The Short List

In thinking a lot about poverty these days (and in what to write about for a social psychology paper), I have a short list of books to read that deal with how to address global poverty. What I really need to do, is check out local (i.e., American) poverty to see what sort of an impact it has on our education system and the programs we develop or the way we structure schools as we redistrict in crazy ways in this county. Either way, you may be interested to see what’s in the queue:

The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts the Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good–William Easterly

The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time–Jeffrey Sachs

Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty–Muhammah Yunus

Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism–Muhammad Yunus

If you know of others or if you’ve read these, feel free to comment. I have no idea how they will be, but there are some interesting ideas put out by these different individuals…More to come as I get into it further.

We Are Not Alone

Things are pretty crappy and uncertain around here these days, what with the economy going down the tubes and unemployment going through the roof. At the same time, though, it could be worse. And it is worse in many other places. Check out the latest post from our friend in Ukraine: 

http://kievkids.wordpress.com/2009/03/12/turmoil-in-ukraine/

Many of you were aware of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia over gas prices at the beginning of the year. It’s only gotten worse…though now it’s across the board. 

So, yes, while things aren’t great in our country, we still have it pretty good. May we all take a minute to look around and appreciate what we have…and find ways to supports our friends and neighbors…both at home and abroad.