| THIS IS A READ-ONLY ARCHIVE FROM THE SORABJI.COM MESSAGE BOARDS (1995-2016). |
|---|
Click here to talk about this story What is behind terrorist Osama bin Laden's popularity in some parts of the world, and should the United States adopt his nation-building tactics? Speaking at Columbia River High School, Murray, D-Wash., responded to questions from students, most about the war on terrorism or government spending for education. Later Wednesday, Murray visited C-Tran headquarters and checked out a new bus. Murray met at Columbia River with world history students and student government leaders. Across town, Hudson's Bay High School students participated via teleconference. Murray concluded the session by challenging the students to consider alternatives to war. "We've got to ask, why is this man (Osama bin Laden) so popular around the world?," said Murray, who faces re-election in 2004. "Why are people so supportive of him in many countries … that are riddled with poverty? "He's been out in these countries for decades, building schools, building roads, building infrastructure, building day care facilities, building health care facilities, and the people are extremely grateful. We haven't done that. "How would they look at us today if we had been there helping them with some of that rather than just being the people who are going to bomb in Iraq and go to Afghanistan?" Murray said she doesn't know where she comes down on that guns-or-butter question, and building infrastructure in Third World countries would "cost a lot of money, and we have schools here and health care facilities here that are really hurting." Be 'better neighbors'? "War is expensive too," she said. "Your generation ought to be thinking about whether we should be better neighbors out in other countries so that they have a different vision of us. "It is a debate I think we ought to have." Murray was in the minority when the Senate voted 77-23 in October to give President Bush authority to use military force in confronting Saddam Hussein. The state's other senator, Democrat Maria Cantwell, voted for the resolution. Murray opened Wednesday's event telling the students, "You'll be graduating into a world that is very difficult. … The economy is struggling. War in Iraq is a very real possibility in the short term" and could cost $200 billion even if it were to last only a few weeks. The cost of waging war could result in cuts to domestic programs such as Pell grants for college students, she said. Responding to a question about federal spending for schools, Murray said the Bush administration is backing off its pledge of support for the No Child Left Behind program. "There are crises in every one of our schools in this country," Murray said, and cutting spending on education has long-term deleterious effects. Visit to the bus barn Later in the day, Murray spent 45 minutes at the C-Tran administrative and operations facility at 2425 N.E. 65th Ave. for a holiday potluck. Randy Frasier's Mountain View High School jazz and concert choirs serenaded her with holiday carols. Afterward, Murray examined a new $312,000 Gillig coach, the first of several dozen that will replace 20-year-old GM buses that have racked up an average of 650,000 miles each. Murray is on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on transportation, which funnels matching money to states and local agencies for buses and other transit programs. Eighty percent of the cost of new buses will come from federal grants, and the remainder from local C-Tran money. Thomas Ryll contributed to this story. Gregg Herrington covers state and local issues and may be reached at 360-759-8025, or via e-mail at gregg.herrington columbian.com |
>> USAID Home >> USAID Missions The following is a list of USAID missions that have an internet presence available to the public. This should not be considered an inclusive list of all USAID missions. For a more inclusive list of missions with contact information, please go to http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/osdbu/guide10a.htm. USAID/Armenia USAID/Armenia is committed to working in partnership with Armenians for a prosperous and stable country that offers equal opportunity to all its citizens. This can be achieved only through a strong democracy and market economy, governed by the rule of law, which promotes the general welfare of the people. Please visit our web site for more information about the USAID/Armenia program. USAID/Bangladesh Since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, USAID has provided more than $4.3 billion in bilateral assistance to the country. Food aid accounts for nearly half of that amount. With USAID assistance, Bangladesh is realizing significant improvements in living conditions for its people. Now, Bangladeshis have better access to health care, and enjoy increased agricultural outputs, improved nutrition, and access to electricity. Our programs work with communities to assist with disaster preparedness and improve their ability to manage food relief when a disaster does strike. USAID/Benin The USAID Mission to Benin was re-established in December 1991 with an overriding objective to help consolidate both economic