Aid to other countries only hurts America

Every generation is concerned about the one that follows. My concern is the future of our country. ...

After World War II we began anew, and we worked to build a free, God-fearing, caring, hard-working, family-oriented nation. Then the movement began for us not to control the world, but to give the world our way of life.

When countries rejected our good intentions, we insisted. Every time there was infighting within a country, America stepped into solve their problems, providing funds to rebuild - and they hated us all the more for it. America must accept the fact these countries do not want freedom, education for their young people, or a way of life free from torture.

We are trying to replicate our wonderful country in other lands, but just can't seem to understand that for the most part their people do not believe in the good life surrounded by peaceful people living and working together. ...

Their chosen way of life finds contentment just sitting and staring into space, while their women cringe in fear. Of course, we in America cannot understand this, so we continue to pump money in while they accept it and reject our caring attitude. Our endeavors and billions of dollars only add fuel to the "hate America" fire.

Meanwhile, our own school systems are being deprived, many communities are in an economic recession, unlawful drugs are prevalent, our health care system is inadequate and now we must deal with the hurricane disasters. ...

If we stand back while our political leadership is split, it will be disastrous, and our precious freedoms will be lost. We cannot accept "If you can't lick 'em, join 'em." We must put America first.

Doris A. Jones, Augusta