American policy is based overwhelmingly on the idea that Africa can lift itself out of extreme poverty through its own efforts, that aid is largely misused because of corruption, and that the United States already gives generous amounts. This is wrong on all counts: Africa is trapped in poverty, many countries are well poised to use aid effectively, and America’s contribution is tiny relative to Africa’s needs, America’s promises, and America’s wealth.
美国（对非洲）的政策是建立在非洲能够通过自身的努力摆脱极端贫困状态，由于腐败使大部分援助被滥用，以及美国已经提供了数额慷慨的援助等根深蒂固的理念之上的。但这些理念都是错误的：非洲陷入了贫困之中；许多国家都具备有效使用援助的条件；较之于非洲的需求、美国的承诺和富裕程度，美国的贡献是微不足道的。