SheldonThinks Forum

EzShOpper · Newbie

Poverty in Philippines, is democracy to blame?

littlewalrus · Veteran Member

EzShOpper wrote:
Does 51% affirmative vote of a group of people mean that their decision is right? If you are confused, the follow up question would be, if 51% of the people say 1+1= 11, does it mean they are right?

Philippines is one of the slowest growing countries in Asia... (just not till recently that it seems to be doing a better job in handling the current economic crisis relative to other countries in the same region).

However, more than 20% of Filipinos live below poverty line... that is living below a budget of $1.35 US a day.
http://newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5290&Itemid=88889051

Is democracy to blame? Yes and no. Democracy is subject to abuse of politics and corruption as the goal is to get 51% vote to execute a decision.
However, Philippines' culture and it's attachment to religion/christianity are issues that greatly contribute to poverty as well.
So I guess it's a mix of all the wrong ingredients.

Totally agree with that. We are ruled by the blind, uninformed, disinterested majority...now just who might that benefit? Politicians, and anyone else who was an interest in a free rein on things. Religion (as you suggest) is important as well because it fundamentally corrupts people's thinking. eg. Faith is acceptance without reason. Hope is purpose without means. Principles are arbitrary dogma, which is highly compatible with the arbitrary policies and legislation passed by government.

valuesourcer · Member

Well I just got information that there are 2 Million Australians living below poverty line. That's 10%... that's a lot for a first world country

-- Edited by valuesourcer at 04:01, 2008-10-23

littlewalrus · Veteran Member

valuesourcer wrote:
Well I just got information that there are 2 Million Australians living below poverty line. That's 10%... that's a lot for a first world country.

That is because the poverty line in Australia is defined as a proportion of average incomes or the ability to meet 'established' purchasing power. Poverty lines are actually silly. I look at the Philippines were people live on $1/day. Does that mean they are starving? No, it means they live a subsistence life living off the land in many instances, and supplemental expenses like going to the city for free medical treatment require cash. In their local community they walk, or get a free ride from family or neighbours. Such monetary measures are misleading. I'm not saying poverty does not exist, I'm saying its not a good measure of hardship.

valuesourcer · Member

alright. good point little walrus