Reflections on International Development

I have recently been to the Congo for the fourth time and have seen human development at its worst. As a result I have been reflecting on the whole development process. In the following I would like to explain (1) where I am coming from as a result of my personal experience with about 40 years of development work ( in water supply and sanitation) and human rights work, (2) review what other analysts are saying about the development  process and (3) give my concluding reflections on global human development.

Religion: Book review of "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything” by Christopher Hitchens

This is the first book that I have read by an atheist since I read Bertrand Russell’s “Why I not a Christian” in seminary. It is one of a new breed of books by outspoken atheists. It is probably not one of the most balanced of the lot. One should probably look at others such as Richard Dawkins’ “The God Delusion” or Sam Harris” “The End of Faith”. In any event I think that to read some opposing views from time to time can be stimulating and maybe even useful.

Poem: Africa, land of sunshine

In 1966 our family went as volunteers to Tanzania. I taught engineering in a technical college and my wife taught English studies. The following poem was written after we had been there two years.

The Crucifixion of Vietnam

Two recent events have started me thinking about Vietnam in terms of religious symbolism. First it was the speech of King Richard (Nixon) who in solemn and self righteous tones announced to us the fate that he had decreed for Vietnam (i.e. the bombing of Hanoi).