poverty & politics

Poverty is a massive, complex issue. One of the ways that we can combat this is by using the resources and leverage that our nation has been so incredibly blessed with to work towards eradicating this tragedy of the largest proportions. As the US Presidential election nears, take a few moments to educate yourself on what each of the major party candidates are committing to in the fight against poverty if they are elected, by following the link below. These are uncertain and challenging times indeed, and it is important to remember that the people who are hit hardest are the poor.

McCain's and Obama's Public Commitments To Address Global Poverty

free trade or fair trade or both

A popular debate that has been building momentum in the realm of academics and pop stars alike is the discussion of free trade versus fair trade. In general terms, this has been an issue that people most likely know exists but do not know the facts or are not interested. However, in the international realm it impacts entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals, especially the poor, in real ways.

In the era of globalization, the world has become a much smaller place than it was 50 years ago. The market place has expanded which has allowed businesses of all shapes and sizes to increase their customer base. This interdependence and the free flow of goods and services across state lines and even borders is referred to as the free market. Free trade is tightly associated with the free market because without the physical act of those goods and services being transferred from the producer to the consumer, the free market cannot exist.

The development of the free market and free trade are good things because they allow consumers to dictate what the prices are and what is produced. If free trade is such a positive thing, then fair trade must therefore be negative right? This is the opinion I have come across in several circles, which is formulated before any knowledge about what fair trade is can be communicated or researched. According to the Fairtrade Foundation, 'fair trade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.' They go on to say, 'by requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers.' Simply put, fair trade seeks to better the lives of the poor and other weak producers by providing them with a market so that those individuals' or businesses' products can be purchased.

To some this may sound like a manipulation of the free market. Before jumping to conclusions though, lets look at why small businesses or individuals that do not produce large quantities need assistance in order to sell their products and therefore earn a profit. In an ideal free market situation, consumers would be able to choose want they want to purchase and producers would constantly be battling each other and the prices within that free market to earn the profit from that consumer. However, government interference can influence the events that take place within the free market that can allow weak producers to have just as much of a chance to earn a profit as strong producers. An example of this interference that impacts the poor are subsidies. A subsidy is a form of financial assistance given to a business or economic sector. Subsidies are used to help a business that may normally fail in a free market environment, or to encourage economic excitement in a sector that may not have seen any. In America, our agriculture industry is heavily subsidized. The principle of subsidies was first developed and put into action during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Their role in sustaining the agriculture industry presently however is minimal. American agriculture subsidies currently cost taxpayers $35 billion annually, while the average American farm household brings in $79,000 annually. It is easy to see how even without subsidies, American farmers would be just fine. Subsidies are not necessary in our day and age, and most importantly these subsidies allow farmers that are receiving them to artificially lower prices below what they would be in a true free market environment which does not give smaller farmers and producers in developing nations an opportunity to compete. Now tell me, which is manipulation?

I am in favor of the free market and free trade because pragmatically, it is efficient. I am also in favor of alleviating poverty by allowing small producers an opportunity to fairly establish a market and earn a profit. If subsidies did not exist, the market could operate how it should which would provide the poor with an avenue to sell their products and ultimately earn a profit. Therefore the debate of free trade versus fair trade is quite unnecessary because what proponents of 'fair trade' want is simply for smaller producers to have just as much opportunity to sell their products as large farmers and corporations do which in fact is free trade. Until the manipulation of the market through subsidies for example is abolished, we as consumers must continue to voice our opinion with our money and purchase fair trade products. Give the poor an opportunity...

Where to buy fair trade certified products

people need people

Two of the most tragic characteristics of this generation are complacency and loneliness. They each have deep roots and impact how our society operates, thinks, and lives. Today I was reminded of the cure for at least one of these characteristics, if not both. People can often be frustrating and difficult to love, however creating and sustaining vibrant relationships with others can be one of the most wonderful aspects of life. Basically, people need people. Humans were made to be relational because we were created by a relational creator. I think many times it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget why we are here surrounded by other people. With iPods, cell phones, and computers it would be quite an easy task to avoid speaking to another human for an entire day, perhaps even an entire week. This is why loneliness is so prevalent in our society. As we increase our standard of living and continue to innovate new toys, our dependency on others decreases. It becomes harder and harder for us to connect with people because it is easier to simply check out than to engage in a fruitful conversation. In order for we as humans to personally grow and understand our creator better, we must put down the remote control and seek out people that will challenge us in new and exciting ways. We all have had tremoltuous times in our lives and in most cases those situations were easier to deal with when friends and family rallied to support us. We cannot continue on this journey we call life alone so rely on a friend and be a friend..combat loneliness today.

