President Obama talks about the effect of the 'global financial crisis on developing countries

last week in Adelaide's Advertiser newspaper was printed a comment by President Obama regarding the global impact of the financial crisis. He reminded us that whilst the financial squeeze affects those of us in the developed world, developing countries as a result are also being squeezed. It is hard to imagine how much squeezing can go on when human beings are already so affected. No doubt it will be the poorest of the poor who again miss out as governments battle through the international impact.

The cost of freight of the shoes is undoubtedly our biggest challenge and there is also no doubt in my mind that as belts are tightened around the world, many who would usually be able and prepared to share that little bit of 'extra cash' are seeing that extra cash vanish to prop up their own survival. A work colleague of mine told the story of having collected a number of goods for donation to 3rd world countries but in the end had to give up on the plan as the costs were 'too expensive'. i wonder how much 'goodwill' is being kept on Australian shores becuase the cost is just too great? For me, this sad fact heightens the imperative that those who can, MUST now keep to our conviction that human life is valuable no matter where destiny dictated the place of birth. The global community has a serious responsibility to ensure that wherever we are, we continue to reach out to others less fortunately situated, to support and embrace our fellow humanity.