Cyprus-Forum.com

[Filitsa]

You answered my question quite adequately, Schnauzer, as I had anticipated. However, it should be duly noted that Wallace believed, "If we can afford tremendous sums of money to win the war, we can afford to invest whatever amount it takes to win the peace." The press were all over this statement, for example:

"Mr. Wallace neglects the fact that such a thing as a 'free'
lunch never existed. Until man acquires the power of
creation, someone will always have to pay for a free lunch
(Lima News, 1942).

Consequently, the TANSTAFFL mnemonic is attributable not to Mr. Wallace but the press.

Thank you for your response Filitsa, I was quite unaware of Henry A Wallace's remark and do hope that my interpretation of events were not in any way misleading.

My intention when I created this thread, was to highlight the hypocrisy which (although concealed) very often accompanies 'Foreign Aid' as we have become accustomed to calling it, when in fact it has become something of a political tool used to gain an advantage in another territory.

The pity IS, that the ordinary folk who donate both goods and monies to various charities (in supreme good faith) are merely furnishing those charities (in many cases) with the means to pursue other objectives.

The fact that corruption and mishandling of the benefits intended for the victims of either natural or unnatural disasters is well known, does little to encourage regular subscription to such charities, the alternative (non support) is unfortunately unthinkable.

It's a cruel world.

"It's a cruel world."

That's rather harsh, Shnauzer. Cruelty may occurr in certain pockets of the world from time to time, but the world in itself is not cruel. For instance, America is still in first place for total foreign aid, and Americans are increasingly donating to private institutions, circumventing government institution, to be sure money/goods/services are getting to those in need in a more direct and cost-beneficial fashion. This is promising, don't you think?

Anyway, I most definitely understand the point of your post.

[Get Real!]

....America is still in first place for total foreign aid,

Financial assistance to foreign governments, groups, and/or individuals with the obvious aim to influence a country’s social and political direction does not fall under “foreign aid” but...

BRIBES!

[Schnauzer]

....America is still in first place for total foreign aid,

Financial assistance to foreign governments, groups, and/or individuals with the obvious aim to influence a country’s social and political direction does not fall under “foreign aid” but...

BRIBES!

Straight to the heart of the matter GR, you are to be commended for the forthright manner in which you are able to assess a situation, however, when dealing with those who are more ready and willing to discuss issues, such forthrightness (if there be such a term) leaves little room for debate even though (in this instance) I absolutely agree with you.

There are also more sinister aspects to the distribution of 'Aid' and it is in these areas that I feel one should be a little more inquisitive, possibly a little more subtle in order to avoid offence and certainly direct in exposing the political chicanery that attends the question of 'Foreign Aid'.

Incidentally, I must mention that I think your efforts in attempting to educate our 'Arsolic Friend' are equally commendable.

Respect....... Schnauzer.

[Schnauzer]

You answered my question quite adequately, Schnauzer, as I had anticipated. However, it should be duly noted that Wallace believed, "If we can afford tremendous sums of money to win the war, we can afford to invest whatever amount it takes to win the peace." The press were all over this statement, for example:

"Mr. Wallace neglects the fact that such a thing as a 'free'
lunch never existed. Until man acquires the power of
creation, someone will always have to pay for a free lunch
(Lima News, 1942).

Consequently, the TANSTAFFL mnemonic is attributable not to Mr. Wallace but the press.

Thank you for your response Filitsa, I was quite unaware of Henry A Wallace's remark and do hope that my interpretation of events were not in any way misleading.

My intention when I created this thread, was to highlight the hypocrisy which (although concealed) very often accompanies 'Foreign Aid' as we have become accustomed to calling it, when in fact it has become something of a political tool used to gain an advantage in another territory.

The pity IS, that the ordinary folk who donate both goods and monies to various charities (in supreme good faith) are merely furnishing those charities (in many cases) with the means to pursue other objectives.

The fact that corruption and mishandling of the benefits intended for the victims of either natural or unnatural disasters is well known, does little to encourage regular subscription to such charities, the alternative (non support) is unfortunately unthinkable.

It's a cruel world.

"It's a cruel world."

That's rather harsh, Shnauzer. Cruelty may occurr in certain pockets of the world from time to time, but the world in itself is not cruel. For instance, America is still in first place for total foreign aid, and Americans are increasingly donating to private institutions, circumventing government institution, to be sure money/goods/services are getting to those in need in a more direct and cost-beneficial fashion. This is promising, don't you think?

