Question of the Day: Day 337
Do you think that FOOD is a right that all people are entitled to? If so, what can "we" ethically do to ensure that all people are fed? If not, why not? What do you think are some of the obstacles that keep hunger from being a done away with deal?
posted by teresa at 8:30 AM
2 Comments:
Minors, elderlies, and other dependents have the right to be fed. Parents and caretakers should go to jail if they fail to do their duty.
Otherwise, food is a privilege. Adam's punishment for disobedience? "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food."
The US Declaration of Independence speaks of the "inalienable rights" of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It does not guarantee all will be fed, nor does most of the world respect this creed.
In the US, food is plentiful and cheap - statistically the "poor" are fatter than the "rich". These terms are relative of course, in the third world one finds the heart-wrenching poverty of families who truly cannot afford enough food to exist. This problem isn't as straightforward as one might hope however. Inadequate transportation, corrupt local governments, etc prevent direct aid from solving the problem. What is needed is the self-sufficiency that comes from a prosperous economy. And this requires reform in the governments: corruption must be rooted out, property rights must be respected, and investments made in education and infrastructure. Unfortunately in so many of these places the ruling class is interested only in maintaining power. There are notable successes, though - witness the improving situations in India and China.
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