Foreign Aid Padlet, 3-30-17 by Keven Gregg https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh Post your answers to the end-of-lesson questions here! en-us 2017-03-30 00:11:08 UTC 2018-04-10 13:40:21 UTC hello@padlet.com At the end of the lesson, answer these questions: kevengregg https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163574831 1. Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
2. What effects does that overestimation have?
3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?
4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?
5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?
6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?
7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?]]> 2017-03-30 00:13:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163574831 Zach Alford https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674044 1. I think many Americans overestimate how much is spent on foreign aid because of the reputation America gets for being the best country in the world and we're supposed to help people and also we only hear about the good things we do in the media, so when we do give foreign aid it's publicized.
2. Many Americans think that we are helping other countries so much and that they should be much better off, but in reality we're not helping that much and some countries not at all.
3. I think the US spends to little on foreign aid. We have so much money in this country and I wouldn't mind if it was being used for the betterment of our own citizens, but so much of it is just wasted money. Personally I think we should worry about America first and then other countries.
4. I don't think that we have a moral obligation, I just think it is the right thing to do under the circumstances. We should not be required to help other countries, but we should want to because thats the right thing to do.
5. I can't completely say I agree or disagree with Trump's idea because I have not researched it personally yet. I understand where he is coming from in wanting to improve our country first, but if we have money left over after we should help others without digging ourselves a hole.
6.I think negative consequences are something that should be considered by the President, but like many other politicians he is fairly set in his ways so the likelihood of it being considered is small.
7. I don't think it would be a terrible idea if foreign aid was left to the private sector. I think it would at least be worth a shot to see if it would be more beneficial than we are now, but I can't say with certainty it would work.
8. Due to the fact that America does not spend a great deal on foreign aid, immigrants from other countries try to come to America for a better life because their quality of life is not so good in their own countries due to lack of money.]]> 2017-03-30 12:18:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674044 Tyler B. Harriott https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674130 1. I think Americans are just naturally positive about any situation. We'd like to think we're helping out other countries, so we're blind to what is actually going on.
2. Because of the above, we think what's going on is good enough so we don't put anymore money or effort in foreign aid.
3. I think we don't spend enough on foreign aid. We spend less the 30% of the money we make on helping other countries. I don't believe we should spend too much, but I think our current work isn't good enough.
4. Because we have such a presence around the entire world, it is our obligation to help any country in need. However, we need to work out whether it's better for us to stay here or go out. 
5. I disagree. There are countries that depend on us for financial help, and cutting spending will send them into even worse situation. The entire goal of foreign aid is to help out countries in need to the point where they can handle themselves on their own and cutting spending will ruin that. 
6. I believe that they should, but knowing his character, Trump won't change his mind. He's the kind of guy who is determined to his ideas to the very end no matter if it works or not. 
7. It should never be left up to the private sector. The private sector only care about getting it done fast and cheap, and not effective. While it's good to get it done at a relatively fast speed, doing it too fast will cause more issues than doing it too slow. 
8. We only aid foreign countries that we personally agree with. The reason I said my answer in #6 was because I know he favors certain countries over others and would only give money based not based on merit. You'd never see Trump giving foreign aid to Hispanic countries. ]]> 2017-03-30 12:19:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674130 Cameron Sanders https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674239 1. Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
I believe this over estimation stems from media coverage as well as ignorance on the topic. What little the public does know comes from media, and when the media over focus’s on it, it makes it seem like we spend a lot more than we do.

2. What effects does that overestimation have?
The overestimation is dangerous as it can cause communication issues as well as put a barrier in front of fixing the issue. If people don’t know, they won’t push their representative to fix anything, and it’ll never change.

3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?
I think we spend enough on foreign aid but I do believe we spend it in the wrong places. On the slide share, it shows that we give some countries outrageous amounts. Somali 235 M? Why do we give some of these countries so much money and ignore these other countries? 

