Christmas Appeals 2006

Oh, the agonies of 21st-century Christmas giving. Forget the simplicity of that big, red, India-rubber ball that A. A. Milne’s King John hoped for 80 years ago. Today’s version is non-toxic, fair-trade, preferably accompanied by an adoption form for four endangered calling birds, and by 12 drummers drumming out a protest against King John’s evil regime.

At this time of year we are, rightly, concerned to do good. But it can be hard to know how. Humanitarian aid and development consistently attract the biggest donations. But the well-meant goat has turned out to be a weapon of mass destruction.…  Seguir leyendo »