Undermining of USAID threatens global security
As an Atlanta resident with a family member serving in USAID, I am alarmed by the misinformation threatening one of America’s most effective foreign policy tools. For less than 1% of the federal budget, USAID strengthens global stability, reduces illegal immigration and protects U.S. national security.
In Central America, USAID’s Youth Workforce Development Program has trained over 235,000 young people, providing job opportunities that steer them away from gangs and illegal immigration. In Honduras alone, USAID helped create 70,000 jobs, offering real alternatives to poverty-driven migration.
Elon Musk and others have spread falsehoods about USAID, undermining a bipartisan agency founded by JFK that has served American interests for over 60 years. We must push back. I urge readers to call their representatives and demand the restoration of USAID as an independent agency. America’s security and leadership depend on it.
DONNA SMYTHE, MARIETTA
Trump out to destroy scientific research
When I read the “EPA to cut scientific research team, lay off 1,000 employees”(AJC March 19), my disgust and blood pressure elevated. Did 50% of Trump voters really want a president to shut down government-sponsored science research that protects its citizens? What the hell is going on? It’s a culture purge.
Russia had one — Stalin outlawed Christmas in the Soviet Union in 1929. A Great Purge followed from 1936-39. Now, Trump tries to destroy the world’s greatest scientific research teams (including NOAA). A great climate collapse will follow.
Who is following Jesus’ beatitudes best now? The billion-dollar incentivized Christian nationalists or the intelligent, hardworking scientists?
BOB JAMES, ATLANTA
Blocking gender-affirming care will harm many
Members of the LGBTQ+ community commonly face disparities in health care and health outcomes, face challenges in accessing care, and experience stigma, discrimination, and rejection.
Gender-affirming care is medically necessary in the management of these patients. Research has shown that gender-affirming care improves the mental health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth, with studies noting reductions in suicidality, depression, anxiety and overall well-being.
Georgia Senate Bill 39 proposes prohibiting coverage of gender-affirming care under the state health benefit plan or with any state funds. This blockage of coverage would directly harm many Georgia residents, denying access to needed care that would worsen these patients’ health, especially their mental health.
It is important to consider the impact of this bill on LGBTQ+ patient care in our state. I encourage the sponsors to carefully evaluate the potential consequences and urge others to reach out to their legislators.
RACHEL DAVI PRESSMAN, ATLANTA
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