Do you think the US could help pave the way to ending global poverty if...

[Republican Left]

it decided to focus on investing in basic education in third world and developing countries? For example, let's say, Congress decides to appropriate (setting aside political realities) $120 billion for USAID and the Global Partnership of Education, would we end up being one generation away from ending poverty? Or is it a bit of a cliche to presume education = poverty alleviation?

In general, what is your opinion on foreign aid? If you conceded that only so much can be done, but with the right resources we can tear if not resolve some specific or select programs (end TB. Malaria or HIV/AIDs or provide universal clean water and sanitation), what would you prioritize? We seem to have a big bang for a buck, do you agree?

[PSOL]

Generally the aide program is actually incredibly efficient with a shoestring budget it gets. One major look into health initiatives in west Africa can show you that, along with working alongside the WHO and others of course. One major thing is that we need more to boost the capital of these developing countries. A restructured economic foundation for these countries would allow more disposable income for US goods. Lowering food and medical costs has been helping this too, but we could do more for education, especially in aiding with financial and economic textbooks to train the next public and private specialized workers of Africa.

[Republican Left]

How much money do you think USAID should receive to provide capital to these countries? And how do we smooth out the transition of capital when aid missions are done in order to prevent long-term dependency? Additionally, there is also the question of corruption. What does PSOL think?

[PSOL]

How much money do you think USAID should receive to provide capital to these countries? And how do we smooth out the transition of capital when aid missions are done in order to prevent long-term dependency? Additionally, there is also the question of corruption. What does PSOL think?

I would like it to be around 2 pct. The dependency issue doesn’t apply, as with these programs and interorganzational aid training is done and infrastructure built. Look up what USAID did to the TB issue in Ghana. Also the people running USAID already know and have agreements in place to prevent corruption, national leaders won’t pocket the change if they know the nation, and their time in office, depend on it.