Perhaps the strongest practical reason to hold up funds is the fact that we do not know the money will actually reach the intended recipients. In fact, history tells us otherwise. Dare we mention the Food For Oil plan? We understand UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is urging more U.S. aid. Could the fact his son is out of work have anything to do with it? After all, he has lots of experience in the field.
We are not suggesting that the U.S. never offer any help. But let’s not rush into doing so. Let’s at least wait and see what those nations encouraging us to open our pocket books first do themselves.