"America first" is wrong

"America first" is wrong

The phrase "America first" is popular in American politics, but it sends the wrong message. It implies the United States has a right to be operating abroad, or even a mandate. However, the Constitution and George Washington agree the United States has no business in foreign aid. So "America first" is incorrect. Both legally and spiritually, it's "America only."

The Constitution specifies the limited powers of the United States government. It does not mention humanitarian aid or military aid. It does not mention foreign aid at all. That means the United States government does not have authority to divert the wealth of American citizens to benefit other countries. This was the spirit of the founders as well.

Before the Constitution was written, George Washington asked us to avoid foreign entanglements:

As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils.
...
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.
...
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

This is obviously wise counsel, because in failing to follow it we confirmed the warnings were valid.

The United States has spent heavily on foreign aid for decades. At the same time, politics in the United States have become heavily influenced by foreign affairs. For example, countless votes in the upcoming presidential election are being decided on the candidates' positions on foreign aid for Gaza, Israel, and Ukraine. American political factions are being pitted against each other by foreign influences.

If legal and spiritual arguments are not enough, consider the practical. United States foreign aid spending has been shockingly wasteful. Just a few examples include predictably un-used infrastructure and disintegrating structures in Afghanistan, and more recently the failed pier in Gaza. The list of debacles is endless, and the Government Accountability Office has been unable to turn the tide of incompetence and corruption. Foreign aid waste continues every day.

The United States government does not have authority to spend on foreign aid. American voters do not have the right to take money from fellow citizens and give it to another country. If they did, they would not have the right to spend so recklessly.

Forget "America first." If we care about peace and prosperity at home, then we must practice good governance regardless what is happening in the world. Our only option for that is "America only." We should end all foreign aid.