FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2001 Statement on President Bush's announcement of aid to the Afghan people By Richard E. Stearns, President, World Vision SEATTLE-The United States today deployed its most-effective weapon in the war on terrorism. World Vision applauds President George W. Bush's announcement of a $320 million aid package for the Afghan people. For the past two generations, foreign assistance has been our country's best ambassador - winning us loyal friends and strong trading partners in Germany, Japan, Korea and around the world. Throughout time, the seeds of violence have been sown in poverty and injustice. The current generation of terrorists includes many with roots in squalid refugee camps. Humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people will not only save countless lives during the coming winter, but can be effective in stopping the cycle of poverty and hate. World Vision urges people and governments throughout the world to follow President Bush's example of replacing hate with hope. As President Bush has demonstrated, the international war on terrorism cannot be won by military means alone. Rooting out evil is not enough. Evil must be replaced with hope for a better future. Neither justice nor security can flourish in a world full of hopelessness and despair. Our investment in humanitarian aid today will pay dividends in a more peaceful world for the next generation. Our generation should heed the words of President Bush's predecessor, Ronald Reagan: "A hungry child knows no politics." -30- Contact: Dean R. Owen (253)815-2103 (Office); (888)734-8938 (pager) Sheryl Watkins (253)815-2246 (Office); (888)787-3056 (pager) Founded in 1950, World Vision, a Christian humanitarian aid organization, serve more than 80 million people annually in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. World Vision has established the American Families Assistance Fund to help families in New York and elsewhere suffering due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Click here to make a donation.