On Thanksgiving Day this past week, Make US Strong was thankful to see a really great opinion piece in the Washington Times about how development keeps America safe. The piece was authored by former Secretary of Defense Bill Perry and Fortune 250 CEO Tim Solso, men who know a thing or two about keeping America’s security and economy strong. Together, they give their full support to the cause of international development, for the sake of America’s future safety and success:
We have won battles through force of arms, but many of our greatest victories have been wars ended or averted at the diplomatic table. Our armed forces have liberated continents and freed captive nations, but our Peace Corps and USAID have unshackled countless millions from disease, poverty and despair. Their brave work was more than charity. It was the bedrock of an international stability based on hope, opportunity and freedom in which America prospered.
Now more than ever, we must remember the lessons of our past and apply those lessons as we face the future. We call on our elected leaders to embrace a broad vision of national and economic security for this new century – one that recognizes our diplomacy and development efforts as the vital tools they are for ensuring American strength.
Hopefully, as the Federal budgeting process continues, this will prove to be one of a steady drumbeat of high-profile statements of support for international development.
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