Quote Originally Posted by Dayuhan View Post
M-A makes a good point... nationalization and privatization have generally had little impact, because either way the resources end up in the hands of the same elite groups, who manage them for their own benefit instead of the nation's benefit. Any company that wants to be involved has to cut a deal with those same elites.

It's an ugly reality but anyone who wants to change it has to face the prospect of massive interference in another nation's internal affairs... and, as J Wolfsberger says, of bringing brigades to the table, with all the political and financial costs that always involves.
Good morning all!!!! Great comments!! Appears that we all agree that a few greedy "haves" hoard profits from the "have nots". However I do not believe that we should give up on nationalization and privatization. Its current ineffectiveness is the result of a lack of middle-class presence- a solid body of productive citizens who realize their collective power to effect change in government and policy. This of course is a long term investment goal. At this point, the brigades Stan and J Wolfsberger call to bear reside in the international community. Key to successful employment of these brigades would be less focus on short term investment goals (business deals that only benifit a few African elites and foreign investors, band-aid fixes for wounds that really need turnicuits- these only perpetuate Africa's UNDERDEVELOPMENT) and more focus on fostering an environment where the middle-class will grow. As the Africa's people get stronger, the harvest of its natural resources will increase exponentially and drive costs down for the global community in the long run- a true win win situation!!!