need that will be fulfilled by someone anyway. China is already offering their funds for everyone affected by USAID shutdown.

[gadders]

It was born from a conflict between the West and Warsaw Pact.

Western Europe had even more skin in the game than the US.

[ivewonyoung]

It was a conflict between Communism/Socialism and Capitalism on the world stage and the proxy wars were fought over those ideologies. Now that communism is mostly recognized as a dead end, I wonder if the world order will slowly re-align. Socialism is taking off with Gen Z(see Reddit) so maybe the next administration will be socialist with AOC, Warren and Bernie.

[hello_moto]

Next admin a socialist? Hold my beer sez Oligarchs.