Foreign aid vital to America's interests

In response to Don Mares, "Why do we give so much foreign aid?," as members of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign, we would like to point out that the International Affairs Budget in fact benefits U.S. citizens in many ways and is underfunded given the challenges our nation faces in the 21st century.

U.S. diplomatic and economic development programs are critical to protecting our national security, promoting economic prosperity at home and abroad and are a true expression of our humanitarian values.

Some key issues we face today include international terrorism and global economic competition. Supporting countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan to help build stronger democratic and economically stable societies reduces threats and creates better business opportunities and stronger markets for U.S. products and services.

Also, our international humanitarian efforts help combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases, which save millions of lives around the global and protects our health.

We need stable, productive, and economically strong partners both to protect our national security and to strengthen our local economy, and yet the United States spends a little more than one penny of every federal dollar on vital programs funded by the International Affairs Budget.

The International Affairs Budget serves the United States and our local communities well and deserves our support.

Darcy Davidsmeyer

Director, State and Local Government Relations

Motorola, Schaumburg

Michael Diamond

President

World Resources Chicago

Evanston