What'sThe Problem?

       The information that we receive in this class continually reminds me of how much I don't know about the world around me and at the same time I am shown the access that I have to information that will continue to broaden my scope of awareness. I am reminded of my desire for this desire I have to keep growing in my awareness as I read Jeffrey Sachs piece Global Economic Solidarity. I thought this was a beautifully written explanation of what the real issues are around the poverty and hunger that so many people are facing around the world.

       It has been my understanding that the main reason people are still starving particularly in Africa is corruption on the governments part. We may be doing our part to help get food and other supplies to those in need but the government leaders or whoever else may be in charge is blocking our efforts. This idea of corruption while it may be an issue is not showing us the larger picture. Having this belief that our efforts are continually impeded by those in power has left me feeling very disheartened and left me feeling like any support I may want to give will be pointless. Even on NPR I hear how relief packages are blocked and no one is receiving the food and supplies that are so desperately needed.

       This article gave me a whole new understanding of what is going on and left me with a feeling of hope. Jeffrey Sachs points out that, "These challenges-food production, disease control, weak infrastructure, burgeoning populations-are not caused by corruption but by ecology, by history, and by the vicious cycle of extreme poverty itself. He then goes on to talk about each of these issues and how easy it can be to solve them through financial support from wealthy nations that is more than just token, easily accessible technology, proper medical care and education to name a few. He then talks about why these easy solutions have not been implemented due to a lack of trust and solidarity.

       I really appreciated Sachs straightforward and honest approach to this challenging issue. He was very clear as to what is happening and how devastating it is while at the same time giving us very practical solutions that we are all responsible for. I feel like he just broke down a huge wall in providing this message but in a gentle way that keeps me and hopefully others listening. I now want to get this message out to others so that we can continue to break the illusion of helplessness.