4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?
I do not think we have a moral obligation as much as we have been doing it for so long and a lot of other countries do it that if we don’t it looks very bad. I feel like we should be focused more on the issues at home like poverty, mental illness, and homelessness.

5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?
I do not agree 100% but in a way I do. I don’t understand how the US can provide all this aid to a country, yet 14.5% of americans live below the poverty line and we don’t even try to help them. I feel like we should take some money from foreign aid and use it as domestic aid instead.

6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?
Not necessarily. The negative consequences basically outline that the US has money and we should be helping others with it. Why help others and completely ignore our own people? The united states is spreading itself to thin and I think the article tries to fight against that by showing potential good things that the aid could do but with that aid we could do those good things at home.

7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
I’m not sure. Foreign aid is important to the world, but I think it’s not handled properly. I think the private sector is the best way to handle it as they can use their money for what they want, while the United States needs to focus on themselves.

8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?
Lowering foreign aid will raise immigration rates as people will leave those countries to find better ones. If we stop giving foreign aid to countries that don’t need it, focus on the countries that do as well as ourselves, I think that will lessen immigration.
]]> 2017-03-30 12:19:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674239 Jordan Byers https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674388 1. I believe that citizens overestimate simply because they are unaware on the situation.
2. It affects how people look at the government. Since they overestimate they likely think that the government is spending too much money on other countries. 
3. I think that it is important to help countries in need especially when speaking on things such as basic survival or healthcare. However, I do think that the United States should cut back on the foreign aid spending. I believe that our country has many people in need right here in America and there is nothing wrong with putting Americans first. 
4. I think that the US has a moral obligation to provide for healthcare purposes in other countries. I do think that we should be putting Americans first though.
5. I am torn on this question, I think that we should help people there because it is a healthcare crisis. There are lives at stake. However, I believe that the U.S. already has its own financial issues.
6.I do not think this article would change his mind. Trump is a very confident man and is not known for changing his positions on issues. 
7. I think it should be. It is hard for me to say that we should be pouring tax payer dollars into other countries due to the issues we have here in our own country. I think the private sector would be better.
8. I believe that when we give people handouts they see how America supposedly is. They think we have money to simply throw around and looking at our growing national debt we do not. This makes people of other countries want to come to our country.]]> 2017-03-30 12:20:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674388 Bryce Carr https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674511 1. I think that Americans overestimate foreign aid because they think that America is such a great country and that of course we would give foreign aid to other countries but realistically we really don't. Americans just aren't informed on the issue, they just assume we do good.
2. The overestimate can be bad for the country. Citizens just assume we are doing good then they don't worry about the other countries because they think the government has it under control but they don't.
3. I don't think the U.S spends enough money on foreign aid. We bring in so much money from GDP and we have so much money but don't use any of it for foreign aid. A lot of the money is wasted and just not used smartly so I don't think we spend enough on foreign aid.
4. I feel like most citizens feel like there should be a moral obligation but realistically there is no obligation. I don't think we should feel like we have to give money to countries I think we should want to.
5. I don't exactly agree with the cuts. A lot of these countries depend on us. We need to guide them in the right way and not just give them money, but we do not need to just cut out their spending because they depend on it.
6. No, I don't think Trump needs to change his decision. I think if he makes a decision he needs to stick to it and not let a magazine change his opinion.
7. I think the private sector can help but I don't believe it should fully be left to them. They can't handle it all themselves. America has so much coming in and spends little to no money on foreign aid to help countries in need. 
