Archive for May, 2008

I recently listened to a very intriguing book called - Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism - by Ha-Joon Chang

Its not a ‘light’ book, but it really opened my eyes to a few issues concerning, free trade, poverty, capitalism and globalization. Chang demolishes the myth of capitalist free trade and its supposed successes with globalization. I agree with Richard Cunningham’s review below:

This is one economics text that should be read by everyone. Ha-Joon Chang the author, puts Free Trade and unfettered Capitalism within a historical and even political perspective. Along with an earlier book, “Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective” he gives sufficient and tangible real world examples of how developing nations and infant & growing industries need tariffs and import substitution to both survive and thrive. An alternative title might be; Genuine & Honest Free Trade Maybe BUT Only Between Economic Equals.

I must say, that before I read this book, my ideas of Free Trade were idealistic and very naive. I would have been the first to say that Free Trade is a great idea for developing nations…. however, I would now disagree. Ill give a quick summary of the book below.

Every prosperous nation became so because at one point or another in history its leaders/government encouraged industry within that said country to thrive by offering subsidies and creating tariffs (import taxes) on imports within particular industries and other barriers like regulatory legislation and quotas. For example, the US Automotive industry thrived because the government offered subsidies to companies who invested in these businesses within the country and discouraged and made it very difficult for foreign car manufactures to import vehicles to the US…. until it was developed and strong. England did the same thing when wool was being exported. The king placed high import tariffs of woolen textiles and offered subsidies to textile industries with its boarders to grow the textile industry, which improved the economy, created jobs and enabled people to live better lives.

This all makes sense right? Every nation who has a high GDP has done this in various forms. So why then is FREE trade NOT a good idea for developing nations.

Because:

1) It discourages industry to thrive within its own boarders - ie - Nigeria is the worlds 11th highest oil producer - about 2.3 million barrels a day. However it does not have the capacity to refine the oil for its citizens and must then re-import the refined oil products. At HUGE expense and crippling of the economy.

2) The rich nations Lord it over the smaller with the dangling carrot of “AID MONEY” - Foreign Aid moneys used as lures to entice these developing nations to keep their borders open, to not impose tariffs. This is a good idea for the rich nations, but terrible for the developing countries! The only way to sustainably eliminate poverty is to create economies that drive and encourage industry and business. Creating jobs, health care, improving city infrastructure like roads, sewer, and basics like access to clean water.

Again, Genuine & Honest Free Trade Maybe BUT Only Between Economic Equals!

I like what Bob Geldof said about this book:

“I recommend this book to people who have any interest in these issues—i.e. everyone.” —Bob Geldof

Ok so I’m not going to make a spiritual parallel with the LOST series, its hard when I really have NO idea of what’s going on! But, I do enjoy trying to figure it out with my friends.

Last night I had 13 people in my house watching the last episodes of LOST for season 4. I was excited to see who was in the coffin…. Jeremy Bentham - aka, Mr Locke. But as I was sitting through the endless commercial breaks I got to wondering why? I am so drawn to this show. I mean, its got good actors, interesting characters and a twisting plot - all that’s a given, but I think even more than that…. what I’m drawn to is the suspense….. the underlying mystery of the entire show.

I saw a neat video cast of JJ Abrams on TED - go check it out! The whole LOST series is built on the premise that its not WHAT you show, but what you DONT show that creates the tension and suspense. 

Take for instance the last scene from the final season 4 episode. Its a 3 minute scene where Jack and Ben are chatting, we see the coffin for the whole scene….. I was itching to se who was in there? Who WAS Jeremy Bentham, in-fact, the scene was so drawn out I was boiling with anticipation! Finally… last frame - it was revealed! Ahhhhh…… I could breathe again.Genius story writing!

My thoughts immediately turn to The GO Concert, we are currently on tour with the first concert (and will be touring for the next year and a half at least). But the question I am asking myself and the team as we think ahead and begin developing tour number 2…. is ‘how do we create mystery and suspense in a concert to inspire people for mission and social action”. Mystery and suspense are two powerful tools we can use to tell stories, and stories captivate, inspire and give strength to those who hear its message once the mystery and suspense are released. Hmmmm…… Any ideas?

Over the Memorial Day weekend we travelled up to NJ and PA for some shows and to spend time with friends and family. Jody grew up in NJ and my sister now lives in PA, so its always fun to go up north to visit them. We don’t mind the drive either because Jody and I have the chance to listen to two or three books on MP3. This journey we listened to three books…. two fiction (The God Project -John Saul and The Eighth Day- John Case) and one non fiction (Bad Samaritans - Ha-Joon Chang, <an interesting perspective on global capitalism, a great read!>).

We also had the chance to catch up with Shane Claiborne while we were in Philly….. we ate breakfast together on Friday and had a great time together.

It was unreal to see the difference in the price of gas on the weekend! Its getting crazy!! A year ago it cost me just over $30 to fill my car…… now its almost $60. Its a real shame because we use the car to get to every ministry date! The cost of simply doing ministry is rapidly going up!

Anyways, below is a small map of our journey - 2138 miles in total for the weekend.

I just stumbled upon this little book review by Brian Jackson on his blog Understanding The Poem  - Usually book reviews are long and the reviewer is really reviewing because they think they have something profound to say….. or they simply like to see their own thoughts in print. However, Brian has done a great job on this review….. short, sweet and to the point! 

Interestingly, this book, “The Irresistible Revolution”- has seemed to stir up quite the dust of opinions - both positive and negative, from theologians and Bible experts……… exactly what I believe Shane intended with the book. Indeed, Its a book that stirs up dialogue, challenges us to the core and makes us ask deep personal questions. Its why I bought it out on our tour. Enjoy Brian’s review!

Just finished Shane Claiborne’s book The Irresistible Revolution - Living as an Ordinary Radical. Here are some of the main points:

It was a great book. I didn’t agree with everything in it, but it was certainly thought-provoking, and that’s what makes a book great.

Christianity has failed in addressing the physical needs of the world, instead focusing on the promise of a better next life in heaven. Christian leaders are often far removed from adequately addressing issues of human suffering. But perhaps even more sadly, Christians have failed to show the world a better way of living. Christians have become people who “pretty much live like everybody else; they just sprinkle a little Jesus in along the way.”(Several times I have had people say to me “You don’t seem like a pastor, you seem like a regular guy.” Ouch.)

More and more people find that the traditional conservative and liberal labels don’t adequately define their beliefs. This group is weary of the antics of evangelical Christians as well as secular activists. This group wants to see progress on issues related to social justice and peace, but at the same time provide access to the love that God has for this world. (Explains some of my schizophrenia related to the presidential elections.)

Claiborne calls people to get involved in face-to-face relationships with those in our communities “doing small things with great love.” This approach is what Jesus intended for the Christian movement and why he compared the Kingdom of God to the mustard seed and to yeast, “slowly infecting this dark world with love.” The approach abhors “macro-charity and distant acts of charity that serve to legitimize apathetic lifestyles of good intentions but rob us of the gift of community.” (Macro-charity = giving money. One of my few strengths.)