restructuring and the democratization process in Benin. The mission's program focuses primarily on developing Benin’s human resource base through improving the quality of and access to basic education and strengthening family health services in both the private and public sectors. In addition, USAID/Benin has a cross-cutting objective which aims to improve democratic governance through democratic institution building, promoting the enabling environment for private initiatives, and strengthening civil society’s role in decision-making. USAID/Bosnia and Herzogovina The United States Government has pledged $767 million to date for the reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In supportof the Dayton Peace Accords, USAID assistance is helping to create a stable, democratic post-war Bosnia-Herzegovina with a functioning free market economy. Other U.S. support is being provided in the areas of demining, police training, national and municipal elections and the War Crimes Tribunal. In addition, the U.S. Government has delivered over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to the former Yugoslavia since 1991. USAID/BiH activities are focused on four objectives: Restoring private sector productive capacity to restart production quickly and create immediate self-sustaining employment. Establishing a policy and institutional framework conducive to the emergence of a market economy, by supporting rapid privatization, critical macroeconomic reforms, sound fiscal policies, and a viable banking system. Repairing war-damaged infrastructure to facilitate refugee return and reactivate the local economy. Strengthening democratic institutions that promote a multi-ethnic society and political pluralism by fostering an independent media, free and fair elections, a responsive and transparent government, citizen advocacy, and a professional independent judiciary. USAID/CAR Central Asian Republics Since 1992, The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) has provided more than $650 million in assistance to the five newly independent states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In support of U.S. foreign policy, USAID's goal in Central Asia is to expand opportunities for the citizens of these new nations to fully participate in improving their governance, their livelihoods, and their quality of life. In these countries, USAID strives to achieve four shared objectives: increase enterprise and trade, build a more open, democratic culture, better manage water and energy resources, and improve quality primary healthcare. In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, USAID also helps improve fiscal policy and management, and more responsive, accountable local government. Several crosscutting objectives also guide USAID assistance: reducing corrupt practices, addressing gender bias, mitigating potential for conflict, and expanding information and knowledge, especially among youth. USAID/Caucasus USAID/Caucasus Mission partners with Georgian and Azerbaijani counterparts to develop a prosperous and peaceful region based on democratic principles, market economies and civic participation at all levels. The vision of USAID/Caucasus Mission programs is to support a stable, more prosperous market-oriented economy that empowers citizens, is governed by rule of law and promotes the basic welfare of the population. USAID/Congo Through its professional staff in the Congo and Washington D.C., USAID-Congo provides financial and technical assistance to organizations and institutions working to solve the Congo's critical development problems. USAID-Congo works in close collaboration with the US Embassy and the United States Information Service in the Congo. USAID/Croatia USAID's program of assistance to Croatia evolved significantly during calendar year 2000, following the election of a new reform-minded government. From programs aimed only at improving political processes, strengthening civil society and reintegrating war-affected populations, USAID broadened its focus and developed a portfolio of activities that now includes for the first time a significant economic agenda as well as activities in social transition. The USAID Mission recently completed a new, five year strategic planning effort (2001 - 2005) that details planning in these sectors. USAID/Dominican Republic On January 11, 1962, USAID opened its Mission in the Dominican Republic, making it one of the first countries in which USAID was active. Early aid focused on projects in savings and loan associations, irrigation and private investment activity. Today, USAID's Dominican Republic mission focuses on three areas: economic growth; health, population and nutrition; and democracy and governance. USAID/Egypt Following the Camp David Accords in 1978, and in recognition of Egypt's moderating role in the Middle East, the United States Congress made Egypt one of the largest U.S. economic assistance programs in the world. USAID/El Salvador The United States Agency for International Development Mission to El Salvador's Our mission is to work in partnership with El Salvador to reduce poverty and strengthen democratic institutions and practices...and to fulfill our pledge