Amanda advocates
Welcome to monthly topical updates about poverty, the MDGs, politics and advocacy.
Do you struggle to see how all the strands fit together and where faith comes in? Are you interested in debating some big ideas with friends over dinner?
Here are some thoughts to get debate flowing.
Can you measure happiness?
Since the economic crisis, people have been questioning whether money = happiness.
For years we were told that economic growth was vital for our well-being and the best way to help keep the economic engine healthy was to spend. Japan, with economic growth of 1% pa (or less) was like a spluttering 4-door sedan compared with India and China's turbo-charged growth of over 8%. You just need to look at some headlines from Bloomberg's Business Week to get the picture – "What's New for China's Miracle", "A Thousand Desires Bloom" and "India's New Worldly Women".
2011: so much news, so little hope
2011 has been an incredible year for NEWS – so much has happened it is bewildering to think about the significance (though pundits are full of words in trying to do just that) How can we be wise men and women as we ponder “how to interpret this present time” (Luke 12:56)
The trouble with politics
The trouble is that politicians are always looking to the next election, the next emergency solution rather than making brave long-term and sustainable decisions.
It’s often called the Eisenhower Principle after his saying: "What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important,"
Just the Way It’s Always Been
Leaders of the biggest economies in the world, representing 90% of the world's production (GDP), will meet in France next month. The G20 will discuss some serious financial issues. Should we be hopeful or cynical? Will anything change?
Ordinary Prophets – How advocacy can be prophetic
This month will see over 230 'ordinary' people in Australia take four days off work, study or family commitments to visit Parliament House in Canberra. They will prepare and pray then knock on doors to talk, listen and debate about global poverty...Page 1 of 2
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