Do Australians have the guts to change the world? Peter Singer says Yes.
“For the first time in history we have the ability to eradicate large-scale extreme poverty and the suffering it brings. The question is whether we have the will to do it. Growing support for a global financial transaction tax – known as the Robin Hood Tax – offers an exciting glimmer of hope this really could happen.”
So writes world-renowned philosopher and thinker Professor Peter Singer in today’s Sydney Morning Herald.
“For almost 40 years I have advocated that those of us fortunate enough to live in affluent nations have a responsibility to help those who cannot meet their basic needs,” Professor Singer continues.
“If we accept we have an obligation to save a small child who has fallen into a shallow pond, even if that will ruin an expensive new pair of shoes, then don’t we have an obligation to do at least as much for children in developing countries dying from easily preventable diseases?”
If you read one story today, read this.
In his piece, Professor Singer argues that, contrary to much of popular opinion, aid to the poor really works. He says it is possible to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. And he argues that Australia’s voice can be heard on the world stage – if Kevin Rudd can be brave enough to take a position to lead.
Read the full story here in today’s Sydney Morning Herald.
