We are paying to lose our jobs
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
September 3, 2010 10:14am CST
An Obama appointee, Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged $36 million dollars to train 3,000 IT speacialists in South Asia.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/integration/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226500202
And now are starting a similar program in Armenia.
How do you feel about your tax money going to train other countries to take our jobs?
5 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
3 Sep 10
According to the USAID website, they have been providing a variety of assistance to developing countries since the Truman Administration created the Point Four Program. In 1961, the Foreign Assistance Act was signed into law and USAID was created by executive order.
South Asia and Armenia are but two of the many countries that lag far behind the rest of the world when it comes to the technology fields. The sole purpose of USAID's programs are not to assist with outsourcing American jobs to other countries. Other countries need IT professionals of their own if they are going to keep up with the rest of the world.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
4 Sep 10
The budget for all USAID programs worldwide is less than one-half of 1 percent of the federal budget. What people fail to realize is that budgets for this fiscal year were decided and approved during the last fiscal year so USAID already has their funding.
There are already many programs in this country that provide job training at no cost to Americans. If you're unemployed you qualify for a PELL grant to go to college or a technical school. There are also other programs. The problem is not the lack of educational/training opportunities here...the problem is that there is a lack of employment opportunities here and taking funds away from USAID will not change that. As other countries incorporate computer/internet technology into their day to day lives, whether that be business or personal, the need for equipment and trained professionals grow so this can actually be beneficial for American technology companies although not on a large scale.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
4 Sep 10
I understand that spall, but as the economy tanks (which it was during the last fiscal year), dont you think it might be a good idea to reroute the money to BENEFIT our citizens? When we are back on our feet, we will be much better able to help other countries.
@thegreatdebater (7316)
• United States
4 Sep 10
Laglen, this is a catch 22 for the US. We all know that the only way to grow democracy, and help the people of this world is to help the small countries build up their economies (look at China). The problem is that building up these other countries means our country suffers. This is the "Global Economy" theory, and I personally have a problem with it. You are correct that these IT jobs will end up taking thousands of jobs from Americans, and exploit these third world workers (which increases corporate profits, but doesn't really help the country). I don't know how to solve this problem. I didn't agree with Bush when he wanted to do this, and I don't agree with Obama when he wants to do this.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
4 Sep 10
Maybe both of you should look at the USAID website because, from what I've read, the programs they're involved in have nothing to do with taking jobs away from Americans. Instead they are working to help developing countries close the digital divide when it comes to computer, internet and telecommunications technology. The people that receive training, in these fields as well as others, go on to work in industries in their own countries and contribute to their own economic growth because these systems need to be designed and maintained.
1 person likes this
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
3 Sep 10
What the plant said
Seriously, though. When I hear people say that we should be spending MORE MONEY, all that runs through my head is anyone NOT in America reaping the benefits of America's taxpayer money.
Seriously, though. When I hear people say that we should be spending MORE MONEY, all that runs through my head is anyone NOT in America reaping the benefits of America's taxpayer money. 1 person likes this
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
4 Sep 10
"Why not offer tax breaks to hire in the US."
Well, that wouldn't be very redistrubutive of them, would it?
Earners (private sector) in America are world enemies in any context of social justice.
We owe.
1 person likes this
@epicure35 (2814)
• United States
4 Sep 10
It's just more of the usurper's "planned obsolescence" of the United States. Disgusting, as is all he does to destroy us, as people sit idly, complacently, apathetically by.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
3 Sep 10
I think you know how I feel. If I'm willing to cut unnecessary research programs, grants, complete federal departments...what do you think? I would cut all foreign aid by half or more, maybe all to some countries, until our deficit is paid off. I'd really only consider emergency aid to our allies. Good morning, Laglen.
1 person likes this
