decot@cwruecmp.UUCP (Dave Decot) (02/15/84)
We need to send SOME of our surplus food to developing nations, not ALL of it, because that would be bad for our country in hard times. While it is very necessary to help developing nations develop better, through agricultural, technical, and birth control education, it is also necessary to FEED them until they can feed themselves. This would NOT require a devastating reduction of our food surplus. I disagree with Scott Renner who says that such people would be resistant to change after having free aid, they WANT to help themselves as much as we do. I reiterate my contention that our relationship should be as a good parent, who encourages independence and self-reliance. Spoiling a nation is just as easy as spoiling a child, but she won't become spoiled if you don't spoil her. Giving away free food solves nothing by itself, but people learn better when they're healthy and nourished. There is nothing mysterious or subtle about that. This strategy has substantial promise, and all it requires is food, teachers, and, in countries where there are exploited workers, trade union organizers. I know a lot of people dislike union activity in the United States, because that is seen as one of the causes of our economic troubles, and I agree, to some extent. But the situation is much different in developing countries, where it is easy get laborers who will work long days for a few dollars a week. An added benefit of producing healthy, happy, unrepressed people is that they are easier to govern, and have less reason to listen to want revolution. There is less violent crime when people have what they need. These points seem so obvious to me, but I'm in no position to do anything about it but sponsor organizations like CARE and Christian Children's Fund. I invite well-mannered agreement or refutation. Flame me if it makes you feel better, but I won't answer unless you're polite. If I'm an ignorant twit, tell me why I'm wrong, but don't just tell me I'm an ignorant twit. Dave Decot "Miss Manners is a person, too." decvax!cwruecmp!decot (Decot.Case@rand-relay)
saquigley@watmath.UUCP (Sophie Quigley) (02/17/84)
Re: organisations to sponsor conserning the hunger problem. I think that OXFAM or Inter-Pares (a canadian organisation) are much better organisations to sponsor that the ones that have been proposed (CARE or the Christian Children's Fund). These organisations focus much more on helping third world country devellop self-sufficiency skills rather than simply giving them food. Check them out, not all charities are equal. Sophie Quigley watmath!saquigley