THE HORN OF AFRICA

March 13, 2018

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher,

101 Main Street #380

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Dear Congressman

Re: The Horn of Africa

Did you read the article in yesterday’s New York Times about the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa where, according to the report, “more than 650,000 children under age 5… are severely malnourished” and millions more face the real threat of starvation?

Two things. First, the US spent $793.7 billion on its own military in 2017. Next, by contrast, the US spent a mere $49 billion on foreign aid in 2015, which sum includes more military spending. I was unable to find an exact figure for 2017, but I assume it’s not that much different, and your Trump has announced his intention to further slash foreign aid in the current year.

I ask you, Congressman: where are our priorities, as a country? With increasing evidence of the dire effects of climate change throughout the world, the Trump administration continues to deny the science, retreat from sensible existing efforts to protect the natural environment, and offer its support instead to the fossil-fuel based energy industry that is a proven major cause of the pollution. On the other hand, under this leadership, we choose to ignore the plight of those who suffer globally as a result.

As a representative in the US Congress, you have the possession of a megaphone that few others enjoy. I, for one—and I’m sure I speak for many others— would like to hear you use that perquisite on behalf of humanity and the vulnerable planet that is our only home, rather than in the narrow interest of this overly privileged country.

How about it, Congressman? Are you ready to set yourself apart and prove yourself a friend to the human species?

Respectfully,

Peter Clothier, Ph.D.