Good Sense from London

In the Sunday Papers a gem of good sense:

"Curse of unfair trade" by Brian Brady in Scotland on Sunday, 3 July 2005

"All the pious talk of aid misses the point," said Dr Madsen Pirie, president of the Adam Smith Institute. "Poor countries can climb out of poverty by selling their produce. The twin barriers of tariff walls and subsidies thwart them, and all the drib-drabs of aid will never alter that. They don't want managed trade, with approved producers given artificial prices in protected markets. They want access to our markets and an end to unfair competition."

In one paragraph the way ahead that would really make a difference to poverty levels in Africa (and elsewhere).

Let the produce of Africa into Europe and North America without restrictions, tariffs and boycotts. Let it sell at any price for which they wish to sell it. Let the sellers take their money home and spend it as they wish, where they wish and when they wish.

As was said in the 1960s: Peace brother, peace. Now just listen to the music.