Originally posted by Drewcifer
There are few higher callings than giving people jobs that help them improve their situation. Oh, the evils of Capitalism.
No mr Drewcifer, there are
NOT! IMHO, this way of thinking (by all kinds of different organisations) is exactly what blocks undeveloped countries from developing.
All
higher callings, like healthcare, food, education, housing, clothing and even peace, cannot exist without being profitable (or at least breaking even).
Don't get me wrong. I do not think free market can solve all problems. Plenty of things should be controlled and covered by government, thus tax money.
But that doesn't take away my point: All has to be profitable. In the long run, a government cannot spend more money than it generates from its own economy.
In the past years, billions of develoment dollars have been thrown away to hundreds of unfeasable, inefficient and non-profitable programs. In the end there is no use in sending food and medicin; in general, people should be self sufficient. Help them create their own profitable food and medicin industry! Even building houses or teaching kids can be relatively useless. It is better to start a profitable housebuilding company, than to build a few houses yourself. It is better to start a profitable confection factory, than to hand out our worn-off clothes. It is also better to teach teachers, than to teach students.
In case of unforseen disasters, it is ok to send non-structural help of course!
Giving jobs to the poor and helping them rise above their poverty is one of the most noble things a person can do.
