Re: “Secretary of State Rubio says purge of USAID programs complete, with 83% of agency’s programs gone” (March 10, Nation & World Politics):
Because the mom of an individual who has devoted their profession to supporting U.S. authorities priorities, I’m appalled by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s choice to dismantle the U.S. Company for Worldwide Growth. The company, which operates on lower than 1% of the federal finances, has been instrumental in selling well being, schooling, governance, democracy and environmental sustainability. But, roughly 83% of USAID’s packages have been eradicated in a rushed six-week “evaluate.”
How was this even doable, when most of USAID’s workforce was fired or placed on go away? Who performed these critiques? Definitely not the world’s main specialists — as a result of they have been all sidelined.
Diplomacy, improvement and protection are the pillars of U.S. nationwide safety. Undermining USAID weakens America’s means to forestall conflicts, help allies and advance financial stability. It additionally harms American farmers, companies and nationwide pursuits. My very own daughter, who served her nation within the Peace Corps and for the final 20 years working with USAID companions, has misplaced her livelihood.
True conservatives ought to be combating to revive USAID as an impartial company. Its destruction is not only dangerous coverage, it’s an assault on America’s world management. Congress should act to reverse this reckless choice.
JoAnne Ritchey, Mountlake Terrace
