[afro-nets] RFI: Fight against malaria - Media Effectiveness (5)

["George Kent" <kent@hawaii.edu>]

RFI: Fight against malaria - Media Effectiveness (5)
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Kris, since you asked, I will tell you what I think, but you won't like it.

I have noticed on this list that you keep proposing the same remedy, no matter what problem is raised. You sound like a doctor that has only one therapy to offer, regardless of the diagnosis of the problem. I agree that transparency and accountability are hugely important, but they are not total solutions. Your approach seems to ignore the reality of differences in interests and differences in power of different parties. Transparency will not compensate for a lack of compassion. Conflicts do not arise simply out of misunderstandings or misinformation.

Also, where increasing accountability is needed, we need to take the next step and figure out how to design and implement the institutional arrangements that are needed. Sometimes those who need to be held accountable actively resist, as in the case of business enterprises. Perhaps you could offer some suggestions along those lines. At a very micro level, I have illustrated how accountability could be achieved in connection with school meals, in a paper at:
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kent/SCHOOL%20MEALS%20AS%20ENTITLEMENTS.doc

Aloha, George
mailto:kent@hawaii.edu