FreedomWorks Comes Out Against Reducing Terrorist Threat
On June 16, 2009, FreedomWorks issued a press release in which it decried IMF funding. However, less than a week prior, the Secretaries of Defense and State wrote a letter to Congress in which they insisted IMF funding reduced the threat of terrorism.
"FreedomWorks Deplores IMF Funding"
"FreedomWorks Deplores IMF Funding." In a press release titled "FreedomWorks Deplores IMF Funding," the organization explained, "the IMF creeps eerily closer to what amounts to an international central bank with unconditional lending powers, yet it is without any regulatory authority. As a result, while the IMF can lend to well-intended beneficiaries like Poland and Hungary, it is also free to dish out even more-due to its system of quotas-to malevolent states like Iran and Venezuela... The IMF no longer serves the purposes it was initially intended, and in its new role, questions regarding the political and financial legitimacy of the institution should be raised." [FreedomWorks release, 6/16/09]
Defense Secretary Gates Believes IMF Funding Reduces The Threat Of Terrorism
Secs. Gates & Clinton: IMF Financing Reduces The Threat Of Terrorism. In a letter written to Congressional leaders, Secretaries Gates and Clinton wrote: "We know from the 1930s that a protracted global economic slump can foster undesirable and unforeseeable reactions to hardship and adversity. Financial hardship and poverty breed desperation, which helps terrorist networks to attract new recruits with messages of hate, violence and intolerance. IMF financing reduces this threat by reducing economic instability in vulnerable states. The Fund has been able to act swiftly to avoid crises in Pakistan and other countries, and in lending strong support to key U.S. allies including Mexico, Poland and Columbia." [Gates & Clinton letter via Plum Line, accessed 6/12/09]
Secs. Gates & Clinton: "The Current Instability Poses A Significant Risk To The Long-Term Prosperity And Security Of The United States." In a letter written to Congressional leaders, Secretaries Gates and Clinton wrote: "These requests, including a new commitment to the IMF's New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB) and its other components, will equip the IMF with critical tools to help confront the continuing global economic crisis. We believe that the current instability poses a significant risk to the long-term prosperity and security of the United States. With the support from the United States and our allies, the IMF will plan an essential role in ending this crisis and reducing the economic and security risks it poses to our nation and the world." [Gates & Clinton letter via Plum Line, accessed 6/12/09]