to keep you informed, we invite you to visit our Webpage. USAID/Ethiopia USAID began the first phase of its long term development assistance to Ethiopia in 1995. Total US humanitarian and development assistance to Ethiopia in FY 1997 was nearly $78 million. USAID's development strategy focuses on helping Ethiopia feed itself, and strengthening health services, basic education, and democracy and governance. USAID continues to be prepared to provide humanitarian assistance in years of poor weather and low crop yields. Whenever possible, USAID will provide humanitarian assistance through food-for-work. USAID/Guinea The overall USAID program goal in Guinea is "Improved Economic and Social Well-being of all Guineans in a Participatory Society." USAID/Guinea pursues this goal by investing in education and human resources within its basic education, natural resource management, democracy and governance, and health and family planning programs. Our grass roots poverty alleviation program not only allows Guinean citizens to improve their wellbeing, but it also prepares its citizens to be active participants in the country's transition to a democracy. USAID/Haiti This site outlines U.S. programs in Haiti to reduce poverty in an emerging democratic society - the goal of USAID/Haiti and a key component of U.S. interests in this close Caribbean neighbor. The challenges in the path of that goal are immense and daunting. In short, there are too many people and too few resources for the land to support adequately. As the s ituation in this fragile nation dances always near catastrophe, we can be encouraged that the people of Haiti are working harder than ever to improve their lives. USAID, together with its partners and other donors, plays a vital role in that effort. USAID/Honduras Honduras, one of Latin America's poorest nations, strives daily to improve its own economic and democratic development with USAID assistance. Programs include education, health, economic policy, microenterprize, environmental conservation, food security, municipal development, and justice sector reform. USAID/India We have set up this website to communicate to audiences in India, and around the world, what the United States Government's assistance program is achieving in India and why this work is important to India, to the United States, and to you, wherever you are. USAID/Indonesia Next year, USAID will commemorate 50 years of development cooperation with Indonesia. The past half-century has witnessed substantial achievements and lessons learned in Indonesias development. The Agency is proud to have played a role in one of the most successful family planning programs in the world, as well as health projects benefiting millions of mothers and children. U.S. support has helped Indonesia achieve a "Green Revolution" that has boosted agricultural output many times over. Underlying all USAIDs efforts has been a major focus on education and training, which has helped produce thousands of skilled Indonesian professionals. USAID/Jamaica USAID/Jamaica-Caribbean dedicates itself to assisting the people of the Caribbean in attaining their full potential - as individuals and collectively as nations - by improving the quality of their lives and helping them achieve sustainable development. USAID/Jordan U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding levels for Jordan have increased tremendously in recent years. As a result of this increase, USAID/Jordan now ranks among the three or four largest USAID programs world-wide in terms of both total assistance levels and per capita assistance levels. USAID/Kiev (Ukraine) Since 1992, the USAID Regional Mission to Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova has worked with government, non-governmental organizations, and implementing partners, to further the processes of democratic development, economic restructuring and social sector reform in the region. USAID/Kosovo and Montenegro USAID began operating in Kosovo and Montenegro in 1999. USAID’s assistance program in Kosovo helps to foster economic reform, democracy, and social transition. In Montenegro, USAID provides substantial budget support resources, and also provides assistance in economic reform and democracy building. USAID/Lebanon USAID’s country development strategy springs directly from current economic and political conditions in Lebanon, and reflects US Government interest in helping the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese people recover from civil war, and participate in the Middle East Peace Process. This new strategy shifted the program from a mix of humanitarian and developmental activities to a total emphasis on sustainable community development with multiple objectives and partners. It emphasizes the importance of rebuilding rural communities and expanding economic opportunities, as well as supporting policy reform and environmental protection. USAID/Lithuania Lithuania's historic revolution in 1991 captured worldwide attention, and inspired freedom-loving people everywhere. The U.S. Government, together with other western countries, quickly mobilized resources to assist Lithuania's transition to the free world. Today, the people