Quote Originally Posted by dgb
So who could even find Mali on a map? Are some nations destined to be poor for the rest of their existance - certainly Mali seems to be proof of this, despite being one of the few relatively well run states in the area, it seems destined to poverty. These are the countries that need aid, not blanket give aways - give it to those who can actually use it.

From The Economist, London.
Mali is the land of Timbuktu. In pre-colonial days, I believe it was the richest of all of Africa's kingdoms, sub-Saharan or otherwise. It is a shame, in many ways, they listened to us on agricultural methods, as they clearly knew what they were doing prior to our arrival.

But yes, DGB, you are 100% correct. If we have cash in our pockets, we must do what we can to help these people, and the people in nearby Niger. There is no mincing words on this. A horrible famine is literally shelling the flesh off of every living soul. If anybody wants me to post photos of children too famished to live, I will be happy to. Now, reach in, till it hurts, and give.