The End Of Poverty: At First Glance

I don’t tend to read the forwards to too many books, but hell Bono wrote it so why not?  He starts with this line, “Hunger, disease, the waste of lives that is extreme poverty are an affront to all of us.”  This indeed sounds as if it should be true.  I suppose he did his job I was sold on trying to read this book now.

My first attempt to read this book has not gone well, I must be sold on a book or an idea before I start doing the research or reading necessary to be “in tune” with the concept.  I was not very sold on this topic because I am extremely un-mercy gifted (I lack any mercy) and I hate giving (mostly to people I don’t know, if a friend needs twenty bucks sure, but Jim Bo the Hobo, not so much go get your booze money from someone else).  I found myself not so much drawn by the topic but the argument (if you know me I love to question and argue to a fault).  So there I was, sitting at work bored of counting weapons and what not and I decided a quick trip to the on base library could do me some good.  I got there and I couldn’t get the book out of my mind so I looked for it, found it and rented it… …err, leased it, no wait I think the term is borrowed.  I took it home and looked at it over the next few days refusing to pick it up, but I finally broke down and picked it up.  My friend Brett posted this on his blog, you can find him at the following places (www.bretttilford.com, http://getnectar.com, http://twitter.com/bretttilford) I read his blog and then made a few comments and then realized I had no place commenting on a subject I new little about.  It was with that in mind that I truly sat down to read this book today.  I was okay with everything up until I read this line: “…he knows the problem is not one of infrastructure or logistics or adherence.  He knows that the problem is simply that the world has seen fit to look away as hundreds of impoverished Malawians die this day as a result of their poverty.” WOW! Are you serious, Mr Sachs?  No one has ever bothered to lend a helping hand to those struggling with poverty and disease?  What about the people like my Friend Josh R. (if that link doesn’t work: jrunnels.blogspot.com should get you there) or the great people like Jeremy and Jennifer Price  (www.jeremynjenprice.blogspot.com).  Or how about people like you and Bono, Mr. Sachs?  ooohh wait wait, what about the $500 BILLION that has already been sent there, what has that done?  made like 3 wells, two schools and a ton of warlords rich!!  Don’t try to tell me that the “…world has seen fit to turn away…” The world has done plenty it is time for you, Malawi, to step up, stop hurting yourself, stop the in fighting, if you truly cared about your country then instead of being corrupt and thinking of yourselves as individuals think of yourselves as a community of people that should join together, dig your own wells, find something you can contribute to the world (aside from HUGE aids numbers) and start building your economy.  Yes I know that you have tons of people sick and unable to work.  but there must be some that can group together and really start traveling the country and building improvements.  I don’t claim to have the answers but I know that when you live your life as a victim you will always be the victim!

I have not finished the book and I will try, but if this book is just another “is me, look at this sickly child, give me your money….” I will most assuredly return it to the library with out finishing.

Okay with that said, new topic.  Another book I have been reading is, “Men in Black.” No not the movie with will smith in it, but a book about the supreme court and some of the problems or should I say the wrong turns it has taken.  I am not speaking about specific cases in the sense of right and wrong.  I am merely speaking to the fact that cases that have been seen are not something that the supreme court should be discussing.  They are to defend the constitution, they were not created to make new laws (which they have).  I am still not very well versed on the subject so this is mostly a request that you comment with your opinions, thoughts, ideas and such as I continue to read more and do my due diligence.

Who are They polling?

I was reading the USA Today and it said by a 3-1 margin, Americans are okay with big government. Did I miss something? These Americans said they were okay with big government “…so long as It backed out..” ummm can anyone tell me what the governent has ever taken control of and then simply walked away from with no strings attatched? One a word, Nothing!!! The GOV is like that childrens book, “If you give a mouse a cookie.” They will ask for milk, a couch and your bed and favorite teddy bear to sleep with.

America was not founded to have large GOV control of everyhing. Here is what the GOV should concern itself with (pay attention Barry O.): The safety of this country (the military which means you should probably stop cutting funding), and up holding the law. Economics should be monitered not controlled, it will always work itself out. Education- where the real history is taught not the presiding opinions of the “leadership”. Energy is acxeptible, not the regulating but how we can better use it in our daily lives.

I do not usually way in on this topic, but I felt I must.