USA to spend $7B to provide power in Africa - WTH?

[Memphis1979]

We need to cut back in lots of places.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by timfountain

What the hell is wrong with us? Why would we spend such vast amounts of money to bring power to impoverished parts of Africa?

Probably trying to counter-act the Chinese, who have been moving into Africa big time. They are already doing far more trade with Africa than we are.

Africa has huge human and natural resources and we can't afford to be marginalized.

China's Influence in Africa: Implications for the United States

Obama 'plays catch up,' as Africa looks to China - CNN.com

Why China is making a big play to control Africa's media - The Globe and Mail

[timfountain]

Originally Posted by andywire

I believe he's trying to say we are continuing with our empire building ways. We've done quite a many awful things in central America decades ago. Recall our role in Panama or Guatemala during their civil wars? There are deep holes filled with hundreds of bodies with our military's name all over them. We got away with it then (with a little backlash from the UN) and so I'm sure there are many who believe we can get away with it today.

Thank you. I do not think we can get away with that kind of thing these days and I was confused to historical references to seemingly irrelevant activities that were before my time.

[timfountain]

Originally Posted by chad3

How do you feel about the following $6.6 (trillion) dollars being handed out to build US factories in China?
(also the whole $6.6 trillion dollars would have been added to our national debt.)

Romney's Economic Plan Includes $6.6 Trillion Tax Cut For The Rich And Corporations | ThinkProgress


Is it good for Romney to hand out $6.6 trillion dollars to build factories in China, and bad for Obama to hand out $7 billion dollars to build electric grids in Africa?

But that was a plan presented by Romney in 2011 during his failed run for president, thus I don't believe this 'brainwave' was ever implemented. I don't agree with it and it didn't happen as outlined in that article so what point were you trying to make again?