Funding humanitarian relief helps fight war on terror
The Gazette
April 20, 2008
From The Gazette to the Wall Street Journal to "Bill Moyers Journal," we see that food costs, both in the United States and abroad, are increasing at an alarming rate as availability decreases. On the basis of humanitarian values alone, we the people — and the administration that represents us — ought to be as concerned about sustaining humans as we are in sustaining the war in Iraq.
We need to remember an oft-quoted, anonymous adage: Peace begins when the hungry are fed.
In addition to a humanitarian argument for funding hunger relief, some of our leaders are beginning to realize the importance of food to our national security. In fact, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and numerous retired military commanders have recently urged a far greater commitment to development and diplomacy as a crucial part of protecting this country.
One of the most promising ways to get needed funding for food is to contact Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to urge support for a $5 billion increase in the State/Foreign Operations appropriation, excluding funds for weapons or police training. Our representatives cannot know our desires unless we tell them.
Please let them know. Funding development and humanitarian relief may be the best way to fight the war on terrorism.
Marilyn Langhurst
Cedar Rapids
