U.S. doesn't have responsibility to feed the world

To the editor:

The story "U.S. to pledge $290 million for Afghanistan" angered me to the point that I had to write to say I don't understand our thinking here in America.

No country will replace the damage we have suffered from warmongers. But the story said our aid to Afghanistan will cost $1.7 billion in the first year. I don't care how responsible somebody might feel, we don't have to feed the world with tons of dollars. No one has come to our rescue in times of need. Why should we? At the same time, I believe in helping a devastated place like the Congo where the volcano erupted. The war didn't create that. It was natural destruction. If people want to fight and kill each other and destroy their countries, let them do it. But don't come crying for help to the tune of $1.7 billion. We should keep our nose out of their business.

Our Congress can only see the dollar signs, and I am getting tired of it. They give themselves a raise in pay when they want to and spend money that will give them more votes. We veterans have asked them for years to look into sickness caused by our country. They have repeatedly denied for years they were responsible. Now they are spending $350,000 to ask veterans to submit claims for assistance while 68,000 veterans are still waiting for some kind of action.

Congress needs to look at our needs first: roads, bridges, destruction by natural forces, sickness, military, tariffs, schools and national debt.

WILLIAM W. DUNHAM

Cape Girardeau