National Georgraphic has a wonderful special series called 7 Billion. This month they shed a spotlight on Africa's Albertine Rift. The photographs are stunning, and the article is comprehensive and informative. It's fascinating and devastating.
There is such a pull between people try to survive, political agendas, and environmental impact. The article allows you to see the conflict from all sides- the devastating poverty, impact of political agendas, and the poor animals. It's heartbreaking. And with the rise in population, this is only one face of the problem of overpopulation.
Nat Geo offers an application for iPads (I don't have one) for free this month. I think it's a video.
I want a print of this lion picture. There is excellent commentary below each photo.
Great video, HC! We had a discussion about this issue in a thread somewhere on Menlove Avenue (probably the random discussions thread)...we were talking about how it was not so much the number of people on Earth that was the problem, but the imbalance between people and the resources.
I love how this video addresses the imbalance. Because that's truly what the problem is. We need to wake up to this, to change our consciousness about the notion of haves and have-nots and realize that unless we share this Earth, we are bound to find it uninhabitable.
__________________ All I want is the truth
Just give me some truth...
My comment wasn't aimed directly toward Africa specifically but there are places all over the world that for decades, decades and decades have been the recipients of millions of $$$ in foreign aid and charitable contributions. Many of these places due to either tradition and custom, religious beliefs, or whatever reason simply do not flourish and continue to live in poverty and misery. There comes a time when one must recognize a "lost cause" and apply their efforts elsewhere.
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Deport illegal aliens.
End birthright citizenship. www.americanpatrol.com[/color]
Last edited by darkhorse23 : Nov 20, 2011 at 11:29 AM.
My comment wasn't aimed directly toward Africa specifically but there are places all over the world that for decades, decades and decades have been the recipients of millions of $$$ in foreign aid and charitable contributions. Many of these places due to either tradition and custom, religious beliefs, or whatever reason simply do not flourish and continue to live in poverty and misery. There comes a time when one must recognize a "lost cause" and apply their efforts elsewhere.
You fear it seems like a bottomless well. But my feeling is - even if $1 of $10 makes it to a child, then it's money well spent. We might turn our backs on politicians if they are not handling things certain ways... but we cannot turn our backs on children. They did nothing.
Watch us take a more pronounced and sudden interest in West Africa, with the oil rush going on now. I bet all of a sudden, politicians will find it in their hearts to casts eyes that way.
Great video, HC! We had a discussion about this issue in a thread somewhere on Menlove Avenue (probably the random discussions thread)...we were talking about how it was not so much the number of people on Earth that was the problem, but the imbalance between people and the resources.
I love how this video addresses the imbalance. Because that's truly what the problem is. We need to wake up to this, to change our consciousness about the notion of haves and have-nots and realize that unless we share this Earth, we are bound to find it uninhabitable.
The Pope just completed a visit to Africa and addressed a spiritual game plan- like 87 pages- for Africa. He called for Africa to be the 'Spiritual lungs of the world' by establishing brotherhood in Jesus and peace.
Many of these places due to either tradition and custom, religious beliefs, or whatever reason simply do not flourish and continue to live in poverty and misery. There comes a time when one must recognize a "lost cause" and apply their efforts elsewhere.
That's what I was afraid you meant. Dude, you can't just give up on millions of humans like that. Especially when the problem is most often NOT caused by actions on their part. From the Washington Post earlier this year:
Quote:
But when aid is wasted, it’s more often a result of stateside congressional inefficiency. For example, Congress mandates that 75 percent of all U.S. international food aid be shipped aboard U.S. flagged vessels — ships registered in the United States. A study by several researchers at Cornell University concluded that this subsidy of elite U.S. shipping companies cost American taxpayers $140 million in unnecessary transportation costs during 2006 alone.
The Government Accountability Office noted that between 2006 and 2008, U.S. food aid funding increased by nearly 53 percent, but the amount of food delivered actually decreased by 5 percent. Why? Because our food aid policies are swayed by an agribusiness lobby that stresses buying American, not buying cheaply.
On this day of Thanksgiving, we can't help but be grateful for our bounty. No matter our circumstances, we in this country have much to be thankful for. But we can't forget those who are less fortunate. Ever.
__________________ All I want is the truth
Just give me some truth...
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National Geographic: 7 Billion
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