Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

The US is the wealthiest country in the world, and the US got to that place by having these programs in place.

Who makes shoes/other goods, mines the earth, or other dangerous work? The people in those poor countries. These programs are often the stepping stone that western countries use to enter countries and "develop the economy" in these areas to the benefit of everyone. Developing the economy brings jobs then brings peace. Then the cost of goods stays down.

Fewer orphans. More experience treating diseases. More stable economies to exchange goods and services with.

Very likely these programs pay for themselves via your taxes via price of goods and services. Entirely ignoring the moral good






The US got to this place by winning a world war with virtually no negative impact to our own country. We were literally the last ones standing.

All of these programs came after we established our position.


America won a world war because Europe, Russia did a lot of the early heavily lifting of and because the USA was already an economic and industrial power?

Europe and Russia were the ones killing each other and destroying each others' economies. So yeah I guess they did the "heavy lifting".

England basically destroyed the Luftwaffe and the Soviets took care of most of the Germans during the attempted invasion of Russia. So yeah, I think they did more than their fare share. Are you saying they didn’t ?



Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: