9.08.2005
Crumbs from the Table
It was just two years ago that President Bush launched his initiative to fight global AIDS. To noone's surprise there were strings attached. The money, instead of going to buy medicines for the greatest possible number of people, would have to flow back to the most profitable industry in the world; pharmaceutical corporations. Today, the government announced that it had approved the generic version of a second antiretroviral for use overseas. But not in the States, where the cost of HIV medicines can overwhelm people who are uninsured and struggling with their health. Why are we playing games with patronage while thousands of people are dying every day?
9.02.2005
Nice and Rich
This is Kofi Annan's spokesman, commenting on Katrina and reported by CNN:
"The American people, who have always been the most generous in responding to disasters in other parts of the world, have now themselves suffered a grievous blow."
This is a very politic phrasing; while the American government is dead last among industrialized countries in official overseas aid, giving 0.16% of GNP, American individuals and NGOs sent overseas twice as much money in 2004 as their government.
Our leaders like to point out that in absolute terms we give more than other nations and that private donors make important contributions worldwide, but there is no cause for self-congratulation. Perhaps that is why Australia is donating $7.6 million to the Red Cross and not to FEMA.
"The American people, who have always been the most generous in responding to disasters in other parts of the world, have now themselves suffered a grievous blow."
This is a very politic phrasing; while the American government is dead last among industrialized countries in official overseas aid, giving 0.16% of GNP, American individuals and NGOs sent overseas twice as much money in 2004 as their government.
Our leaders like to point out that in absolute terms we give more than other nations and that private donors make important contributions worldwide, but there is no cause for self-congratulation. Perhaps that is why Australia is donating $7.6 million to the Red Cross and not to FEMA.
Hit Counter
