http://blog.psaonline.org/2009/05/18/congo%e2%80%99s-air-of-suffering/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:45:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://blog.psaonline.org/2009/05/18/congo%e2%80%99s-air-of-suffering/comment-page-1/#comment-1905373 Marina Dathe Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:16 +0000 http://blog.psaonline.org/?p=1727#comment-1905373 I’d like to concur your argument that a comprehensive development strategy is needed. However, having read the bill introduced by the Senate S. 891, I find that it offers very little in terms of solutions. Rather, it focuses on control: “investigations”, “punitive actions”, “due diligence” is needed. It doesn’t address the underlying problem of extreme poverty, lack of education and basic health care that would allow the miners to seek alternative lives. I’m afraid that the US government will satisfy a “check that box” impulse with an ill-crafted bill. Although public opinion may have an allergic reaction to the notion of “exporting democracy” as tainted by the Bush era, there has got to be a way of strengthening Congolese governmental institutions. Perhaps under a “dignity agenda”? I’d like to concur your argument that a comprehensive development strategy is needed. However, having read the bill introduced by the Senate S. 891, I find that it offers very little in terms of solutions. Rather, it focuses on control: “investigations”, “punitive actions”, “due diligence” is needed. It doesn’t address the underlying problem of extreme poverty, lack of education and basic health care that would allow the miners to seek alternative lives. I’m afraid that the US government will satisfy a “check that box” impulse with an ill-crafted bill. Although public opinion may have an allergic reaction to the notion of “exporting democracy” as tainted by the Bush era, there has got to be a way of strengthening Congolese governmental institutions. Perhaps under a “dignity agenda”?

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