8. I don't think that foreign aid has so much of an affect on immigration as the article says.]]> 2017-03-30 12:20:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674511 Ayla Gutschick 769650 https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674544 1. Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
I think that people overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives because they are unaware of the situation and do not understand why we give.
2. What effects does that overestimation have?
When we overestimate we tend to have a more negative view on it.
3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?
I think that we need to decrease the amount we spend because we need that money to better programs in America.
4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?
I think that we believe we have a moral obligation when it comes to other countries and needing assistance. 
5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?
Since we were already contributing to their crisis we need to continue until it is finished because it can make it worse and they are already depending on it. 
6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?
I believe there will be negative consequences to the cuts in Africa because it is wrong in a moral way.  
7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
I believe that they should be left to the private sector. But to make this change we need to keep funding the things we are and they new programs will be brought to the private sector eventually fading out the others.
8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?
I think that when giving foreign aid those countries almost have a different view of us. They think that we have more money than we actually do creating a desire to come here.]]> 2017-03-30 12:20:50 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674544 Kenneth Nusser https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674626 1. I think many Americans overestimate what we spend on foreign aid because we see a lot of things in the news about helping other countries and etc. In reality we really just don't know the whole truth.
2. This overestimation effects how some feel about foreign policy. Americans thinking we spend a lot on foreign aid could want some of us to be isolationists. 
3. I think we spend too much on foreign aid. I believe that we should spend that money helping Americans and only use foreign aid when it's a national security issue. 
4. I don't believe the US has a moral obligation to lend money to countries. We should not have to rush to save countries or help them in distress. We need to make sure we put America First. 
5. I agree with Trump's foreign aid cuts because I think that foreign aid should be cut. Other countries can help the crisis in Africa. 
6. No, I don't believe that the article should change his mind because he made the right decision and the POTUS isn't going to change his mind because a left leaning magazine comes out with an article going against the president's cuts. 
7. Yes, I believe that foreign aid should be left to the private sector especially with the African crisis. There are many ways to fundraise including things like GoFundMe and others. There are also many organizations that help out countries in need and the US Government doesn't have to be the fixer when other countries are having problems. 
8. I believe foreign aid doesn't have as big as an affect on immigration as the article says. Coming into our country illegally is much harder now under our new president and coming to our country legally is also becoming harder due to more intense vetting, so I am not too worried about increased immigration. ]]> 2017-03-30 12:21:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163674626 Sarah Gibson https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676241
  • I think it is easy to forget just how large our budget actually is. It seems reasonable to think that we would spend at least 25% or more on foreign aid because it is easy to forget just how large that percentage actually is. 
  • It causes Americans to have more problem with helping other countries and coming down on the government for it. 
  • Considering we only spend less than 1 percent on foreign aid, I think that is plenty. We do not need to decrease that amount because it clearly is not a large sum of our budget. If that amount is needed I think the US is spending the right amount. 
  • Yes - if we want better global prosperity and peace then we need to help other countries. 
  • No - I think that if they need our help we should lend it considering it is not negatively affecting or budget. 
  • I think they should. Africa clearly needs us right now and I think it is terrible to turn our backs on them during this time of need. I do not think it will change the President’s mind though because he is solely focused on the numbers of the deal. 
  • No - I think that it would be hard to regulate and would go to things that are not needed. I think our government should decide where our money should go because they have the most access to information. 
  • We continue to help fund these countries to make them better, yet their citizens continue to flee to America in search of a better life. 

