Over at the German-language version (
Medienkritik Online) of
Davids Medienkritik, Paul13 (of
nobloodforsauerkraut) posted recently on
third-world development and referenced the Live-8 concert. Specifically, he echoed the concerns of Kenyan economist James Shikwati that economic aid to African countries ends up in the hands of officials. Surprisingly, he for once believes a Spiegel-Online interview.
As
Capitain Ed liveblogged a conference call with Sir Bob Geldorf, I think this should allay some fears that Paul had, especially in regard to the money getting into the wrong hands. Of course, it seems logical that the money goes to pay for the beaurocracies and corrupt officials in poor countries when we speak of normal aid, but if it would be possible to ensure a proper distribution, I think we could see some real progress. Whether anyone under Geldorf
actually gets the point (read the paragraph about Dr. Chavis) is a whole 'nother issue.
Now, here's a possible sinister twist to the whole thing. Germany and the Eurozone are quickly running out of funds. Is it possible that Kanzler Schröder and his cronies want to cut foreign aid in favor of spending the money nationally? In this case, the interview in Spiegel may make more sense. The left is preparing the people for Schröders latest attempt to save the economy (and win reelection). It would make it that much harder for his opponent (Angela Merkel of the CDU) to win votes in the upcoming election. Since Schröder called the election early, opposition parties and candidates don't have as much time to talk to the people. We'll see how things work out, but I fear we're doomed to another term of SPD/Greens/PDS. With the dollar gaining strength, it will once again kill the Eurozone. Perhaps the only thing that can save it will be a return to capitalism (instead of socialism/very controlled capitalism), conservative politics (in the American sense), a decline in political apathy and the destruction of the welfare state.
