We are not entitled
The Namibian government oftentimes reminds one of the so-called struggle kids. That group has shown itself to be one of entitlement, with something owed to them for which they have not laboured. They demand benefits and have given themselves rights, which they have by no means earned. They have no claim to what they have not worked for.
Often, the Namibian government behaves this way. The recent visit of former US president George W. Bush again brought this to the fore.
We have no right to donor money, certainly not from the United States, or actually anywhere else for that matter. We have no right at all. The office of the American president owes the Namibian citizenry and its government nothing. Not a blue cent. Not one penny.
Combating HIV and Aids is our problem and our problem alone. We could work together with countries in our region to fight the disease, but certainly, the American taxpayer has nothing to do with mother-to-child transmission in a village in the Oshana Region, for example.
They have their own problems and even though those may be far lighter than ours, our problems are still not their responsibility.
The government of Namibia rules a country with a relatively good infrastructure, a tax base, beautiful environments and vast natural resources.
Should we not rather look at developing those and doing the best we can within the budget we have to live off, rather than asking for handouts from others?
In fact, it is our duty to create our own wealth and if help comes, it should be in the form of investment, not aid or loans.
We read in international media that the United States is no longer funding the United Nations Population Fund – a fund that helps women and children in developing countries and places where conflict exists.
Why should they?
It may come across as harsh, but what is the reason to help women and children in faraway places trapped in circumstances, which Americans did not create?
The same goes for us. Let us raise our hats to the past, take off our jackets for the future and get working. Working for us. Our country. Our people.
Often, the Namibian government behaves this way. The recent visit of former US president George W. Bush again brought this to the fore.
We have no right to donor money, certainly not from the United States, or actually anywhere else for that matter. We have no right at all. The office of the American president owes the Namibian citizenry and its government nothing. Not a blue cent. Not one penny.
Combating HIV and Aids is our problem and our problem alone. We could work together with countries in our region to fight the disease, but certainly, the American taxpayer has nothing to do with mother-to-child transmission in a village in the Oshana Region, for example.
They have their own problems and even though those may be far lighter than ours, our problems are still not their responsibility.
The government of Namibia rules a country with a relatively good infrastructure, a tax base, beautiful environments and vast natural resources.
Should we not rather look at developing those and doing the best we can within the budget we have to live off, rather than asking for handouts from others?
In fact, it is our duty to create our own wealth and if help comes, it should be in the form of investment, not aid or loans.
We read in international media that the United States is no longer funding the United Nations Population Fund – a fund that helps women and children in developing countries and places where conflict exists.
Why should they?
It may come across as harsh, but what is the reason to help women and children in faraway places trapped in circumstances, which Americans did not create?
The same goes for us. Let us raise our hats to the past, take off our jackets for the future and get working. Working for us. Our country. Our people.
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Namibian Sun
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