Debunking 3rd World Myths

DRS112 · 12-13-2007, 02:45 PM

Very Cool Video.....

http://www.gapminder.org/video/talks...ird-world.html

The_Heretic · 12-13-2007, 03:35 PM

For a boring numbers guy he's funny and engaging. He makes a sound point which many conservatives and liberalians don't like, that health is more important than personal earnings in lifting countries out of poverty.

DRS112 · 12-13-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

For a boring numbers guy he's funny and engaging. He makes a sound point which many conservatives and liberalians don't like, that health is more important than personal earnings in lifting countries out of poverty.

yeah, he delivers it pretty well..

But yeah, it was health and economics really....the countries that "liberalized" their trade policies are the ones that grew the fastest as well.

The_Heretic · 12-13-2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRS112

yeah, he delivers it pretty well..

But yeah, it was health and economics really....the countries that "liberalized" their trade policies are the ones that grew the fastest as well.

But what hampers a third world's economy is holding debt over their heads like an axe. One of the best arguments for debt forgiveness is that how can a poor country pay debt when that very debt prevents them from earning enough. So if they stay in poverty due to debt then it never gets paid and forgiving the debt costs nothing when all things are considered.

DRS112 · 12-13-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

But what hampers a third world's economy is holding debt over their heads like an axe. One of the best arguments for debt forgiveness is that how can a poor country pay debt when that very debt prevents them from earning enough. So if they stay in poverty due to debt then it never gets paid and forgiving the debt costs nothing when all things are considered.

Most debt was forgiven back in the 80's(actually the countries just defaulted)...now, the World Bank and the IMF have set up "condititionality" in order to prevent them from defaulting on the loans and to ensure that they will take the necessary steps to grow economically.

The_Heretic · 12-13-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRS112

Most debt was forgiven back in the 80's(actually the countries just defaulted)...now, the World Bank and the IMF have set up "condititionality" in order to prevent them from defaulting on the loans and to ensure that they will take the necessary steps to grow economically.

Except even that is hampering them to some degree. Plus, when a country is seeing its labor and resources exploited by an international corporation which then siphons off the benefits they're back to square one again.

DRS112 · 12-13-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

Except even that is hampering them to some degree. Plus, when a country is seeing its labor and resources exploited by an international corporation which then siphons off the benefits they're back to square one again.

huh? how is that conditionality hampering them? I guess you're going to have to give me specifics to make your point...like an actual country that is making huge market reforms that is not benefiting....

The_Heretic · 12-13-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRS112

huh? how is that conditionality hampering them? I guess you're going to have to give me specifics to make your point...like an actual country that is making huge market reforms that is not benefiting....

I mean letting the interest aspect of the debt go [which is really what the bulk of the debt was] but leaving the principle- often from oppressive and overthrown governments, left to again grow well out of the control of the debtor nation. It's a PR game.

DRS112 · 12-13-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

I mean letting the interest aspect of the debt go [which is really what the bulk of the debt was] but leaving the principle- often from oppressive and overthrown governments, left to again grow well out of the control of the debtor nation. It's a PR game.

And the next time they come asking for money and aid? Then what?

Malkavian · 12-13-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRS112

And the next time they come asking for money and aid? Then what?

micro credit

12-13-2007, 02:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
DRS112 Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 5,368 My Mood: Thanks: 48 Thanked 66 Times in 48 Posts	Debunking 3rd World Myths Very Cool Video..... http://www.gapminder.org/video/talks...ird-world.html
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12-13-2007, 03:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Heretic Master of Quill-Fu Asteroids Champion! Space Invaders Champion! Yeti Sports 1- Long Shot Version Champion! Pool Jam - 10 Minute Game Champion! Yeti Pentathlon Champion! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Taylorsville, UT [stuck in the 20th century]. Posts: 5,830 Blog Entries: 4 Thanks: 25 Thanked 78 Times in 53 Posts	For a boring numbers guy he's funny and engaging. He makes a sound point which many conservatives and liberalians don't like, that health is more important than personal earnings in lifting countries out of poverty. __________________ John McCain: "He's in Iraq... with a few centuries to kill."
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