Canon Fodder

No doubt you’ve heard about the devastation in Myanmar left in the wake of the recent cyclone. The latest CNN report this morning estimates the death toll at more than 22,000, and there’s talk that this event could eventually be “worse” than the tsunami of 2004, in which more than 150,000 people perished. Now, I will be among the first to say that just “throwing money” at persistent problems like poverty, disease, etc. isn’t always the best method of rooting out the causes of those problems and eliminating them. In many cases, while money no doubt provides some relief, it ultimately serves to perpetuate the systems that cause such problems in the first place while relieving relatively affluent Western folks of a little guilt about their status (which, again, only reinforces the systems- like the unsustainable Western way of life- that cause such problems in the first place). However, I think this line of reasoning applies more to systemic issues and obviously takes a long-term view. When devastation from natural disaster like the cyclone in Myanmar occurs, however, the scale of the problem requires a global response and a diversity of relief- including, but not limited to- money.

So here’s what I propose. Many of us are receiving economic stimulus checks from good ol’ Uncle Sam. This windfall was entirely unexpected, but if you’re like me, you have more than a little debt or other “needs” that this money can go to- which is to say nothing of the Fed’s desire to see us run out and spend the money to boost the economy. However, as I suggested above and have spoken of before, our (Western, American) way of life is unsustainable. The “correction” the economy is undergoing is sorely needed, and in my view a much more extensive one is required. Of course, I’m not an economist and my grasp of these matters is admittedly limited. My point is that I would encourage you not to run out and spend the money on more stuff. I would encourage you to pay down debt, maybe save a little, and while you’re at it, help out the folks in Myanmar. My family plans to “tithe” 10% of our stimulus check to do just that. Groups like The Red Cross, World Vision, and Mennonite Central Committee have proven track records when it comes to rendering aid around the world in situations like this and stand ready to receive your support as they do this. So, please, join me in doing your part!