of Lithuania and the United States are in a partnership to build Lithuania's free-market economy and to develop a democratic society prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century and the emerging global economy. USAID/Morocco Since the late 1960's USAID has supported the Government of Morocco in both public and private sector health care by training health workers, improving preventive health services, decentralizing health care, and providing clinical commodities and contraceptives, equipment and vehicles. More recently, USAID has focused on the provision of basic health care by the private sector, and the commercial marketing of contraceptives. USAID/Namibia To help Namibia redress the economic legacies of colonialism and apartheid, strengthen its democracy and curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, USAID/Namibia has five Strategic Objectives: small and medium enterprise development, basic education, community-based natural resource management, legislative and civil society strengthening, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention. USAID seeks to build synergies among its five portfolios. Tourism development, for instance, bridges small and medium enterprise development to community-based natural resource management. HIV/AIDS prevention activities are being built into all aspects of USAID’s program. Throughout its portfolio, USAID seeks to strengthen NGOs, advance the status of women, expand access to and use of information technologies, and promote the government’s policy of decentralization. USAID/Nepal In 1951, the same year the Kingdom of Nepal emerged from its self-imposed political and economic isolation, the U.S. Government signed an agreement with the His Majesty's Government of Nepal to provide economic assistance. During 46 years, the U.S. Government has provided over one billion dollars in developmental and humanitarian assistance. U.S. bilateral development assistance is administered by USAID. USAID's goal is to assist development to the point where Nepal can meet the needs of its people on a sustainable basis with its own resources. USAID/Nicaragua The United States has been active in promoting broad economic growth, creating new jobs, adherence to democratic principles, and respect for human rights slows immigration to the United States. Focused efforts to stem environmental degradation protects vital habitats and helps to assure sustainable development. The current U.S. program helped Nicaragua mitigate agricultural production losses from the El Niño-produced drought. USAID Nigeria In May 1999, Nigeria ushered in a new era of democracy by inaugurating its first democratically elected government in fifteen years, ending a cycle of military dictatorships that devastated the country's economic and social capital. Nigerians have cause to be optimistic with the country's political transition. Engagement and partnership with the international community are replacing sanctions and isolation. At the same time, Nigeria has begun to slowly rebuild an economy derailed by years of corruption and mismanagement, and reclaim its position of leadership in Africa. USAID/Peru USAID/Peru's program addresses Peru's problems of poverty, food insecurity, lack of employment, lack of access to health services for rural and peri-urban populations, unsustainable use of natural resources, democratic development, illicit coca cultivation and related problems. The ultimate goal of USAID/Peru is to promote broad-based sustainable economic development. en Español In English USAID/Philippines USAID's role in the Philippines is to help the country become a model Newly Industrialized Country (NIC). Our U.S. - Philippines partnership for democracy and development is a shared commitment to mutual economic interest, democracy, and a common concern for global issues of environmental degradation, population, and the AIDS epidemic. USAID/Romania USAID’s assistance program helps to foster Romania's transition to a market-oriented democracy through major activities in the areas of economic growth, democracy-building and social sector restructuring. Between 1990 and 1999, USAID has provided approximately $300 million for technical assistance and training in Romania in the following areas: privatization, financial sector development, private sector development, energy sector reform, improved environmental management and protection, democratic governance, civil society development, decentralized public administration and local government strengthening, women’s reproductive health and reform of the child welfare system. USAID/Russia USAID has operated in Russia since 1992. We have worked in close collaboration with Russian partners from federal, regional, and municipal governments, non-governmental and non-commercial organizations, and the private sector. We are proud of the partnerships we have forged – and proud of the important results achieved under our joint programs throughout this vast country. USAID/Sierra Leone U.S. national interests in Sierra Leone are threefold. First, the planned program of transition assistance will help restore stability to the country, bringing to an end over a decade of sub-regional