" Foreign aid is seldom charity; it is an investment"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/oct/14/aid-us-politics
Excellent points are made in this article discussing the proposal to increase foreign aid spending by 10%. Foreign aid is an easy cut for politicians to support without losing many supporters, as those directly seeing the effects of aid are not voting. This article points out that aid is rarely charity and is often of strategic importance, especially now that China is increasing foreign aid and presence in international development efforts. As resources become more scarce and economic globalisation continues, America would be wise to continue positive foreign relations efforts such as aid spending. Aside from all charitable connotations that follow foreign aid, aid dollars also are used to help secure areas, build and maintain roads, build infrastructure. All of these things contribute to the efficient movement of goods and increase access to potential new resource sites. Furthermore, political advantages of maintaining positive foreign relations allow for better working relationships for the military, and can contribute to global safety. Too often even the most educated Americans will agree to cutting foreign aid, not realizing that it accounts for less than 2% of the budget and is one of the most efficiently spent portions of the budget (in the sense that funds spent in countries in need of aid can often purchase a lot more and reach many more individuals than if the same money were to be spent domestically).