Anyway, I most definitely understand the point of your post.

Filitsa, you are quite obviously a kindly person and I would not wish to interfere with your perspectives on this particular subject, however, if I may touch on one example of that which takes place in the guise of 'Foreign Aid' (when used as a political tool) and select a highly controversial case (thus giving those who might be interested an opportunity to 'Vent their Spleen')............ I will discuss the matter of Zimbabwe and the 'Foreign Aid' fiasco that took place there.

President Robert Mugabe (one time Sir Robert Mugabe Order of the Garter of Bath) stripped of his title on the eve of the one time Terrorist Nelson Mandela's (incarcerated for many years for his crimes) honorary birthday bash with Her Maj in attendance..................... see how we lay the groundwork?.

Refused to accept 'Foreign Aid' whilst his nation was under pressure due to draconianlike embargoes, clearly stating that he was not prepared to capitulate to the demands and interference of the British Government.

When an election drew near, Morgan Tsvangirai stood in opposition BUT, the fact that he was known to be ready to don the robes of a 'Puppet', coupled with the fact that an American (I believe) convoy was stopped and found to be carrying 'Anti Mugabe' literature and ordered to either withdraw or be blown up in their vehicles (and quite justifiably so in my opinion), the word went out that the election was corrupted and further hardships were visited upon the starving population of Zimbabwe.

It was even suggested (by one smart M.P.) , that there should be no crossing of borders and that all bank transactions be frozen, that the electricity supply should be cut off...........Some 'Aid' 'eh ?.

All this heaped upon a deprived Zimbabwean population because President Robert Mugabe would NOT capitulate and would rather see his people in such dire straits than return the power of his nation to the 'White Slavemasters' (which he had kicked out years before).

Naturally, the NAME of Robert Mugabe was (and still is) one to be despised by ALL freedom loving persons throughout the Western hemisphere, the NAME of Nelson Mandela is now revered throughout the same area and a statue of the one time terrorist now stands in Parliament Square. (I suspect it is there to frighten the pigeons, and the 'White Folks')

Robert Mugabe told Gordon Brown to 'Mind his own business', he also informed him that he was but 'A speck of sand on the earth', he also made it known when he was about to be stripped of his Knighthood, that he had had advance information about such an act and ......... he pre-empted the act by informing those with the authority, to "Stick your Knighthood up your Backside" (though I suspect he was a little more direct in his language, similar to miltiades )

Now, for a man of his advancing years, I think Robert Mugabe should be afforded some recognition for his courage, I know full well that I am in the minority when I say such a thing but, the fact that I am able to recognize the tenacity of the man and admire him for it, does NOT mean that I agree with his policies.

One small example of the virtues of 'Foreign Aid'. (IMHO)

[Schnauzer]

Filitsa, you are quite obviously a kindly person and I would not wish to interfere with your perspectives on this particular subject, however, if I may touch on one example of that which takes place in the guise of 'Foreign Aid' (when used as a political tool) and select a highly controversial case (thus giving those who might be interested an opportunity to 'Vent their Spleen')............ I will discuss the matter of Zimbabwe and the 'Foreign Aid' fiasco that took place there.

President Robert Mugabe (one time Sir Robert Mugabe Order of the Garter of Bath) stripped of his title on the eve of the one time Terrorist Nelson Mandela's (incarcerated for many years for his crimes) honorary birthday bash with Her Maj in attendance..................... see how we lay the groundwork?.

Refused to accept 'Foreign Aid' whilst his nation was under pressure due to draconianlike embargoes, clearly stating that he was not prepared to capitulate to the demands and interference of the British Government.

When an election drew near, Morgan Tsvangirai stood in opposition BUT, the fact that he was known to be ready to don the robes of a 'Puppet', coupled with the fact that an American (I believe) convoy was stopped and found to be carrying 'Anti Mugabe' literature and ordered to either withdraw or be blown up in their vehicles (and quite justifiably so in my opinion), the word went out that the election was corrupted and further hardships were visited upon the starving population of Zimbabwe.

It was even suggested (by one smart M.P.) , that there should be no crossing of borders and that all bank transactions be frozen, that the electricity supply should be cut off...........Some 'Aid' 'eh ?.