    • ]]>     2017-03-30 12:27:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676241     Maddie Wendell https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676647 1. I think people drastically overestimate how much foreign aid is given to other countries from the U.S because of how much money our country spends on an annual basis. America’s debt keeps growing, we are spending more and more money each year and sometimes it is a waste what we are spending, therefore people overestimate how much foreign aid we give because of all the money we spend.
    2. The effects of the overestimation could result in a decrease in spending (hopefully) because if the people think the government is overspending, maybe there is an issue with the money that is spent and where it is going to. 
    3. I think the U.S. spends the right amount/too much. There are certain things the government should be spending money on, but it also overspends and wastes money on things that are not necessary.
    4. No, the U.S. does not have the moral obligation to lend assistance to countries. Every country has its own issues and problems, which need to be fixed on their own. In a time of crisis, that is when aid should be given, but underdeveloped countries should not receive funding based on the fact they are underdeveloped, there are other issues that play a larger role.
    5. I do not completely agree with Donald Trump’s proposed aid cuts because the countries he wants to cut aid from are beginning to reach a crisis stage where they are in droughts and famine and need desperate help to survive and live. 
    6. Yes, they should change the President’s mind, but they won’t. Foreign aid should not be cut drastically right away and there is many other considerations and factors that play into why a country needs aid and the President needs to take those things into consideration when looking to cut aid. 
    7. No, because the government is the one who deals largely with foreign issues and the choices on aid should still be kept with the government. 
    8. Cutting foreign aid in relations to immigration is it could increase the amount of immigrants to the U.S. If aid is cut and they can not live in their own countries anymore due to bad conditions, then they may try to immigrate to better countries.]]>     2017-03-30 12:28:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676647     Gavin Arnette https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676734 1. Americans are overestimating how much foreign aid the US gives because we always hear about American helping other countries and how costly it can be. The reality of it is that we aren't spending that much on other countries in the grand scheme of things.
    2. Overestimation causes Americans to lose trust in our national economy as well as having people estimate the national debt at a higher rate.
    3. Even though it is good to keep relations on other countries, I believe that America could cut back on the funding that it provides for other nations so that we can focus more money on our own country.
    4. I don't think that any country has a moral obligation to help another country other than their own unless that other country has provided them assistance in the past.
    5.I believe that since we already promised the aid to the African crisis, we should continue to support them until our promise has been fulfilled.
    6.I believe that the president should evaluate what has happened and look into removing the cuts as it doesn't help and only hurts us. This would also help ease foreign relations.
    7.Foreign aid should be assessed by both the federal government and the private sector. If we had both working on foreign aid then we would be able to help other countries with more ease.
    8.Foreign aid makes us seem high and mighty and makes immigrants want to come to America because if they see that we can help others, then their own people must get a lot of assistance and are living well.]]>     2017-03-30 12:29:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676734     Mack Slaughter https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676945 1. I think people overestimate how much foreign aid we give because we hear about it often and think of it as "money wasted". We learn a lot about former aid plans(dollar, moral, etc) and assume that America's position affords it the opportunity to give a lot more than we really do.
    2. The overestimation gives support to isolationists like Trump who scream about the about the "insane" amounts of money we give. 
    3. The US should increase foreign aid. We should review the countries that receive foreign aid and determine which nations deserve it and how the money is being spent. Being deserving means being a democratic nation who uses the aid for the good of it’s people. I believe this policy was pursued by Woodrow Wilson. In addition money should be used to support and educate its people. 
    4. Yes, I do believe we have a moral obligation to give money to other nations. Helping people is good, and considering our Judeo-Christian background, charity is built into the foundation of the this nation
    5. No, of course not. Our aid--diplomacy-- is a must that can prevent disasters and save lives. 
    6. Should he change his mind? Yes. Will he? No Unless Steven Bannon suddenly grows a heart and Fox and Friend's reports on it,  Trump will not care about human life that does not impact him. 
    7. No it shouldn't. Foreign aid can be administered in a way that improves the US's image and strategically influence US goals.
    8. I think that the two are not directly related. However, it makes sense that the more money we give, the more money will be used to fix internal problems that cause immigration. ]]>     2017-03-30 12:29:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163676945     Dariann https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677082 1. A lot of news coverage seems to go to our acts of diplomacy overseas. It feels like we constantly hear about efforts to help African and Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, it seems like we’re giving a lot of foreign aid.

