Aww shucks Lil'Runnin, ya shouldn't a 
Actually, I didn't request it, just mentioned that it was too large a topic to discuss as an interjection, but, seein as how we're here:
Over the years it has been fairly well documented that a great deal of the money donated to (seems to be mostly) African countries winds up in the pockets of some tin pot dictator or his family or his buddies.
Or the money is siphoned off as it trickles through the various bureaucracies involved. Bottom line seems to be that the most needy get the least.
Should we continue to give. Yes. Should there be the political will to
make sure that the money goes to the most needy. Most definately. So far, this doesn't seem to exist except in a few cases. Canadians drilling wells and employing basic methods such as hand pumps to ensure safe water to African communities is one example. No doubt there are others. I'm no expert on Africa. Know very little about it as a matter of fact; except that the division of wealth is skewed terribly.
Some African countries hold their populations hostage. If we don't give, they starve. If we give, the pres. buys a new personal jet, or new arms for his personal army. Thats the stuff we read about, and it leads to very deep cynicism with regards to donating. Am I way off here (wish)?
Canada eh? Ok, lets help Canadians. No one disagrees with that. Probably an increase in welfare wouldn't hurt. The ones that use it as a tool to get off welfare will do just that,and they should be encouraged to do so. The ones that don't, won't, and we're stuck with them. It makes no sense to increase the rates then make the rules so draconian that no one qualifies.
Back quite a few years ago when welfare rates were higher (in Ontario at least), I don't remember too many people quitting jobs to go on it. Probably some did. Know of any, personally?
IMHO the whole "help the people" thing has to START with a family which is able to educate their children, and have the desire to do this. Then the education has to be MADE AVAILABLE. And the education has to include TRADE COURSES as well as the much vaunted UNIVERISTY education. Everything comes from a supportive family, and a supportive government (we used to have a great apprenticeship system). On and on it's possible to go: bla bla bla.
People seem to be shellshocked these days, by the meaness inherent in our system. Long hours, low pay, McJobs, no job security, no benefits or pensions. Not exactly a way to encourage a population to excellence. Good way to pissem off. We are starting to reap this lovely whirlwind as the kids grow older, and we seem to be building more jails. This we get from NOT INVESTING in our people, but rather, using them as a commodity to provide wealth for the wealthy. Will only work for so long.
OK, just my opinions. I'm not universtity educated and my beliefs are based on life experience, access to a public library, and the internet. Help others. Yep. Help Canadians. Yep.
Go figure.
:idea:
Actually, I didn't request it, just mentioned that it was too large a topic to discuss as an interjection, but, seein as how we're here:
Over the years it has been fairly well documented that a great deal of the money donated to (seems to be mostly) African countries winds up in the pockets of some tin pot dictator or his family or his buddies.
Or the money is siphoned off as it trickles through the various bureaucracies involved. Bottom line seems to be that the most needy get the least.
Should we continue to give. Yes. Should there be the political will to
make sure that the money goes to the most needy. Most definately. So far, this doesn't seem to exist except in a few cases. Canadians drilling wells and employing basic methods such as hand pumps to ensure safe water to African communities is one example. No doubt there are others. I'm no expert on Africa. Know very little about it as a matter of fact; except that the division of wealth is skewed terribly.
Some African countries hold their populations hostage. If we don't give, they starve. If we give, the pres. buys a new personal jet, or new arms for his personal army. Thats the stuff we read about, and it leads to very deep cynicism with regards to donating. Am I way off here (wish)?
Canada eh? Ok, lets help Canadians. No one disagrees with that. Probably an increase in welfare wouldn't hurt. The ones that use it as a tool to get off welfare will do just that,and they should be encouraged to do so. The ones that don't, won't, and we're stuck with them. It makes no sense to increase the rates then make the rules so draconian that no one qualifies.
Back quite a few years ago when welfare rates were higher (in Ontario at least), I don't remember too many people quitting jobs to go on it. Probably some did. Know of any, personally?
IMHO the whole "help the people" thing has to START with a family which is able to educate their children, and have the desire to do this. Then the education has to be MADE AVAILABLE. And the education has to include TRADE COURSES as well as the much vaunted UNIVERISTY education. Everything comes from a supportive family, and a supportive government (we used to have a great apprenticeship system). On and on it's possible to go: bla bla bla.
People seem to be shellshocked these days, by the meaness inherent in our system. Long hours, low pay, McJobs, no job security, no benefits or pensions. Not exactly a way to encourage a population to excellence. Good way to pissem off. We are starting to reap this lovely whirlwind as the kids grow older, and we seem to be building more jails. This we get from NOT INVESTING in our people, but rather, using them as a commodity to provide wealth for the wealthy. Will only work for so long.
OK, just my opinions. I'm not universtity educated and my beliefs are based on life experience, access to a public library, and the internet. Help others. Yep. Help Canadians. Yep.
Go figure.
:idea:
