Tannishblog

Ah, Aid to Africa, and not a moment too soon. Rather, it is uncountable moments too late for millions of people. Our favorite Shrubbery met with the leaders of five African nations and told them just what he thinks they want to hear. What I hear is more lies. And somewhere in my head I also hear Bush Senior saying, “Read my lips…”

We haven’t the money to be pledging to Africa. To do so honestly we would have to divert some fund from Iraq. How likely it that? No one can honestly say Europe’s southern neighbor doesn’t need the money. No one can honestly say the money, if we had it, would be used wisely.

I say – as wacky as it sounds – give the people the Internet, and let them form their own societies within the emerging global democracy that is cyberspace. Then they can connect with people like Bono and Bob Geldof, who could steer even more money their way, and release them from their bondage to western governments and financial institutions. Who says slavery is dead?

To hear our feckless leader vow aid to Africa is like hearing his pledge a Texas Ranger hats (and I don’t mean baseball) to everyone on the planet. Both are equally likely: don’t hold your breath.

In our world of Dogma and heresay, it is good to remember that humanity has always struggled against these issues. Good, because our current world problems are not unique to our times. Good because there is a way out, as enumerated by a very wise man over 2500 years ago:

Believe nothing because a wise man said it.
Believe nothing because it is generally held.
Believe nothing because it is written.
Believe nothing because it is said to be divine
Believe nothing because someone else believes it.
But believe only what you yourself judge to be true.

- The Buddha

Good because the way out is simple - if not easy. Think about it.