    2. I’m sure that some people believe we’re giving too much foreign aid and spending too much money overseas when we’re really not spending that much. Many believe we should reduce foreign spending.

    3. I think we spend just the right amount; however, we should choose more wisely where we're spending. Spending any less would have negative effects on our country and others due to increased migration and more vulnerability to terrorist groups. Spending more would be an issue to us because we wouldn't have as much money to spend on domestic issues. We don’t spend too much, but I believe we spend enough to reduce negative effects.

    4. Regardless of our issues, I do believe we have a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad. Many countries are nowhere near as well off as we are, and they are extremely at risk. People are starving, diseased, and threatened by war. I think it fits our moral code to help, even if only a bit. We like saving people.

    5. I don’t agree with President Trump’s proposed cuts. Africa isn’t explicitly our responsibility, but it’s in our character to help others. We aren’t thriving, but we have the means to help, and it is necessary for us to do so.

    6. The negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa should change the President’s mind because he doesn’t seem to want more migrants. Cutting aid to Africa will increase their issues and make them more keen to get out and go somewhere better. As a result, they will try to migrate to Europe or America. If they don’t migrate, it seems that they will be more likely to join terrorist organizations which would affect us negatively. President Trump doesn’t seem to like migrants or terrorists, so he shouldn’t support aid cuts to Africa.

    7. Foreign aid should be supported by the private sector, but I don’t truly believe they have the same ability to help that the government does. The government has more money and more connections, so it’s better able to help. The private sector can help (and should be encouraged to help), but it shouldn’t be our sole source of foreign aid.

    8. If we don’t provide foreign aid, at-risk countries are more likely to diminish. As the countries diminish, the people in them are more likely to flee, looking for better homes. The migrants will likely flee toward places like America and Europe that seem more stable and peaceful.
    ]]>     2017-03-30 12:30:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677082     Luke Maxson https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677313 1. I think people overestimate the amount of foreign aid we get because of how we're viewed. We are viewed as the strongest country in the world and one of the most thriving countries so we're kind of expected to help.
    2. I think it kinda makes the public be more upset with the government and makes us think that the government is helping too much while we need more help here.
    3. I think we spend a bit too much, I think its good to help smaller countries but we need to focus on us first and foremost. 
    4. I don't think we have an obligation at all because its our resources so we should choose what we do with those resources.
    5. Yes and no because I think we should help some in need but only in certain situations, it all kinda depends on how major the crisis is. 
    6. I don't think the consequences should or will change Trump's decision. He seems like the kind of person who makes those decisions and sticks to them. And I don't think the consequences are heavy enough to change the decision.
    7. I'd say yes because I think its something the private sector can help with and its something I don't think the country needs to help with because we have our own issues we should think about. 
    8. I think foreign aid could increase immigration to the country. Think about it like transferring colleges, if you see people posting on social media about the great time they're having at their college then you're going think the grass is greener there and you're going to want to transfer there, same thing with immigration, if the grass is greener why not go there. ]]>     2017-03-30 12:30:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677313     Mark Miller https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677320 1. I think people overestimate  how much foreign aid the US gives because the only thing we see is the news. People in our country are so uninformed and the only way that anyone is informed is by the news. In the news we always see how we are assisting other countries so thats why people overestimate. 

    2. It changes people's opinion about foreign policy, because Americans think we are overspending with foreign aid. 

    3. I think that the U.S. spends just the right amount on foreign aid. 

    4. I don't think that we're obligated to do anything. I mean I know that we are the most powerful country in the entire world, but we aren't obligated to do anything at all for other countries. 

    5. I agree with President Trumps proposal about cutting foreign aid. We shouldn't always be the ones to help others out. It is a good thing but it's not an obligation for us to help. 

    6. I don't think that it will change Trumps mind. He goes with his gut all the time and not many things can change his mind after he makes a decision. 

    7. Yes, absolutely because then it comes from the goodness of people's hearts who choose to give. It is not obligated to be done. 

