Reply #19: the world bank, walmart, and all other 'W's [View All]

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So Nothing Without Hope, whattaya think about terry? OMG

This does all tie in with other stories about the world bank, wolfowitz, walmart, and the war in iraq for that matter. Maybe try incorporating environmental issues like this into the others along the way.

For one thing Wolfowitz was ambassador to Indonesia. That ought to be a clue to something.

Look at it this way, suppose the good government of a rain forest rich country 'X' does try to do the right thing. No bribes. Really.

They cut a legal, maintainable amount each year.

It sells for less than it's worth because of illegal cutting elsewhere, and price pressure from the furniture manufacturers, who sell to Walmart.

Which puts that country in a financial bind.

So they turn to the World Bank.

"Hello Mr. Wolfowitz."

He says "here's some cash." Great. Relief

Now he says, 'we need to look at your books. You're spending too much on social programs.'

"Yes Mr. Wolfowitz, we'll cut programs." And we need more cash.

So Joe Farmer can't get a mini-tractor loan, and he needs a little illegal cutting to feed the kids. Plus that, he's now really pissed at his government. He also buys a cheap AK-47, which the Chinese made.

Wolfie finds out soon enough (think of the CIA as his Equifax partner), and says "We can also find some cash for soldiers to keep Joe Farmer in check."

What choice do you have then, as the Minister of Good Government X?

Do you log even more? Take a bribe and save your own ass? What do you do?