An expanded and long-term program of economic assistance to the peoples of free Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America is justified on this positive and constructive basis; It is in America's interests that we and our children live in a world of independent and open societies, each developing its own version of political democracy... our enemy is poverty, desperation, stagnation, and the fear that only Totalitarian methods can lead a poor agricultural society to sustained growth. Our job is to demonstrate to this generation that economic growth and human freedom can evolve hand in hand. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1961President John F. Kennedy established the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1961 to promote development around the world. There is a public misperception regarding how much of the federal budget is actually set aside for foreign assistance programs. “Only half of 1% is actually allocated and spent through the agency,” said J. Brian Atwood, head of USAID, at the International Development Conference in January 1995. Furthermore, “levels of foreign assistance of the United States are at their lowest levels in more than 50 years" (Ten Commonly Asked Questions About U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs, March 6, 1995). The United States should continue to provide assistance to poverty-stricken countries because Americans benefit from the assistance just as impoverished countries do. Thanks to foreign aid, the American economy is advanced, democracies around the world are promoted while strategic allies are secured, and the well-being of those in need is improved around the world. I admit that there are a number of reasons why the United States should not provide assistance to the poor... half of the document... USAID's action in southern Africa in 1992 prevented a massive famine in the region, saving millions of lives" ("A Record of Accomplishment" March 2, 1995) USAID has a number of accomplishments that make the program worthwhile. Both the United States and poor countries benefit from foreign aid programs. Americans oppose such programs because they do not know all the benefits that come from them, they also do not know how much of the benefits that come from the federal budget is actually allocated to foreign aid. The United States should not be greedy and blind to the rest of the world. “If we withdraw from the world today, we will have to face the consequences of our negligence tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.” Indeed, the compassion of the American people is reflected in helping the less fortunate.