Aid numbers in context

Mr. Peterson’s opinion concerning foreign aid makes the statement, “There is also a disturbingly high number of Americans who believe that a large percentage of the federal budget is spent on such aid, when the actual figure is less than 1%.”

To put that in some sort of context, 1% of the federal budget is $17 trillion. (.01 of $1.7 trillion). While it may not represent a large percentage of the federal budget, America’s foreign aid is a substantial number and should be stated as such.

I am not questioning the need for the U.S. to provide appropriate international aid. I do, however, take issue with an opinion that characterizes such aid as “no big deal.”

Tim Totman

Campton Hills