September 9, 2008 at 9:48 pm

Chris -

Thanks for posting this info here in the ONE Blog and I hope that any discussion which emanates from this post will be done according to what you asked us all to do this afternoon elsewhere in the ONE Blog – to state our viewpoints rationally and without disdain for other posters.

There is NEVER a reason why our discussions and even our disagreements need to get personal. As I have often said, we can disagree without getting disagreeable.

For a little bit of further background info regarding this idea of Google’s, I present the link to one of the most interesting reports that I have heard in quite a while.

Tonight, on PRI’s “The World” program, there was a report from Africa regarding some of the obstacles that Google will probably run into in its quest for internet connection for 3 billion people in Africa.

It presents some very sobering ideas and chronicles some of the CULTURAL obstacles that Google will probably run into in achieving its goal.

Here is the link to the report:

Google to invest in internet start-up (4:30)

http://www.theworld.org/?q=taxonomy_by_date/1/20080909

For me, while this seems like a laudable idea, I wonder if this the best use of our resources for Africa.

When millions of people in Africa do not have sufficient food, access to clean water nor adequate medical care

when millions of children in Africa can not afford to go to school and thousands of African villages do not have electricity – is this idea like putting the cart before the horse?

I think it is – you may disagree.

But I think that this report from PRI bears careful listening to and consideration.

As ONE, we must make sure that we are fully examining all the possible ramifications of an action “for Africa” before we give it our unquestioning approval.

Take good care. Blessings always.

ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE – debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org

January 19, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Hello fellow ONE member,
I appreciate Bono speaking out on behalf of the worlds poor and sick. Don’t forget that the number one question asked Obama was “Will you legalize marijuana?”. Think about the benefits that medical cannabis can have on the millions of suffering Africans. I am very disturbed when I hear that UN Police are using international aid money to persecute cannabis growers in Africa and destroy such an important beneficial crop. Bono has enormous influence on UN leaders, and some of the world’s most powerful people. Please don’t think for a moment that by removing cannabis the UN is in any way helping the poor people of Africa or any other continent. This is a grave injustice, and I’m sure the sick and dying Africans effected by such laws would agree. The cannabis plant can help to provide food, clothing, shelter, safe medicine, and eco-friendly fuel. If the One Campaign really wants to help the poor, we should let them grow hemp, and if we must get involved, help them succeed in taking advantage of the many benefits of the hemp industry.
I hope Bono keeps up the good work, and helps to stop the bad work.
Thanx. www.nycamp.org