08-05-2014, 11:51 AM
David Guyatt Wrote:It really surprises me how few people understand the economic reality that sits behind grants/loans/subsidies to sovereign nations. They are effectively hidden subsidies of the donating nations arms manufacturers at the taxpayers expense. If more people only realised this, they might not so readily support the media propaganda campaigns to hammer and depricate social assistance payments given to the poor and needy at home.
The IMF story might be included in Tooth's upcoming gardening show, "Bouquets, Blooms and Bullshit"?
Most people think that the loans are to help developing countries build infrastructure or feed, clothe and house the unfortunates in such countries. And they are happy to do that. And that's the way it is spun on tv. As you say, that's not really what it is for. Foreign aid has always benefited the donor country far more than the recipients.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.