All this heaped upon a deprived Zimbabwean population because President Robert Mugabe would NOT capitulate and would rather see his people in such dire straits than return the power of his nation to the 'White Slavemasters' (which he had kicked out years before).

Naturally, the NAME of Robert Mugabe was (and still is) one to be despised by ALL freedom loving persons throughout the Western hemisphere, the NAME of Nelson Mandela is now revered throughout the same area and a statue of the one time terrorist now stands in Parliament Square. (I suspect it is there to frighten the pigeons, and the 'White Folks')

Robert Mugabe told Gordon Brown to 'Mind his own business', he also informed him that he was but 'A speck of sand on the earth', he also made it known when he was about to be stripped of his Knighthood, that he had had advance information about such an act and ......... he pre-empted the act by informing those with the authority, to "Stick your Knighthood up your Backside" (though I suspect he was a little more direct in his language, similar to miltiades )

Now, for a man of his advancing years, I think Robert Mugabe should be afforded some recognition for his courage, I know full well that I am in the minority when I say such a thing but, the fact that I am able to recognize the tenacity of the man and admire him for it, does NOT mean that I agree with his policies.

One small example of the virtues of 'Foreign Aid'. (IMHO)

Having just completed a stint in the open countryside and exposed hilltops of 'The Quantocks' in order to complete a course on basic survival (no assistance, no provisions, no shelter, no communication......nothing) and having come through it for the last three days, I chanced upon an elderly gentleman who was out walking his dog.

My appearance prompted him (I believe) to give me something of a wide berth and his dog growled at me.

Naturally I felt that I owed the old gent some explanation and he seemed quite relieved to recognise that I was not about to cause either him or his dog harm.

He invited me to join him for a coffee in a small cafe close by, Actually on the crest of a hill overlooking the 'Doone Valley' and, since my period of exposure and seclusion was over, I accepted his invitation on the understanding that HE would have to cover the expense since I was quite without ANY means whatsoever (I was actually worse off than 'Jimmy Light' at his lowest ebb) .

Dishevelled as I was, I managed to engage the old gent in quite an interesting conversation, HIS opinion on current world affairs and, on this vein we discussed the matter of 'Aid' (both home and abroad).

I was quite surprised to learn that HE, as a retired citizen of the U.K. was so aware of the conditions the elderly of other nations were obliged to contend with, he directed my attention to one very small case of an elderly lady (89 years of age) in Mozambique who had expressed such gratitude to a charity which had supplied her with 'A Blanket'.

This woman's plight was a source of disgust to the old gent, since it was advertised in a brochure distributed to the elderly of the U.K. in order to encourage them to donate funds to the charity which presumably contributed 'The Blanket', he mentioned that there did not seem to be much difficulty in 'Blanket Bombing' the same areas as are in such dire need of charitable assistance, his general view was that the elderly of the U.K. have lost the ability to recognise 'Hypocrisy' since they have spent most of their lives believing that which their political leaders have been telling them.

On leaving the old gent and trudging over the hills to my destination in Minehead, I could not help but agree with his comments, thankfully there are still some elder folk about with the capacity to 'THINK' for themselves, I do hope that there are one or two scattered among we forumers, if so, kindly instruct those who are unfortunately not so well equipped, they may be in dire need of assistance themselves.

Just a TINY example of the good that 'Foreign Aid' purports to be doing. (IMHO)

[miltiades]

Every single word that you post has one and only one purpose . Just like the other moron , a certain GR the wanker , you post purely derogatory statements directed at the West , the West that wasted their money on educating a plonker such as you and GR.
Get a life stupid , half the world is jostling to get to the USA and the UK , they do not think that either of these two great nations are bad !!!
I can never tolerate impertinence and stupidity , you appear to be suffering from both !

[Schnauzer]

Every single word that you post has one and only one purpose . Just like the other moron , a certain GR the wanker , you post purely derogatory statements directed at the West , the West that wasted their money on educating a plonker such as you and GR.
Get a life stupid , half the world is jostling to get to the USA and the UK , they do not think that either of these two great nations are bad !!!
I can never tolerate impertinence and stupidity , you appear to be suffering from both !

Your readiness to jump to the defence of any article which might show the US (or West) in an unfavourable light is quite astounding miltiades.

