I just sent the following email to Mark Green, US Congressman from my home district in WI:

Good Afternoon Congressman Green,

Greetings. I wanted to take a second and write to you on an issue I feel important and from an article in today's Post Crescent, you do as well.

I am referring to the discussion you and Bono will be having this weekend on the solution to world poverty, among other issues. As we all know, Bono is very opinionated on this topic and has been given a lot of influence in seeking to persuade world leaders to forgive debt and open up their checkbook to these debt ridden and poverty stricken countries.

However, I want to encourage you to stand firm on your stated goals that any assitance program for poverty or debt relief go right to the people, and not simply to the corrupt leaders of many of these countries. In addition, you say it is important to eliminate conditions that lead to poverty rather than simply handing out blank checks to governments that misuse the funds.
I know that you have spent time in Kenya, and for the past two summers I have gone there as well to work with the people for some grass roots organizations. In the Daily Nation on August 3rd of this summer, an editorial was written titled "How AIDS Money is Eaten" and went on to say that AIDS has turned into an industry for some people, profiting from the money sent to countries like Kenya, ending up in the pockets of consultants who run conferences to "educate" the people about AIDS, but very little gets to the people for treatment or prevention. There are endless articles such as this, I'm sure you have read many of them yourself, and this side of the story needs get out into the mainstream as well.

Finally, I know you are a busy man, but on October 16th, in Appleton, WI at the Copper Rock Cafe, Dr. Stanley Mutunga, a native of Kenya and professor at Hope International University in Fullerton, CA, will be presenting the work he is doing in reaching out to AIDS orphans in the Machakos district, specifically the Masii area. In my mind, this is one part of the solution to the problems faced in Kenya and other African nations. If you have time and would like to attend and enjoy some Kenyan fellowship and cuisine, you and your family are more than welcome. You may also check the web site at tumainiinternational.org

To close, I want to again thank you for your stance on this issue and encourage you not to sway to the right or to the left. A lot of work needs to be done in Kenya and other African countries, but blank checks are not the answer. The answer is proceeding cautiously and as you say, provide assistance to those who are willing to help themselves and not simply rely on our charity.

Thanks for yoru time, God's Blessings, and have a great day!