Families under Pressure

[Shahumyan]

u replace it by overthrowing it with a more progressive system of government where the concentration of power shifts towards the people and not a tiny elite

[disksoleil]

I guess you will need very devoted and honest people

[Shahumyan]

No, not really. What is needed is for the workers to realise that the power they will control with be just, and democratic, and we can work for what benefits us, not the boss who fills his pockets with the price of the labour WE put in.

Once this class consiousness arises, its very simple, infact, if not careful, it becomes unncontrolable

[ckBejug]

Originally posted by Shahumyan No, not really. What is needed is for the workers to realise that the power they will control with be just, and democratic, and we can work for what benefits us, not the boss who fills his pockets with the price of the labour WE put in.

Once this class consiousness arises, its very simple, infact, if not careful, it becomes unncontrolable

It seems to me this is wishful thinking. Really, it's about a billion times more difficult than the simple steps you suggest should be taken to do something about the corrupt system. I wish it were so easy. But then again, don't you think that once the workers came into 'power' and realized their full capacity, that some people would be corrupt enough to muck things up again by unjust practices? I think no matter what there wiil be corrupt money-hungry power-hungry people who wouldn't mind stepping on a few heads for a little cash. Really. For every good, honest working man out there I am sure they are 3 deceptive little rats. What to do then?? I suppose you just have to make the best of the system and not let it take too much advantage of you, and whenever you can lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.

[Shahumyan]

Therefore the structure should be made so democratic that the power is firmly cemented in the hands of the workers, and so no matter if a corrupt pig does arise, he cant manoever (or she)

[ckBejug]

Originally posted by Shahumyan Therefore the structure should be made so democratic that the power is firmly cemented in the hands of the workers, and so no matter if a corrupt pig does arise, he cant manoever (or she)

Well supposedly we DO live (in the United States I mean, and in Armenia and wherever else some of us hail from) in a democratic society but still corruption is rampant. So I guess it's impossible to stop corruption.

[Shahumyan]

NO, corruption is not inevitable.

Its like saying 200 years ago that "slavery is inevitable"

Bourgeoise Democracy thrives on corruption, A deformed workers state brings about corruption an a symptom.

However, a real workers democracy does not have any corruption, unless you want to bribe the entire population

[anileve]

I bet that most of you neglected to read the article. It was quite fascinating that none of you came up with an inquiry of what is this sole organization that provides low-income families with aid. Well it's MSF and here is a little bit of information about them. Actually they are an international organization, a branch of Doctors without Borders. I recently heard that another organization, which visited New York, of Armenian Professionals has organized a project called "Armenia Assembly Tree Project", it's a wonderful program which also provides food for the poverty stricken children. One of the coordinators was describing the situation in the villages of Armenia, where teachers had to give sugar water to kids to keep them awake, because they were so hungry. Very disturbing. Also they are determined "to renew Armenia’s severely damaged forests."

http://www.armeniatree.org/index.htm

Here is some info on MSF, also I find it puzzling that only 97 of National and 16 of international staff members are working for the organization, that is simply not enough to make a dramatic difference. And this Armenian Fund is doing nothing but getting richer and building some silly road in Karabakh. What road, if people can't even afford a car?

==============
MSF programs target mental health issues, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and tuberculosis (TB) in Armenia and the autonomous territory of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Sovereignty of the enclave remains contested, though a cease-fire has held since 1994.


In Stepanakert, MSF works with health authorities to combat TB using the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) strategy, as well as training staff and providing public information. Some 533 patients have been included in the program since 1997, 52 of them needing adapted therapy for drug resistant TB. With an 80% cure rate for patients finishing DOTS and only 11% defaulting, the program is evolving positively and MSF will hand it over to the health authorities at the end of 2002.

In Yerevan, MSF has run a combined medical, psychological and social care program since 1997 for young people placed in the Vardashan Institute. The team also provides outreach to high-risk children and their families in the city.

In late 2001, MSF began outpatient support for people with mental disorders in Sevan, and opened a day center there in June 2002 for therapeutic and community integration activities.

