Comments on: Hlaing Tharyar West Project

by: miles

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:56:31 +0000

Cid,
Thank you, a lovely comment. Couldn’t agree more….

Miles

by: Cid

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:32:03 +0000

Miles,

If only all humans could have the best of life’s basic requirements and it wouldn’t matter if they didn’t want to join in with the money grabbing tactics of the West. Trouble is in every culture there’s always a corrupt, selfish element who will exploit everyone where possible….. channeled in the right direction over here we’d call it a ruthless business sense and hand out a top notch job and solid gold pension

Here’s to you and your efforts to help a little person who really needs it.

Cid

by: Glitter Monkey (Lynn)

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:02:53 +0000

I really regret that there is no solution to many of these problems. No matter how unpalatable it is to us “Westerners” I really believe that we have no right to interfere with another Country. We should take a Star Trek “Prime Directive” stance!!

On a separate but related note (for anyone still wondering why we “rescued” the Country from the Taliban) - isn’t is peculiar that it’s just come to light that Afghanistan has oil!!

Lol Lynn♥

by: miles

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:05:53 +0000

Lynn,
Thanks for a great comment, this is a real issue isn’t it? These poor countries which have been ravaged by war, famine and climate issues are all too often run by corrupt politicians squeezing the finances for all they’re worth. But what’s the answer? Do we impose our Western belief’s on them as we have tried (and failed) to do in Iraq and Afghanistan? But you’re right, why pay money into something you end up questioning the legitimacy of?

Miles

by: Glitter Monkey (Lynn)

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:28:07 +0000

I totally second every comment by Anne - especially the non-reporting aspect. People should be kept informed how aid is channelled into various sectors. It does seem as though our planet is a little pi**ed off at the moment though doesn’t it??!!

The corruption problem is indeed a very valid one though - and the perception of it unfortunately is usually true. My husband has worked in many different parts of South America and Africa and encountered it first-hand in many places - although he did make the comment that in Africa at least they were up front about it whereas in Brazil the Government tries for the perception of legitimacy and instead introduces “fees” for everything - same, same!! When I hear his stories of terrible deprivation I feel selfishly glad to be living in Britain!!
Lol Lynn ♥

by: miles

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:30:43 +0000

Anne,
A great coment, very valid points indeed. I sometimes feel as though we are waiting for one disaster to ‘top’ another. The news has focused on Pakistan and it is indeed an horrendous tradgedy but what of Niger? The problem with Niger is that it is a peniless state in the African continent and that’s that.
People need to have trust/faith in both government and aid agencies if public help is to be maintained and I think they’ve some way to go on this.
The problem is when a government has a self inflicted label for corruption the public simply do not trust where their money will end up. That in itself is a tradgedy.

Miles

by: Anne

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:17:26 +0000

Miles,
It is as we often say that today’s news (good or bad) are tomorrow’s fish and chip paper.
We hear of disasters and unless we are affected we tend to forget about the aftermass.
I think that the media should take a wider and more responsible role in their reporting. They, together with aid agencies, should provide periodical updates on these areas. When people in their generosity give help and support they should know what respective governments have provided and how aid has been implemented.
Huge amounts of monies have been given to disaster funds and development aid but too little reporting has shown us the outcome. People will lose faith and willingness to support.
Best wishes to May Mi Mi.
Anne