Dear GKD Members: Responding to Sam Lanfranco's recent posting it's important to add some clarity to this discussion; perhaps even some sanity. I suspect some of these comments may not be politically correct to some, but if we are in fact going to solve serious problems, we have to have a clear view of the reality.
1. I too have serious reservations about the Live Aid and Live-8 and this approach. But let's keep in mind that this recent effort was mostly about raising awareness of the issues and applying pressure on the G-8 for action. Let's not read more into it than what it is. It was not about specifics as to solving all the problems of Africa nor was it about entertaining those living in, nor from, Africa. It was to draw attention. And it is not unreasonable that the selection of music and musicians was aimed at those targeted for gaining their attention. 2. If we're going to address debt forgiveness and move forward in a positive manner, ending corruption and accountability have to be addressed front and center. And focusing on those that are deserving as opposed to those who are not, is also mandatory. We've already wasted literally billions of dollars from the north, and without these components being addressed, we will simply ensure we waste billions more, and accomplish less than we all desire. First rule of holes, if you are in one, stop digging. If all we do is forgive debt on some unconditional basis, we should not be surprised that nothing changes. And we need change! 3. All humans have a tendency for survival, and the extension of humans in the forms of businesses and NGOs is no different. If that is viewed as self-serving, so be it. But it misses the point. We all are; and so what? The issue is abuses, be it from the north or the south. It's about contributions to the solution, be it from those living in the north or the south. Personally I'm a bit tired of this north is bad; south is good orientation that seems to permeate some of these recent discussions. 4. And the points made with regards to giving those in Africa a voice is right on point. But here too it's not a solution in itself. And in truth the biggest obstacle to this voice is not just an issue caused by the north, but also must include the rather long string of corrupt and unaccountable leaders of the south. Yes, the colonists left a nasty legacy. But more recently so have many of the so-called leaders of these countries that have acted irresponsibly and gave their people no voice at all for decades running. 5. I suspect slogans and branding have value, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that even the best most accurate slogan will solve much of anything. This is a very complex set of interrelated issues, and the truth is, collectively we simply to date do not have all the right answers to yield a broad-based, long-term, sustainable difference in many of these situations. We can admit that. And we should do this long before we blame other. While this may sound a bit harsh and critical, the facts are we have had this discussion for decades with only modest real movement. We need to move forward with more fresh thinking. And hopefully we can collectively be working on this. Darrell Owen ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
