Plea for the poor

Phnom Penh has probably the highest density of luxury gas-guzzling SUVs in the world. Wherever you turn your head you see a Lexus SUV, the most desired brand over there. It isn’t a pleasant view for people who care for the poor.

Despite severe poverty, leaders and businessmen use much of the country’s export income on highly visible new luxury cars and second-hand luxury SUVs imported from the US (Americans happy laughing when they see their outdated gas guzzlers sail away to corrupt Third World countries).

Shouldn’t income from exports be used to build a country? Shouldn’t imports be restricted until all people have a roof over their head, health care and schools for their children? After World War II many Western countries had very strict import rules on luxury goods like cars. Money earned ought to build a country first.

Today’s elite in developing and halfdeveloped countries cannot wait. They want their toys immediately, just like small boys. You see this terrible mix of extreme poverty and luxury all over the Third World. Why? Is it because people from hot countries are different from Westerners — living mostly in the moment? If so, how much progress and development can be expected from living in “the moment”? Maybe there’s something to be learned in how people got back on their feet again after World War II.

A JOHNSEN