one campaign

ONE is a nonpartisan organization that is working to eliminate poverty in the poorest areas of the world. This group of people does some amazing things in the fight against global poverty. They especially do wonderful work in the area of advocacy. By educating the American public and our leaders, ONE aims at changing the face of poverty permanently. Last night Tom Brokaw moderated the Presidential debate in Nashville, Tennessee. A petition was signed by 122,000 ONE members requesting Mr. Brokaw to ask the candidates a question about global poverty. This did not happen, which was disappointing to the ONE campaign and the 2.4 million people that are part of this movement. The current economic situation in our nation is obviously a priority among most Americans and it should be. However it is also important to remember the 3 billion people who live on less than $2.50 a day. We are an incredibly blessed people and their is no reason that other human beings should not be able to experience the same freedoms and joys that we do. Our nation has many resources and a lot of influence. It is time to use those resources and influence to wage a new war against hunger..thirst..poverty. Thanks to the work that ONE and organizations like it do, this dream is on its way to becoming reality. Join the revolution..

ONE campaign

the forgotten country

The only two things that Westerners most likely know about Somalia is that it is in Africa somewhere and it served as the setting for the movie Black Hawk Down. The capital of Somalia, Mogadishu was once a vibrant community because of its location on the Indian Ocean. Today though the lobby group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that it is 'the most ignored tragedy' in the world. Somalia has been without a central government since 1991 when the then President Siad Barre was overthrown by opposing clans. Without a central government in place, chaos and violence have become the norm which leaves normal Somalians constantly struggling to survive. HRW said that if a similar situation was occuring anywhere else in the world, like Lebanon or Georgia, it would be considered a travesty and international bodies would quickly move to ensure their stability. This is absolutely true. Can you imagine what the response would be if this kind of fighting and human rights abuse was occurring in a region like eastern Europe? This is another excellent example of how Somalia and Africa as a whole are completely neglected. The fact is that this region is of no geopolitical consequence to the United States or any other Western state. Time and time again, we hear of atrocities occuring to human beings in the most unstable area of the world and nothing is done. It can be frustrating to see so much suffering occur in a world that has so much. What needs to happen for poverty and situations like the one in Somalia right now to become a priority for the international community? Until this question is resolved, Somalia will most likely remain the forgotten country and Africa the forgotten continent. However, we must have hope that love will conquer hate and that suffering can and should be defeated. How I am using my energies today to work towards this?

source: bbc news

the burning of the heart

In many ways, fire represents life. For our earliest ancestors the benefits were very tangible. In modern terms fire may represent a more aesthetic pleasing element, perhaps even something spiritual. As living and breathing beings, humans are constantly pursuing the fire that thrives within their heart. It may be different for each individual, or some may share a similar fire that burns. Whatever it is, what burns in our heart will be reflected through our actions, our words, our life. I was challenged recently to truly discover what it is that my heart burns for, the reason I live. Though this may seem like quite a simple inquisition, it proves to be much more a haunting thought that requires contemplation. This is so because the answer to this question provides one with an honest assessment of where they stand in their personal growth. If people were honest with themselves, like I have attempted to be, they might find that seeking the answer to this question is a crucial piece to progressing on this journey and can be convicting. Fire consumes, and therefore what occupies our heart and burns there will permeate every aspect of our lives whether emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Fire also spreads, and everything within reach cannot help but become part of the fire. Sharing similar characteristics with fire, the desires of our hearts can obviously have incredible influence over others. The question I have posed for myself knowing the power of what burns in my heart is what has burned there, what will burn there, and for what purpose? Life is precious. Discover what truly burns in your heart and don't let it die out.

America reaching its peak?

With the United States experiencing difficulties in regards to its' financial markets, some people have taken the opportunity to pose an interesting question. Is the United States beginning to lose its' superpower status? One such critic is political philosopher John Gray formerly of the London School of Economics, who has stated recently that a great geopolitical shift is occurring and the balance of power in the world "is being altered irrevocably." Other supporters of Professor Gray's viewpoint argue that the way America has stretched itself militarily, its humongous national deficit, and the rise of new international powers are also role players in the idea that America has reached its peak. It is impossible to know whether these critics have always been critics of the United States and are just using the recent crisis to provide themselves with a platform to speak from, or if these are honest concerns from highly educated and experienced individuals. Regardless, I agree with Dr. Robin Niblett of the British think-tank Chatham House who has said we must wait and see what unfolds and how the American government and its people react to this crisis. Sure it is disappointing that we would let ourselves get into this predicament by not living within our means. Yes the idea of the government getting involved and inevitably increasing our deficit can be nerve wracking. Yup our military actions have cost a lot of money and have not been incredibly popular. However, it is safe to assume that this financial crisis will not be the only reason that this country may falter. Furthermore, our actions now and what we do in the future will ultimately be the deciding factor. Hopefully we will learn from this experience and look back a year from now and be able to say that we dealt with that well and are now ready to continue in our efforts to contribute to the global economy.

source: bbc news