I remember a good friend who passed away some years back. He was a very committed Catholic and a very successful businessman. Many Catholic causes asked him for help on a regular basis and he always tried his best to assist as much as he could. Once he told me that when business was not so good, his staff would tell him that he could not afford to help as much. They advised him to cut down his charitable giving until business bounced back. His answer was that maybe he was not giving enough. It was precisely when you have less that giving becomes so real and meaningful.
My friend’s business always improved after downturns. His charity and giving always grew. That is a legacy he was always proud of.
I share that story as we see Congress fighting over the budget and the posturing and politicizing that goes with it. Many people seem to want massive cuts, which is understandable give the deficits our country faces.
One of the issues on the chopping block is international aid, which is how our country assists millions of extremely poor people in developing countries. Some ask how we can help relieve poverty in other countries when we can’t support those in our own. We have to do both. We can do both.
There are a lot of misconceptions about our aid. For example, a recent poll showed that Americans believe international aid counts for 25 percent of the budget. They also believe that should be cut to 10 percent. The reality is that current levels of international aid are less than one percent, and some want to cut that even more.
Having been to Africa, Nicaragua and the Middle East with Catholic Relief Services I personally have seen how international aid saves lives and gives people hope. Cutting it would have devastating effects on children, families, the elderly and people who simply need some support to survive.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops supports keeping international aid at current or even increased levels. Our brothers and sisters Jesus speaks about when he asks if we helped the “least” depend on us. As Catholics we are called to live in solidarity with all, especially the poorest.
Every day the way we live our lives impacts others throughout the globe. We can make decisions that will help or hurt others, even though we will never meet them. Especially in tough times we can never forget those in desperate need who depend on us.
My friend showed me that example in good times and bad.
Our great country must do the same.
Father David Garcia of San Antonio is a senior advisor at Catholic Relief Services.