Karl Marx: Analysis that leads to paralysis

Many years ago when I was in seminary, trying to unravel the mysteries of life, I noticed an unusual phenomenon. It was possible after endless probing and analysis to arrive at a point where any action could be so severely critiqued as to arrive at a point of complete inaction.

I notice that this phenomenon of analysis leading to paralysis is not only a danger of seminarians. It can also afflict materialist Marxists as well. A friend of mine is an astute Marxist analyst. He does not vote. When asked what actions he takes as a result of his analysis he said, “Nothing”.

Development: Malaria

My experience with malaria goes back a long way. In 1966 when I first arrived in Tanzania to work there I used to take quinine-based malaria medicine once a week, on Sundays. On Mondays as I headed off to work I typically had a headache. I reasoned to myself that it seemed like I really did not like my work very much, since going to work on Mondays gave me a headache. I have since learned quite a bit about quinine based anti-malarial medicine. More of that later. First let me share a few words about the nature of malaria itself.

Development: Diarrhea

I know a little bit about diarrhea – experientially that is. I have had it quite often while working overseas. As I look at my bouts of diarrhea I realize that many of them are a result of identifying with and eating with the people with whom I have been working. I have often been working to improve the water and sanitation systems overseas, but in the meantime I had to live in less than ideal situations.

Cuba: It’s working better than you might think

Introduction

There is an island just 90 miles off of the coast of the USA that has an average life expectancy equal to the USA. The difference is that Cuba has achieved this by providing universal free health services to all of its citizens at an annual cost of $180 per capita spending, while the US with its largely privatized health care system costs 25 times as much at $4,659 per capita. This is just one of the many striking differences between Cuba and its giant neighbour to the north.

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.