Why Is Africa Still Poor

the nation ^ | October 6, 2005 | Andrew Rice

[flixxx]

A 5-page-long read, but I was surprised by the points raised by Rice (especially coming from 'the nation'). One of his main points (which is in opposition to Jeffrey Sachs) is that the politics are corrupt and until this changes, no matter how much money you pour into Africa, it won't matter.

I just find this rather refreshing coming from a publication like 'the nation'.

Of course, I remember PJ O'Rourke wrote basically the same thing (though more eloquently) in his book "All the Trouble in the World" years ago.

[SteveMcKing]

Why won't people listen to Bono?

If only we gave MORE....

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

Too many words. Let's try the short form:

Why Is Africa Still Poor - TRIBALISM

[PistolPaknMama]

the politics are corrupt and until this changes, no matter how much money you pour into Africa, it won't matter.

Duuuhhh bump??

[IronJack]

I was going to suggest "primitive", but I think you've nailed it as well.

[msf92497]

Greed.
Corruption.
Lack of self government.
Foreign aid.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

"Why Is Africa Still Poor"

If one has to ask the question, they will never understand the answer.

[taxesareforever]

Why Is Africa Still Poor - TRIBALISM

And what is the matter with that? If that is the way people want to live who are we to say differently? Just because our way of life is more civilized doesn't mean we should try and change theirs when it seems as if most are happy with the way things are.

[Jim Noble]

Why Is Africa Still Poor

Because Africa invents nothing, develops nothing, manufactures nothing, and produces nothing.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

I didn't say it was good nor bad, I just gave the answer in one word.

[GSHastings]

And what is the matter with that? If that is the way people want to live who are we to say differently? Just because our way of life is more civilized doesn't mean we should try and change theirs when it seems as if most are happy with the way things are.

You're joking, right?

If you're not joking, then the answer to your question is; Because we continue to pour million$ of our resources into fixing the problems that result from "the way things are".

[taxesareforever]

And what is the matter with that? If that is the way people want to live who are we to say differently? Just because our way of life is more civilized doesn't mean we should try and change theirs when it seems as if most are happy with the way things are. You're joking, right? If you're not joking, then the answer to your question is; Because we continue to pour million$ of our resources into fixing the problems that result from "the way things are".

Sounds to me like it is US who have the problem and not the Africans. We should know better about throwing money at problems. Just look at the education system. You would think we would learn. But we don't. This country has a mind set that all problems can be cured with money.

[tfecw]

For those who haven't read this one yet.
Here is why Africa is poor

I agree politics have a big part to play in it, but that will start to go away when we stop dropping dollar bills from airplanes.

[JSteff]

"All the Trouble in the World"

The book that made me realize fully that I was a conservative.

One year I gave copies to everyone in my whole family for Christmas.

[tamalejoe]

Try this for an explanation as to what ails Africa...

[AndyTheBear]

...he politics are corrupt and until this changes, no matter how much money you pour into Africa, it won't matter.

I only made it through the first page. Did he ever opine that it might actually be the money pouring in that keeps the government corrupt and the economy stagnant?

[Wil H]

Because Africa invents nothing, develops nothing, manufactures nothing, and produces nothing.

But it has gold, silver, diamonds, and plenty of other natural resources, so what is the problem?

[dr huer]

Africa is too damn hot. Productive daytime work is stolen by midnight marauders. Thus a self destructive culture evolves since stealing is easier than working.

[A CA Guy]

Exactly.

[AndyTheBear]

About this other analysis: the guy should quit holding back, and come out and say what he really means<\sarcasm off>