Monday, June 11, 2007

A Must Read

Please read this article. It comes from a link off the Macleans site where Stephen Taylor has posted a response to the G8 aid criticism emanating from the rich mouths of Bono, Geldoff and others (H/T to Springer at Chucker's site).

Shikwati: If they really want to fight poverty, they should completely halt development aid and give Africa the opportunity to ensure its own survival. Currently, Africa is like a child that immediately cries for its babysitter when something goes wrong. Africa should stand on its own two feet.

Funny. I can think of a few Canadian provinces that would fit that description.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did you notice the date of the article? July 4, 2005.

Here we are two years later and even greater cries of "More! more! we have to give them more!" are heard in the western world.

Although some NGOs may be doing admirable work, there's a possibility of corruption at every turn. And that's not limited to far off places.

It is fast becoming even more difficult for leaders to govern, what with the growing chorus of special interest groups who seem bent on derailing governments' policies.

I hope PM Harper is able to withstand the slings and arrows ...

Mac said...

How often have I argued that the solution for most of society's ills must spring from the individual, not from governments?

Nope, the bleeding hearts of the world cry for humanity and waste tremendous resources only to make things worse... worse for them and worse for us long-suffering taxpayers.

Alex Boutilier said...

I'd be interested to know which Canadian provinces you're referring to.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Gabby, your eagle eyes came through again. I didn't notice that date.

Obviously the message is not getting through.

Mac, yeah, too often we see that the bulk of donations are siphoned off before the paltry remainder finally reaches those who need it. As the article says, it has become an industry of its own.

Alex, I'll leave that up to the imagination of the reader. I see from your blog that you're a fervent supporter of the Atlantic Accord, and have an equally passionate dislike for Conservatives. Interesting blog though. Lots of information.

Anonymous said...

I'd be interested to know which Canadian provinces you're referring to.
C'est toujour de la faute a Quebec....

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Je n'ai dis rien.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

James Shikwati was just interviewed on a local talkshow regarding this article. He basically is saying that if food aid is continually sent there, it doesn't help them establish their own trade relations. It is enabling a 'culture of defeat' if you like, and undermining the local markets.

Better to equip them with the tools and knowledge to become self-sufficient.

Anonymous said...

Maybe we should also use this tough love approach to Afghanistan or his Gordon and his buddies having too much fun with military contracts?