Make Poverty History is the latest manifestation of the rich helping the poor. But what lies behind the urge to do good to others while expecting nothing in return? In Night Waves: Undercurrents, Philip Dodd and guests deconstruct the philosophy, morality and practicality of altruism. Duration: 45 minutes
"We are all here to help others. What I can't figure out is what the others are here for." So wrote W.H. Auden. In this evening's Night Waves: Undercurrents, Philip Dodd and guests will consider the subject of altruism.
When the Asian tsunami devastated millions of lives six months ago, individuals and governments around the world donated money and effort in almost unprecedented quantities. And with Live8 and the G8 summit about to take place, attention will once again focus on aid to Africa.
But what lies behind an individual's desire to help others in a selfless way? Auguste Comte, the French founder of positivism, believed that individuals have a moral obligation to serve the interest of others, even at one's own cost. Yet the writer Ayn Rand challenged both philosophical and conventional ethics and presented strong arguments against altruism in its various forms. And to what extent is the concept of altruism an evolutionary trait?
Philip Dodd will be joined round the table by the eminent evolutionary biologist and author of The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins; Frances Cairncross, former senior editor at The Econiomist; theologian Phillip Blond; and on the line from Geneva, Hugo Slim, specialist from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, who has spent many years working for a variety of charities across the world. So, is selflessness really possible? Join Philip Dodd for Night Waves: Undercurrents live at half past nine here on Radio 3.
Jun 26, 2005 | Dollars & Crosses
From Cox and Forkum:
FoxNews reported last week: House Passes Flag-Burning Amendment and Dems Fear Flag-Burning Debate.
Mark Steyn writes: Don't worry, Old Glory can take the heat.
For my own part, I believe that, if someone wishes to burn a flag, he should be free to do so. In the same way, if Democrat senators want to make speeches comparing the U.S. military to Nazis and the Khmer Rouge, they should be free to do so. It's always useful to know what people really believe.
Jun 23, 2005 | Dollars & Crosses
IRVINE, CA--In order to do business in China, several well-known U.S. companies have agreed to block certain "offensive" words, e.g., freedom, for China's communist censors. Important as it is to condemn these companies, it is even more important to applaud the well-known U.S. companies that refuse to help China kill freedom.
"Congratulations to Time, USA Today, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for their courageous support of freedom of speech; and shame on Microsoft, Yahoo and Google for their betrayal of this crucial value--the very value that makes their own existences possible," said Dr. Yaron Brook, executive director of the Ayn Rand Institute.
Brook noted that "those who kowtow to the communist censors will no doubt say they have to obey the laws of the countries where they do business. But why do they have to do business there? They will argue that leaving the vast Chinese market to foreign competitors will only hurt America economically--and kill any opportunity they might have to promote free speech in China. But was CNN able to promote free speech in Iraq when, all those years prior to the war, it prostituted itself to the censors of the mass murderer Saddam Hussein? How do you promote free speech by being complicit in its suppression?
"Time, USA Today, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal didn't grovel for business: they have policies--and principles--against submitting to censorship. Their principled stand deserves our recognition."Jun 21, 2005 | Dollars & Crosses
Useful reading on Africa for advocates of "One":
Capitalism Is the Cure for Africa's Problems by Andrew Bernstein
Africa needs to remove its political and economic shackles and replace them with political and economic freedom.
Africa: A Tragic Continent by Walter Williams
Poverty is not a cause but a result of Africa's problems.
Out of America: A Black Man Confronts Africa by Keith Richburg
Keith Richburg, an Award winning Journalist for the National Post, has heard all the stories about the supposed reasons for the ongoing chaos that still sweeps most of the African continent -- he's been educated about the consequences of white colonialism, the rape of Africa's natural resources, the time that's still required to for all of this to be overcome, etc., ad nauseam. At one time he unquestioningly believed all of the excuses. But after years of close-up scrutiny, living in the heartlands of several nations, he's not buying it. He has watched firsthand the rape of the African continent by its own sons, who should know better. To quote Rochburg, "Talk to me about Africa and my black roots and my kinship with my African brothers, and I'll throw it back in your face, and then I'll rub your nose into the images of the rotting flesh."
The Solution to Africa's Problems is Not Socialism But Freedom by Walter Williams
Evidence shows that no amount of IMF, World Bank and other handout interventions can bring prosperity to repressive nations. Only Africans can solve Africa's problems. 
