Posted on 01/26/2005 10:30:20 AM PST by ejdrapes
So how does giving MORE aid on top of the billions already given help? It goes to these regimes, who don't distribute it to their people. More aid isn't the answer, all it dioes is make the corrupt fatter, and line the pockets of politicians like Chirac. The solution is to rid these places of these tyrants and their followers. Unfortunately, the UN does not have the will to do what's needed, nor does Chirac. In fact Chirac prevents food aid from getting to the area because of the EU protest against GM foods and seed from entering into their former french African colonies.
John, You may finally hit at the real problem.
Corrupt Governments are creating famine and lack of water.
Most countries already give a lot, only to see it being taken by those corrupt officials. It never gets to the people.( After all, the officials want to live too, don't they ?)
What you are seeing is that more and more western countries are seeing the corruption and don't want to throw away their own "resources" any more.
What do you propose,......... War?
Of course that would lead to massive demonstrations, we wouldn't want that either.
So, we just embrace the EU position: Debate until the problem goes away or takes care of itself. At least we are shown to be sympathetic.
No resources is the same as no clean water! water is a resource!!! I don't know how I could make it simpler.
I took your “no clean water” comment to mean that they had water, but that it was dirty. I asked what resources they lacked to clean their water, perhaps this was not clear.
In subsequent posts you also say that they have NO water: “Then you find the water....how? It has not rained for a year how do you know where any water is?”
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It always raises my interest when I hear that 300 million people, or a whole continent, can’t do something unless we give it to them.
There are only 300 million people in Africa are there? Since when?
I was speaking more generally here, sometimes we hear that Africa as a whole can’t do something; such as containing AIDS.
That’s why I said “300 million people, or a whole continent” not “Africa, a continent of 300 million people”. Again, perhaps this was not clear.
I believe that Africa has water enough to supply her people. It may have to be drilled for, or piped in from rivers and lakes, and it will have to be cleaned. These same things are done all over the world. I would be amazed if we do not already do a great deal to help these folks with their clean water.
There are many areas in the United States that are not inhabited because those areas are too hot, too cold, too dry, too high or too rugged, I suspect that is true of the African continent too.
Don't mistake the governments for the people who want to prosper but are stifled at every turn.
OK then we agree there is a problem and the Africans have saddled themselves with bad government. SO what do you want to do. Pass out billions to corrupt politicans that build villas int he south of France and pad Swiss bank accounts? Raise armies to turn out lousey backward governments?
How about this? The Russians had an irresponsible government that allowed a nuke accident at Chernobyl then tried to hide it. They lived in misery and poverty until they got sick of it and did something about it. Its the same deal in Africa. If Africans do something for themselves then I'm all for lending a helping hand but I'm dead set against handouts that are doomed for failure for the sake of being able to pat myself on the back for "caring".
And that's what this is about. Chirac is trying to show his credentials as a caring world leader and curry favor with the corrupt African leaders that'll pocket our tax es. Still the poor guy in the dirt that's never going to see any of that aid.
John, you said : "Americans get their water from rain".
Africans get their water from dirty rivers and streams. you made the distiction of how Americans collect their water.
It's not a word you wrote, it's what your written words suggests that leads people to think Americans collect rainwater on rainy days for drinking water.
He can pay for the world's poor all by himself.
I think you're my hero!
They may be lazy. They may be ignorant. They may be entrapped by a tribal social system that abhors getting ahead, innovation and progress. It ain't my problem.
They move.
Have you paid any attention at all to the oil for food scam?
Did you hear that the Bush (That meanie) administration gave 15 Billion toward Aids last year?
You say: We must punish governments that are corrupt and help those who are becoming democratic. That is the way forward.
How? Go to war?
I am not trying to be cynical, however, an answer to the problem isn't easy is it?
I am always amazed at people demonizing everything without offering a solution.
I guess it is true that it is easier to tear down than to build up?
What resources do they lack?
Clean water and good soil.
Rhodesia has both and still they have shit in the water and destroyed the soil. When parts of Africa were colonialized, abundance prevailed. When the tribes came back in possession, they failed.
I blame Africa's problems on British colonialism.
I see any good that Africa had or has as a product of colonialism.
Did you know that Maurice Strong, Koffi Annans most trusted advisor, father of the Koyoto accord, ding bat, nutcase rich oil tycoon, (Canadian) engineer of the UN and it's network of corrupt NGO'S, administrator of WDF world development fund, Owns a huge ranch in Arizona which sits on one of the largest water Aquifiers on the continent? It's where they hold their Gaia,the "living earth" god(ess)rituals, such as the 'earth Charter' being sealed into the "Ark" and taken to the UN building in NY. He, with the help of the UN are preventing Arixzona from tapping ito that aquifier.
Yes, the UN really sucks doesn't it?
One last question John, where did you get this 300 million Africans without clean water, figure?
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