instability and human suffering. Second, the enormous investment made by the international community, including the largest current United Nations (U.N.) Peacekeeping Force, defines Sierra Leone as a critical test of the will and capacity of the international community to address threats to peace and stability in Africa. Third, the United States' strongest ally, the United Kingdom, is heavily committed to Sierra Leone's successful transition from war to peace and prosperity. The U.K. is presently programming approximately $60 million in assistance to Sierra Leone per year. USAID's program focuses on the most war-affected districts of Sierra Leone, providing concrete and symbolic support for British efforts. The USAID program of assistance complements planned activities in adjacent war-affected areas of Guinea to strengthen the regional impact of its activities. USAID/South Africa USAID South Africa supports the South African government and a number of civil society organizations to promote effective development solutions to transform the country equitably for its citizens. USAID's goal is to assist its partners to build the capacity of the majority of its people to realise political, social and economic empowerment. USAID's activities are designed to benefit historically disadvantaged people whose victory over decades of racial oppression has been noted as one of the great changes in the 20th Century. USAID/Uganda USAID has been working in Uganda since 1962 and in June 2000 the Mission initiated a broad process of consultation, assessment and analysis leading to a new strategy to attack poverty. The program will focus on expanding sustainable economic opportunities for rural growth, improving human capacity through quality education and health care, and strengthening effective and participatory governance. USAID/West Bank-Gaza The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) administers U.S. Government economic and humanitarian assistance programs supporting the Middle East Peace Process. USAID/Zambia USAID/Zambia's program aims to improve the lives of poor Zambians. This supports the United States government's foreign policy interest of furthering stable, vibrant, growing economies in Africa. In Zambia, USAID is assisting in theconsolidation of Zambian Government reforms, focusing on four key sectors: increasing rural incomes, basic education, health, and democratic governance. The current strategy is aimed at fulfilling the promise of reform measures put in place during the first part of this decade. We are not just throwing money at problem countries, we are teaching them how to help themselves. |
most are blurbs about our intentions trace. only a few actually cite concrete action taken. yes. helping them help themselves. (i.e.putting a mcdonalds menu in their native langauge.) |
Not just gabbing about it. But I thought you were an advocate for not meddling in other nations? Nation building, infrastructure building, school building, those all are meddling in other countries affairs |
I don't deny the philanthropy we do commit and see through. Don't get me wrong. I think America can be one of the most generous nations on the earth. however, im an advocate for NOT importing and imposing our culture. Im all about infrastructure bldg. as long as it isnt sponsored by McDondalds or Starbucks with the guarantee of being placed inside said structure. Nationbuilding is a whole different topic all together. Just as Im against domestic corporate sponsorship of schools. A school shouldnt be required to put god damn Coke logo on their jerseys or required to sell Coke just because they donated the football field. Coke should donate the football field to help the local school and receive honorable mentions in the program or something humble like that. You can be a philanthropist and not use said philanthropy to dictate other aspects of a culture or nation. |
Dream on, patty. Humility is bread out of corporate executives from the start. You rarely get far in business if you're humble. Same with politics. |
DOH. |
What? Do we go out and hold guns to peoples heads and say "Listed to grunge, dammit?" |
|
No, and you? Oh, and what, exactly is our culture? Is it african, irish, italian, celtic? |
we export consumerism. we export our media. Euro Disney? McDonalds in over 50 countries around the world? Starbucks in over 25 countries the world over? talk to cat, moonit, wisper and others outside the US about how america exports its culture of consumerism to the rest of the world trace. what the fuck do you think all those anti-globalization protesters are harping on? to deny this is about as ludicrous as to deny bush is Texan. Its practically a fact. |
|
democracy only works for those who play ball. |
this is not my suggestion at all spunk. you completely miss my point. the cool thing nate is we are masterminds and making markets. the 'democracy'/capitalism combo meal makes if virtually impossible for many to resist. |
making markets is cool. it takes workers to make things, and it takes workers to buy things. people all over the world end up with more things. and the smart ones with a lot more things. and more things is what it is all about. |
|