I have oft wondered WHY you are not resident in America yourself so enamoured are you with it, I think I have finally discovered WHY and the reason may be summed up in one word..................'Gunsmoke!'

The mere thought of it hastened your departure from Cyprus many years ago, how much more the threat of it (a daily occurrence in your favourite land) would discourage your taking up residence there.

Incidentally, did you bother to READ the article you so readily dismiss ?, there is something of interest to YOU in it's content I am sure.

[miltiades]

Every single word that you post has one and only one purpose . Just like the other moron , a certain GR the wanker , you post purely derogatory statements directed at the West , the West that wasted their money on educating a plonker such as you and GR.
Get a life stupid , half the world is jostling to get to the USA and the UK , they do not think that either of these two great nations are bad !!!
I can never tolerate impertinence and stupidity , you appear to be suffering from both !

Your readiness to jump to the defence of any article which might show the US (or West) in an unfavourable light is quite astounding miltiades.

I have oft wondered WHY you are not resident in America yourself so enamoured are you with it, I think I have finally discovered WHY and the reason may be summed up in one word..................'Gunsmoke!'

The mere thought of it hastened your departure from Cyprus many years ago, how much more the threat of it (a daily occurrence in your favourite land) would discourage your taking up residence there.

Incidentally, did you bother to READ the article you so readily dismiss ?, there is something of interest to YOU in it's content I am sure.

Your paranoia with the West and in particular the USA is indicative of your frustration with life as a loser !
Many years ago , stupid , thousands upon thousands of young and not so young Cypriots emigrated in search of a better life elsewhere , not hastily plonker but orderly , now shut it and post something sensible for a change !

[Schnauzer]

Every single word that you post has one and only one purpose . Just like the other moron , a certain GR the wanker , you post purely derogatory statements directed at the West , the West that wasted their money on educating a plonker such as you and GR.
Get a life stupid , half the world is jostling to get to the USA and the UK , they do not think that either of these two great nations are bad !!!
I can never tolerate impertinence and stupidity , you appear to be suffering from both !

Your readiness to jump to the defence of any article which might show the US (or West) in an unfavourable light is quite astounding miltiades.

I have oft wondered WHY you are not resident in America yourself so enamoured are you with it, I think I have finally discovered WHY and the reason may be summed up in one word..................'Gunsmoke!'

The mere thought of it hastened your departure from Cyprus many years ago, how much more the threat of it (a daily occurrence in your favourite land) would discourage your taking up residence there.

Incidentally, did you bother to READ the article you so readily dismiss ?, there is something of interest to YOU in it's content I am sure.

Your paranoia with the West and in particular the USA is indicative of your frustration with life as a loser !
Many years ago , stupid , thousands upon thousands of young and not so young Cypriots emigrated in search of a better life elsewhere , not hastily plonker but orderly , now shut it and post something sensible for a change !

So, I take it that you consider yourself to be an 'Orderly Brit' ?..... and here I am thinking of you as a 'One time Cypriot'..... my apologies for such an oversight.

[Filitsa]

....America is still in first place for total foreign aid,

Financial assistance to foreign governments, groups, and/or individuals with the obvious aim to influence a country’s social and political direction does not fall under “foreign aid” but...

BRIBES!

Straight to the heart of the matter GR, you are to be commended for the forthright manner in which you are able to assess a situation, however, when dealing with those who are more ready and willing to discuss issues, such forthrightness (if there be such a term) leaves little room for debate even though (in this instance) I absolutely agree with you.

There are also more sinister aspects to the distribution of 'Aid' and it is in these areas that I feel one should be a little more inquisitive, possibly a little more subtle in order to avoid offence and certainly direct in exposing the political chicanery that attends the question of 'Foreign Aid'.

Incidentally, I must mention that I think your efforts in attempting to educate our 'Arsolic Friend' are equally commendable.

Respect....... Schnauzer.

Trying to educate GR in the ways of civil discourse are you, Schnauzer? Good luck!

I'm dismayed by your commendation, Schnauzer. GR's "efforts in attempting to educate" often include character attacks, making generalizations that one may easily poke holes through, and dismissing signifcant facts to suit his agenda. Is this your style of "education," Schnauzer? I think not. What you actually admire is the notion that you and he are of like minds concerning the subject; your styles of "educating" totally differ. Please tell me I'm not wrong.