Posted on 06/17/2002 9:56:20 AM PDT by Clive
We just never learn.
Over the weekend, neophyte Finance Minister (and deputy PM) John Manley reveled in his accomplishment of getting the finance ministers of the world's seven wealthiest countries to agree that $22 billion US should be earmarked for the world's poorest countries.
This agreement in Halifax will be presented to the closed-door meeting on June 26-27 at Kananaskis, Alta., of the Group of Eight (G8) world leaders -- presuming, of course, that the swarm of anti-everything protesters is prevented from derailing the conference.
"If we want to live in a world of peace, we must confront the world of need," Manley said -- meaning Africa, most of which is a social, economic and political basket case.
Whether Manley's glee at the agreement reflects his thinking, or whether he is loyally echoing Prime Minister Chretien's personal "initiative" to be the saviour of Africa, is unknown. Whatever, throwing more money at Africa seems to collide with Manley's previous views that countries should carry their own weight and be accountable and responsible. The argument over aid money is whether it should be in loans or grants -- that is, gifts, non-repayable, free. If one looks at Africa objectively, aid has been a curse for Africans and a bonanza for tyrants.
Aid has enabled local dictators to funnel resources into the things they want most -- guns, security, soldiers, limousines, foreign bank accounts, payoffs to cronies. Canada and others, have forgiven loans instead of insisting on repayment -- hence we get the Mobutus, Mugabes and Mengistus of Africa, who repress their people and violate the concept of democracy and decency.
No one argues against aid in the form of schools, hospitals and such. But sovereign countries have got to learn to fend for themselves, and not rely on the begging bowl. At home, banks don't -- or shouldn't -- give loans to people who are likely to default and are bad risks.
No cash for dictators
Governments should not give loans or grants to dictatorships that spit on our concept of democracy and refuse to abide by civilized laws of civilized nations. Aid should go only to countries where governments work towards the betterment of their people, where they have choice and can better their lives by their own efforts and not rely on handouts.
If that were G8 policy, the world would eventually become a better, more productive place, where poverty and tyranny would diminish.
But we don't do this. We, or our leaders, salve their consciences with feel-good gifts and don't think of the consequences. Good parents teach their kids responsibility, but too often these same parents don't require minimum accountability from countries to which we send aid.
Those who get their kicks from protesting the concept of a global economy are a mixed bag: Obsolete Marxists; unionists who fear contracts going to poor countries; so-called environmentalists who think no farther than the next protest; global-warming types who are passionate believers in Armageddon without evidence; dopey revolutionaries in search of a cause.
The G8 leaders, if they truly want to help the world's poor, should look at why their own countries prospered, and should encourage a similar philosophy in the under-developed world. Most thrive under democratic capitalism, with democracy, or freedom of choice, the most important aspect. Elections in a one-party state are meaningless; no loans or grants should go to regimes that don't trust their people to choose their leaders or way of life. That would encourage democracy and enable people to help themselves.
For those who seek world peace and security, it might be pointed out that no democracy, ever, has gone to war against another democracy.
John Manley might consider that truism, even though it may be a bit inconvenient for his boss.
Moments like this, thoughts from you, I just wanna' go out and shout Oh Canada and hug a maple leaf!
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