Question:

What would be the libertarian response to issues in Africa? How can we effectively help the extremely poor and sick?

Answer:

The short-term way to help the poor and sick in other nations is to contribute to private organizations that target those you want to help. Some work to improve sanitation, a major cause of disease. Some provide medical care. Others link needy children to sponsors in wealthier nations. Still others provide small loans for “mom and pop” businesses. With a bit of Internet research, you can determine which organizations are worthy of your support.

The long-term way to help the poor and sick is to demonstrate how they too can become prosperous and healthy. Cutting back government spending, regulation, and taxation is the surest way that any nation can become rich (for details, see my book, “Healing Our World.” The 1992 version is available as a free download at www.ruwart.com; you can buy the 2003 edition there or from The Advocates.)

The freedom enjoyed in the U.S. in earlier years was a beacon of hope to impoverished nations, giving them a blueprint to their own prosperity.

In recent years, the U.S. has moved away from the principles that made it great. Restoring liberty in our own nation will show others the way to end their own poverty and pain.