gkd  

Re: [GKD] The Global Development Gateway

Jim Cory
Thu, 20 Sep 2001 17:47:17 -0700

Hi Michael and others,

I see your point about the Gateway being based on an unsustainable model
and perhaps suffering from non-inclusion of un-official development
initiatives.

Personally, I have subscribed to the community's alerts on the site and
have found them relevant and informative.  It's like having a search
engine out there bringing in references as they are found without my
having to make much effort.  While not necessarily directly related to
my work, they add context to it and describe a portion of the realm of
possibilities. While this may not lead to web sustainability, it has
been useful.

My main comment, however, has to do with the current myopia regarding
the effects of recent events in New York on development.  Something
basic has changed in the world, and it affects everything we do from now
on.  One response is to ignore the magnitude of the change and go on as
normal, doing what we have been.  As positive a thing as that is for
those in development, it disregards the cold hard fact that we are at a
critical juncture in time.

If people are powerless, under-fed, and have no meaningful educational
or employment opportunities, they are much more vulnerable to
recruitment in causes that offer power and belonging at the expense of
others.  By examining our goals for development, we may find that in
light of the current world order some of them may not be as relevant. 
If we hope to come through this time further along the path to
development equality we need to focus on that which will strengthen the
foundation before the entire structure is toppled.

Jim Cory
IT/GIS Analyst
GeoAnalytics, Inc.
1716 Fordem Ave
Madison, Wi 53704-4604
608-241-7100
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.geoanalytics.com



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