    8. I don't think foreign aid has much to do with our immigration. It definitely is not a cause of immigration for us. ]]>     2017-03-30 12:30:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677320     Elizabeth Carrigan https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677383
  • Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
    • People tend to overestimate a lot of things. Foreign aid is something that is frequently in the news and it’s what a lot of people listen for. We also would like to think that we are more charitable than we actually are.
    2. What effects does that overestimation have?
    The overestimation that we are guilty of probably makes us angry. We are angry that people are dying and we can’t do much about it. Overestimation also leads to negative views of the government.
    3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?
    I would say that the U.S. spends a fair amount of foreign aid. If we spend more, we might have to cut some programs that are necessary to the security of our country. If we spend less, countries will suffer even more than they are suffering right now.
    4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?
    I don’t think the United States is obligated to provide foreign aid. We must focus on ourselves at home before we worry about what is going on overseas. If we aren’t stable at home, then it will be much harder to provide stability to foreign nations.
    5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?
    I don’t think that we should cut aid to nations involved in the African crisis. Millions and millions of people are dying because of drought and famine, and President Trump wants to get rid of every chance they have for survival. We’re all people, and we should help the ones that need it the most.
    6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?
    The effects should change Trump’s mind, but I doubt they will. He is a stubborn man who will not waver in his beliefs. Trump should focus on the people that are imminently dying, but it seems like that isn’t a top priority.
    7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
    I didn’t think of this, but I doubt it would work. The federal government has the ability to appropriate funds on a massive scale, while the private sector is more scattered. It would be a lot harder for the private sector to come together and rally for a cause like foreign aid when the federal government is already doing it.
    8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?
    As the articles said, if foreign aid is cut, the number of people fleeing their homes and coming to new countries, like the U.S., will increase dramatically. More people will be pouring into countries and increasing immigration rates.
    ]]>     2017-03-30 12:30:47 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163677383     Ross Sands https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163678760 1. Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
    I think they overestimate foreign policy spending because when you think of the US you think of how much we are always helping other countries so naturally we think we spend lots.


    2. What effects does that overestimation have?
    It could anger people so when they hear the government is going to help out some other country in need, they believe they are spending more and more money that we don’t have.  This could possibly influence policy makers on their likeliness to intervene in foreign areas.


    3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?
    I think we spend a decent amount on foreign aid.  $80 billion isn’t too much in my opinion, and it also isn’t too little.  There is a lot you can do with $80billion dollars.


    4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?
    I don’t think we have a moral obligation, I think we have a precedented obligation.  Because we have helped out so much in the past, we are sort of looked to for help not only because we can help, but because we have helped in the past.


    5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?
    Yes I agree.  I have believed in the principal that everyone shouldn’t turn to America for everything.  With that in mind, I know we can still help but so can other countries and if they all contribute equally, it will make a big difference.


    6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?
    With every decision comes a reaction. Although there are negative consequences involved, with what was said in #5 is a valid reason behind this.  


    7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
    Truthfully, I know that the private sector can be more efficient at times, but I feel like the private sector couldn’t handle something like this and handle it the same way the government could.  It doesn't mean they couldn’t help, but they would need to work especially hard if they did.


    8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?

    Countries that are in need that don’t receive enough assistance have civilians that will try and flee from their countries to other countries with better opportunity.
    ]]>     2017-03-30 12:35:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163678760     Peyton Monroe https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163679310
  • People so drastically overestimate how much the U.S. gives to foreign aid because it is so often talked about and we often hear about how we are the biggest giver in the world.
  • This overestimation causes us to be more willing to cut funding towards foreign aid, and less willing to raise it.
  • I believe that we spend the right amount, considering we are in debt and have our own economic problems. The amount we spend is significant and does good, but also leaves us with late amounts of money to deal with our own issues. 
  • No I don’t think that we have any obligation because there is no moral force that forces us to give to them, especially when it could hurt our nation. The obligation of a government is to work for their own people, nothing else.
  • I don’t agree because I think that the current amounts should be maintained a they do help other nations while giving us plenty of money to do what we want with.
  • I don’t think they should have a significant influence as the focus of the president should be on his people, but it should hold some amount of influence. I doubt that it will influence his decision.
  • Yes because then it is not forced by the government and it comes out of the generosity of the people. More so, there is more money to be given and services to be offered in the private sector.
  • I believe that foreign aid only relates to immigration in that it can be a forced used to some effect to combat immigration, but it is not the cause of  our trouble with immigration. 

