> This Christmas, why not spread the BEST element of capitalism 
> (a way for the determined to lever themselves out of poverty 
> in a way that helps them maintain their pride in themselves) 
> rather than the worst element of capitalism (cheap crap made 
> overseas that the media has convinced us we need)?
> 
> I found a website called kiva.org that facilitates 
> micro-economic loans.
> For those who don't know what this is, the principle is pretty simple:
> I make a loan through Kiva to an entrepreneur in another 
> country (probably a third-world nation).  That person starts 
> or improves his or her business.  Ultimately, they pay me 
> back after having set up a means to provide for themselves 
> and their family.
> 
> Sort of a "teach a man to fish..." philosophy.
> 
> The attentive will note that the Nobel Peace Prize was 
> awarded this year for essentially this very thing.

I like that idea! 

It also reminds me of my favorite charity: Heifer, where they teach third or
forth world villagers to keep and care for livestock, bees, trees, or
something they need in a sustainable, healthy way, then give them a pregnant
female cow, goat, etc... In return, the recipient is required to pass on the
babies AND the knowledge to others in the village. The end result is that
when Heifer leaves, the village is self sufficient. And when you don't
depend on someone else for something, you are less likely to be influenced
to do what they want. So it promotes independence in more ways than one.

Every year, there are people who I don't want to make something for, and I
don't want to buy some junk for, so I donate to heifer in their name. My
favorites are the chickens, ducks and bees. Mostly because I have enjoyed
our chickens so much and would love to try ducks and bees myself. Also, they
are animals that you can use to feed yourself without killing them. You can
eat the eggs, bake with the eggs, and gather the honey while enjoying the
other benefits of the animal. My chickens turn the compost pile, keep the
lawn fertilized and there are NO snails in our garden. Ducks would be better
in the garden since they don't have to be watched to keep them from digging
up the crop. I have this huge cotton wood tree that the bees just flock to:
It sounds like you are under a power line from beneath that tree. As long as
they are on my property, why not have a hive and enjoy the honey as well?
But no, my local government doesn't like that idea! <grin> Oh well. Someday
I'll move to the country.

http://www.heifer.org 

---
James.
 

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