Fear, pain and hunger: The dire impact of shutting down USAID in Africa, leaving a vacuum for China and Russia

[Fantine]

Re: Myanmmar
The thread title, however, has a much broader scope, and the children dying are from all over the world.
When I hear children are dying, I don't go looking for an outlier (Myanmmar) to encourage Americans to ignore their part in this global tragedy.

 

[essentialsaltes]

So Jesus knew how hurtful his words would be for the woman, but told her that she had to change her sinful lifestyle anyway. No different than if I told a gay couple that their relationship is sinful and they need to end it.

Nobody even bats an eye at such typical behavior from some Christians.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Nobody even bats an eye at such typical behavior from some Christians.

Yet a poster on this thread does otherwise in post 127. So your statement is obviously false.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Re: Myanmmar
The thread title, however, has a much broader scope, and the children dying are from all over the world.
When I hear children are dying, I don't go looking for an outlier (Myanmmar) to encourage Americans to ignore their part in this global tragedy.

So what are you doing about the dying children all over the world?

 

[essentialsaltes]

Yet a poster on this thread does otherwise in post 127. So your statement is obviously false.

I don't think so. The quoted material is a description of the caricature of empathy that is promoted among those who believe empathy is a sin, not the actual beliefs of people who think empathy is hunky dory.

Fantine's actual message is that churches should not have a "callous disregard for human suffering:"

 

[Lukaris]

I have concerns about the US foreign aid cuts but I also have concerns as to what the truth of this matter is. It seems like much of the media reporting indicates that the impact of such cuts is portrayed as the worst thing to happen beyond natural or man made disasters.

Then there is the matter of the void said to be created from these cuts and which nations might try to take advantage of it. China clearly seems likely but Russia?

Even where China has extended its influence, there seems to be situations beyond their control. For ex. In Angola there has been a lot of Chinese investment but there was recent economic discontent resulting in anti Chinese riots. While there was anti Chinese sentiment in Angola over supposed exploitation, the original grievances were over Angolan government fuel price increases & subsidy decreases. Somehow the riots became mostly anti Chinese in their discontent. Whatever the shortcomings of the Chinese are here, I think the biggest negative will be more poverty in Angola.

When things like this happen & are ongoing what would seem to be way out of the scope of US dollars, it seems convenient to explain it all away on Trump whatever someone thinks of him.

Later add, the wiki I read last summer had much more info on the China factor; it seems to have been revised & deemphasized. Anti Chinese sentiment was a major element in the chaos. Pilate’s ghost should ask a lot of know it alls today what is truth?


See:

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/china-under-fire-angola-riots-trigger-mass-exodus-and-factory-closures-5157714

July 2025 Angolan protests - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Fantine]

Pope Leo's apostolic exhortation points to the need for structural change. As we move globally towards oligarchy, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer--due to governmental policies and an over emphasis on individualism and greed.

My principal focus is our mission program in Guatemala where I sponsor two children and participate in mission trips and our benefits, but i strive to live a life of generosity and kindness overall. I have signed up to be an immigrant ally but the program just got underway.

We give to our churches...but how do our churches use their resources? A church may be our charity, but much goes to buildings and salaries. A non-denominational church in our town rents space because the pastor wants to spend donations on direct ministry. Not many churches do that