FAQ Homeland #3

3. The United States has its own problems, with the economy, health care, and education. Shouldn't we take care of our own people before we worry about those who are half a world away?

Americans understand that the war on terror must be a priority for the United States but worry about the high financial costs of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the subsequent rebuilding efforts, and the American programs designed to support democratization in countries across the world. These Americans believe that domestic problems such as poverty, health care, and poor public education should be solved before American money is sent abroad to help foreign countries solve similar problems. They make a mistake, however, in believing that this is an "either/or" situation.

Foreign threats will continue to grow while America's attention is focused inward, just as they did in the lead up to 9/11. A strong economy, good schools, and full employment can all be destroyed in an instant if the United States is attacked again, especially with the kinds of weapons we know Islamofascists seek. Keeping Americans safe must be the first priority of the American government. And the unique nature of the war on terrorism means that defeating this enemy requires not just military but also political methods. We must make sure that existing terrorist organizations are dismantled and their leaders captured or killed and, at the same time, we must shrink the pool from which terrorists draw their recruits. People are much less likely to turn to violence when they have a family, a job, and a voice in their own government. They feel that they have much more control over their own destinies and are able to live with more dignity. Because they stand to lose so much more, they are less likely to risk their lives and their families' love. The war on terrorism is expensive, but no price should be too high for securing America's future and the safety of American families.