In Tavush province, MSF runs an STD/HIV program targeting sex workers and the general community in Bagratashen. In May 2002, MSF opened a counseling and information center with a women's group in Berd, as part of a joint project on family planning and STD/HIV prevention.

MSF has worked in Armenia since 1988 and in Nagorno-Karabakh since 1989.

International staff: 16
National staff: 97

[Arvestaked]

Shahumyan:
I cannot understand how you can say that it is the capitalistic government set up that is corrupting the country. You are advocating a system that has the greatest potential of corruption and has failed in the past because of it. And, that aside, corruption is done by those who have the responsibility of enforcing a system, and not the system itself. It is perfectly obvious that what is keeping the country from growing as much as it should is the fact that those in power are more concerned with there pockets than anything else. If the leader of a country is a crook the country suffers regardless of its system. It would help if political officials were not mafia. Plus you have to realize that the country, as a democratic establishment is only 14 years old. Considering the corruption and the short period of time, we have done well there and will continue to improve. You cannot look at a new-born baby and say, "This child will amount to nothing." Anyway, walk the streets of Yerevan, and ask everyone who is over the age of 30 which they prefer and notice that the majority will have positive expectations as to the future of the country. After all those people are the ones that are affected the most.

[xBaron Dants]

Originally posted by anileve I bet that most of you neglected to read the article. It was quite fascinating that none of you came up with an inquiry of what is this sole organization that provides low-income families with aid. Well it's MSF and here is a little bit of information about them. Actually they are an international organization, a branch of Doctors without Borders. I recently heard that another organization, which visited New York, of Armenian Professionals has organized a project called "Armenia Assembly Tree Project", it's a wonderful program which also provides food for the poverty stricken children. One of the coordinators was describing the situation in the villages of Armenia, where teachers had to give sugar water to kids to keep them awake, because they were so hungry. Very disturbing. Also they are determined "to renew Armenia’s severely damaged forests."

http://www.armeniatree.org/index.htm

Here is some info on MSF, also I find it puzzling that only 97 of National and 16 of international staff members are working for the organization, that is simply not enough to make a dramatic difference. And this Armenian Fund is doing nothing but getting richer and building some silly road in Karabakh. What road, if people can't even afford a car?

==============
MSF programs target mental health issues, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and tuberculosis (TB) in Armenia and the autonomous territory of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Sovereignty of the enclave remains contested, though a cease-fire has held since 1994.


In Stepanakert, MSF works with health authorities to combat TB using the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) strategy, as well as training staff and providing public information. Some 533 patients have been included in the program since 1997, 52 of them needing adapted therapy for drug resistant TB. With an 80% cure rate for patients finishing DOTS and only 11% defaulting, the program is evolving positively and MSF will hand it over to the health authorities at the end of 2002.

In Yerevan, MSF has run a combined medical, psychological and social care program since 1997 for young people placed in the Vardashan Institute. The team also provides outreach to high-risk children and their families in the city.

In late 2001, MSF began outpatient support for people with mental disorders in Sevan, and opened a day center there in June 2002 for therapeutic and community integration activities.

In Tavush province, MSF runs an STD/HIV program targeting sex workers and the general community in Bagratashen. In May 2002, MSF opened a counseling and information center with a women's group in Berd, as part of a joint project on family planning and STD/HIV prevention.

MSF has worked in Armenia since 1988 and in Nagorno-Karabakh since 1989.

International staff: 16
National staff: 97

Well sorry we didn't ask.. maybe we knew what MSF is..
Besides that, yes, it's a very important project and there should be more locals involved.

As for the "silly road" in Artsakh, it will play a big role in developping businesses there, and will strengthen Armenia-Artsakh relations. Oh, and it could also be instrumental if ever Artsakh is ever attacked. We need that road.

That is not to say that other programs should be ignored. Armenianow's Christmas edition talks about people in need, and different organizations that come to help. Out of curiosity, are you in any such organizations?