Make Poverty History

Like slavery and aparthied, poverty is not natural. It is manmade and it can be overcome and erradicated by the actions of human beings.
Nelson Mandela Feb 2005

The War against terror is bound up in the war against poverty

''Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of Justice. It is the protection of a fundemental human right, the right to dignity and to a decent life...

The steps that are needed from the developed nations are clear. The first is ensuring trade justice. The second is to end the debt crisis for the poorest countries. The thrid is to deliver much more aid and make sure it is of the highest quality...

The G8 Leaders, when they meet in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on the issue of poverty, especially in Africa.

I say to all those leaders: do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision...

Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.

Of course, the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up.

Make Poverty History in 2005. Make History in 2005. And then we can all stand with out heads held high.''

Nelson Mandela 2005

To Lady A and to Chris, a huge thank you for just reading about Making Poverty History and taking a step in your own town.

I wanted to add this website for those in the USA

ONE
Peace and Love

''Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of Justice. It is the protection of a fundemental human right, the right to dignity and to a decent life...

I do know that the USA gives substancial aid, yes... although it is just a fraction of what other countries give in percentage(I don't have the exact figures, but I do remember seeing them, I will try and find them) This isn't meant to be condecending or picky btw.

It isn't wrong for people to work for their money. That's why no money is being asked for. But your support, your letters, your campaigning all assists a cause for justice. Yes, making poverty history is about Africa - but its also about India and Bolivia and even your own back yard.

Its about basic human rights to be able to live, eat and be educated.

It is so very easy to be cynical over these celebraty ads. However, many of these celebraties do give money - but they are giving much more than money - they are gving up their time. It isn't just about money, its about going out to these countries and giving support. It's about supporting the people in these countires.

I do not see you as being an asshole. You are raising some extremely valid and well thought out points, without which, we could not be having this conversation on How to Make Poverty History.

And yes, you are correct, there are corrupt governements. Unfortuantely corrupt government and poverty sustain each other. To gain a fairer government, people need to be able to concentrate on more than just where their next meal is, or how to afford those vital medical expenses. The education has to be provided so that they can learn to read and understand just exactly is going on in their governments. Books, newspapers televisions and the internet need to be provided so that they can see whats happening outside their own village and country. Poor education leads to more poverty and a higher risk of illness. War and invading countries isn't always the answer because ultimately, again, the poorest people suffer. It isn't all about giving money so that these corrupt govenments can line their own pockets. It is about providing schools and teachers and books and water facilities and medical equipment so this can assist people to find out - and to be able to be educated so they can take control of their own lives and destinies. It is in a way, a war - only an intellectual one rather than a bomb all targets.

quote:

Not giving aid because there have been examples of corruption would be like closing down all companies because Enron cheated.

No need to apologise. Yes, MPH is about Dropping the Debt, but it is also about stopping poverty worldwide. It's up to us to write to our governments, take action for all people, including those like yourself who should be able and allowed to work, so that housing is affordable(not that all houses are sold off to multi nationals to line the fat cats pockets), and that children even in the rich countires like the US have not just education but EXCELLENT education that is the same as all those private schools and universities that the multinational bosses get to send their children to. That people like perverse can get the education they need without having to work all hours just to sustain her education. That the disabled have the same rights to access areas that everyone else does.

Peace and Love