Feeding the World

In today’s issue of the The New York Times, an editorial appeared titled “Politics and Hunger” concerning wealthy nations’ unwillingness to address the issue of starvation in the world’s poorest countries. This article, speaking to citizens of one of the wealthiest countries, discusses how food is hoarded at the expense of other less fortunate countries. It highlights how the prices of grain and corn have increased significantly due to droughts and taxes, yet we continue to increase our imports. It reports that many plans have been made to aid these countries, yet no action has been taken.

As the author reports, he also criticizes the lack of action taken by countries such as ours stating that “one of the most useful things industrialized countries could do would be to deliver on their promise and end the fat subsidies they provide their farmers no matter how high prices go.” He expresses his frustration with the lack of US aid as well as other industrialized countries in their continued focus on themselves. He is also bothered by the ample supply of food these countries have that could be going to feed those that are starving, but instead is continued to be taxed at prices the poorer countries cannot afford. The article fails, however, to address the ways in which the Bush Administration has made strides to alleviate the suffering in these poor countries and only talks about the plans that have not yet been put into action. The author lays out the issue as one that has a simple answer and a quick cure, even though many factors affect the countries ability to contribute. It is obvious that this is a serious issue that wealthy countries should address, however the course of action to be taken must be carefully assessed.


The article referred to above can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/opinion/09mon1.html?_r=1&oref=slogin