Comments on: Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty

By: Roland Hesz

Roland Hesz — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:20:01 +0000

I joined kiva for exactly the same reason.
But, I don’t agree with the “give them food” solution. Give them a chance to grow their own food, to sell their own products.
That means that no food donations should be done, honestly.

No farmer can sell his grain if you have free UN grain on the market.
You can’t compete with free. And if the farmer can’t sell the grain, he will stop being a farmer and goes to the city. To be a poor, starving factory worker. Or an unemployed homeless.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,363663,00.html

Help these countries build their own market, like in they started in Ethiopia.
A lot of times starvation is not because there is not enough food, or land, but because there is not enough information, no market, no order to it.

(http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/elene_gabre_madhin_on_ethiopian_economics.html)

I don’t believe in the give a fish, I believe in the teach them and let them fish.

By: Ellen Weber

Ellen Weber — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:29 +0000

Oh I love the notion of writing it as HISTORY rather than a continuing problem, Karen! Let’s take yet another step today to make that closer to a reality! Thanks for the inspiration!

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:06:14 +0000

Hi David, you are so right! Sometimes we may not see it, but we really do have so much. We live like royalty compared to so many others in the world. It really helps to balance the perspective.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:04:45 +0000

Hi Ellen! It’s so nice to see you here. I’ve been enjoying your comments over at Word Sell. Hope really does make the difference, doesn’t it? There are so many things that we have collectively solved, I look forward to the day when we can write this as history and not a continuing problem.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:33:02 +0000

Janice, you and others from the gulf region are such a wonderful testament to the human spirit. Yes, we can count our blessings. It’s amazing how your perspective changes after losing so much. I know that even if I only have a $20 bill to give, it’s worth giving. By the way I was blown away watching the evolving colors of your piece. I have learned so much from you about the creative process. Bless you for sharing!

Karen Swims last blog post..Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:29:38 +0000

Hey Melissa! Your post was so powerful today! It is heartwarming to see that so many care. The Fair Trade is awesome. I too am a huge fan of conscious spending and to know that purchasing Fair Trade truly does change a village (or community) is powerful!

Karen Swims last blog post..Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:28:00 +0000

Hi Jamie! Yes microlending totally rocks! I love Kiva and do give there but have also participated in other efforts, small change – big difference. Just doesn’t get any better.

Karen Swims last blog post..Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:25:57 +0000

Brad, I cannot describe the feeling of giving to Kiva. You’re so right it’s easier with a team. Go Team World!

Karen Swims last blog post..Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:23:51 +0000

Hi Robyn, isn’t it astounding! The hunger numbers just slice through me. We can make a difference, and I say thank goodness for that!

Karen Swims last blog post..Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:22:40 +0000

Hey Robert thank you! The Fair Trade goods are awesome. The Body Shop was one of the leaders in this industry. It is a good feeling to know that the dollars you’re spending are actually doing good.

Karen Swims last blog post..Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty