Something Frame said caught my eye.
That is, Obama's plan to send more aid money to other countries. us!!
Seriously though, like it or not, this is essential to try and maintain the status quo. Whilst the US has been using hard power through the middle east and now a little in eastern africa, China has been spreading its influence by using soft power, financial aid, humanitarian assistance, etc, literally right under the US's noses - South America.
An increase in visible aid needs to be made in order to counter the advances of Chinese interests, in my opinion.