    • ]]>     2017-03-30 12:37:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163679310     Marissa Lehner https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163681444 1.  Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
    I believe this is due to the fact that many Americans have the tendency to both overstate situations in general and are impatient to have their needs met which might cause them to blame others/other nations for their lack of resources or fortune. 

    2. What effects does that overestimation have?

    This overestimation affects the people's view of the government by wanting even more involvement on their personal behalf. 

    3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?

    I personally believe the US budget in general is extremely skewed in the wrong directions. I believe that we do not spend enough on foreign aid or important areas in our own country including education and the environment, but too much in certain areas within our own country including military spending (clearly not including veteran's benefits). 

    4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?

    I believe the US has an obligation considering our irresponsible budgeting is the main reason why we are not able to lend significant aid to other struggling nations. We need to properly prioritize our budget before anyone can benefit.

    5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?

    I disagree with his cuts to foreign aid because I believe there are many other larger cuts to be made within other areas of our federal budget. 

    6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?

    Yes, it should, but it won't. The article states that lack of adequate US aid would cause increased need for involvement from other countries which is irresponsible on the US's part (again considering that there are many realistic and fair budget cuts that could be made).

    7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?

    No, because if this were solely left to the private sector there would not be an adequate amount of funds to support their efforts. Most Americans are not in favor of lending a hand and we can not depend on private donations to support their efforts.

    8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?

    Yes. I believe that our attitude towards foreign aid troubles our nation and other nations with issues with immigration rates because there are many other countries, including those African countries named in the article, who are not able to sustain their own civilization. It only makes sense that these citizens would aspire to trying to find a better way of life in another country.]]>     2017-03-30 12:44:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163681444     Laura Hayes https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163681459 1. Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?

    I believe that the US national debt contributes to this stigma of the government giving an excess amount of foreign aid. 



    2. What effects does that overestimation have?
    This can make others have a negative opinion of the US gov't and cause people to spend their money and contribute more to the National debt. 

    3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?

    I believe that we spend to much money on foreign aid, just like everything else.  In my opinion, as a country we feel that helping others will somehow turn out better for us in the future, so we spend way more money that we have. 



    4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?

    I think that because of past precedent, we feel like we are now expected to lend a hand for those that need it.  


    5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?

    I really dont know. I do believe that we should be cutting the amount of money that we send out but at the same time Trump did not pick a good time to make cuts to that extent. 




    6. Do you think the 
    negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?

    I don’t think they should have a significant influence as the focus of the president should be on his people, but it should hold some amount of influence. I dont think that it will influence his decision. 




    7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
    Yeah, overall I think that the private sector should have more influence on making decisions like that because they have less influence thrown upon them by the public. 


    8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?

    I think that foreign aid has little to do with our immigration. It definitely is not a cause of immigration for us. 


    ]]>     2017-03-30 12:44:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163681459     Madelyn Klubert https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163683869 1. Why do you think people so drastically overestimate how much foreign aid the US gives?
    Because it isn't publicized as much as everything else is, so the American people genuinely don't know. Also, people automatically characterize mission trips and such
    2. What effects does that overestimation have?
     
    3. Do you think the US spends just the right amount, too much, or too little on foreign aid? Why?
    4. Do you think the US has a moral obligation to lend monetary assistance abroad, regardless of issues at home?  Why/why not?
    5. Do you agree with President Trump's proposed foreign aid cuts in the midst of the African crisis?  Why/why not?
    6. Do you think the negative consequences of aid cuts to Africa outlined in the article should change the President's mind about the cuts?  Why?  And will they?
    7. Should foreign aid, like assistance with the African crisis, be left to the private sector?  Why/why not?
    8. How do you think foreign aid relates to our problems with immigration?]]>     2017-03-30 12:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kevengregg/db5pmfi7osbh/wish/163683869