I am writing in response to Nathan Kourofsky’s letter (“Take care of U.S. before others” SN 2/9).
It saddens me to see that after all the years of higher education here at MSU, Kourofsky’s range of concern is limited to that of his own nation. I heard a phrase quite a few years ago - “You can judge a community by how well it treats its lowliest citizens.” This phrase stuck in my head and I feel it is one that Kourofsky should ponder for a bit.
The United States of America is the wealthiest nation on this planet. I realize that this may not stand true for each and every citizen, but even many of those in poverty here live better and have access to more opportunities for advancement than others across the globe. ‘
To say these “foreign” people do not deserve our assistance just because they were not born on our soil or live in a country with access to fewer resources is pitiful. These, indeed are the teachings of a spoiled nation. The well-being of all people on this planet should be at the very least a back seat concern to everyone - even if they did grow up in a nation of wealth and opportunity.
Kourofsky asks why it is important for his tax dollars to help others in need with family planning, so I offer you this: How long do you think that the resources of this planet will hold on for a world approaching 10 billion human inhabitants? If we can help this situation by providing community resources for people who want to plan their family’s future, then what is your objection to that?
The United States is not its own planet, and there is no way for us to escape the issues that other nations face merely because we are separated by a couple bodies of water. It is my opinion that family planning, no matter what my view on abortion, is a valuable asset to anyone seeking it out.
Many nations do not have the extra resources to put toward endeavors such as this, which is where we can help look out for our global brothers and sisters. If you are concerned with your paycheck so much, look to Gov. John Engler and the rest of the crew up at the state Capitol who just got a nearly 30 percent pay raise.
There is approximately $425 million earmarked each year by Congress for family planning and other humanitarian programs throughout the world, and many of the organizations that take advantage of these funds depend on them as a staple of their budget.
To say that getting a couple of extra dollars of your income is more important than free condoms for a family of eight somewhere overseas is selfish and speaks poorly of your concern for your fellow human beings.
Perhaps some day the roles will be reversed, and then Kourofsky will see the value of a helping hand.
Michael Belligan
environmental science senior
