Both Democrats and Republicans claim that the U.S. is broke and can’t help veterans, seniors, orphans, the homeless, etc. But during the last several years this country has provided direct cash aid in the millions and billions to Libya, Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Haiti, Jordan, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, Congo, Ethiopia, Pakistan, South Africa, Senegal, Mozambique, Zambia, Iraq, etc., and the people in those countries still hate the U.S.

What is wrong with that picture?

On the other hand, this nation’s retired seniors, living on fixed incomes, receive no aid. Nor do they get any breaks, while our government and religious organizations will pour off money and tons of food to foreign countries.

Another atrocity: there are hundreds of adoptable American children who are shoved aside to make room for the adoption of foreign orphans.

America: A country where there are countless homeless without shelter, children go to bed hungry, elderly go without treatment.

Yet other countries get benefits: shows for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothing, bedding, doctors and medical supplies.

Now just imagine if our own government gave us the same support it gives to foreign countries.

Sad, isn’t it?

Judy Baird, Lewiston