A_Thein wrote on Mar 1, 2023, 21:14:
As someone in a country that arguably gets the most foreign aid from the US, I would say it is not as simple as your perception of this being a charitable act. ALL (not almost all) foreign aid comes with quid-pro-quo agreements. For example, the US is considering granting foreign aid to the NUG (National Unity Government) here. This is the shadow government that was elected by our government which was democratic but was deposed in a coup on February 2021. I have been involved with the negotiations as they do not have many fluent English speakers here. The last aid contract states that we will give the US and US Interests (companies) 40% of contracts in regards to our natural resource and energy sector. The money made from this for the agreed upon 5 year contract would yield an amount worth about 10x of the value of the aid to be given. Thus, foreign aid is basically a loan with great PR, which is always paid back IF the forces that the US helps are successful.

Foreign aid is also extracted from the taxes of the American citizen. Historically the public and the government have been in accordance that foreign aid is a net gain for the US public. If you feel strongly that your tax money is spent on aiding foreign nations instead of your own I would suggest you first take a look at your government (local, state, federal) spending expenditures, as well as lobby your local politicians to take an anti-foreign aid stand.

As for this humble bundle, it is not foreign aid, but a charity. Thus you are not forced to pay for it unless you want to donate.