I was a tad behind on my web memes... so it took me a while to respond to John Mancini's viral goating. It was an attempt to raise awareness of the charity Heifer International, and their goals of giving goats to desperately poor people around the world.

Its a charity I really believe in -- Michelle and I give them a few hundred every year. However, we purchase llamas, not goats.

What I like about the charity is that they try to solve the ENTIRE problem of poverty. Its not enough to give somebody food... its likewise not enough to just give them a goat. Its also not enough to train them how to farm properly... the goal is to end the culture of poverty by teaching cooperation.

In order to get a free goat (or llama, or cow) from this charity, you have to promise to give away the first two offspring to another needy person. This teaches people the most important lesson that separates poor cultures from wealthy cultures: if we all work together, we can do more than if we work alone. Its a difficult lesson to learn -- and many wealthy countries occasionally forget. However, in this modern world, open / co-operative cultures are happier AND wealthier than autocratic / xenophobic ones.

In fact, Heifer Internationally frequently goes one step further... Since they have ultimate say about who is the most needy, they can say who will receive the offspring of your cattle. In an attempt to boost peace, they frequently insist that tribes exchange cattle with their long-time enemies. Naturally, when tribes hear about the conditions for getting a free goat, they are hesitant and suspicious... they wonder, why should I give a goat to my "enemy," when I could give it to my tribesman? Well, because Heifer sets the rules, and they don't want you to think of your neighbor as your enemy... that's why! As a result, these tribes are forced to get to know each other, and co-operate with each other. After a few months, they stop seeing each other as the enemy. As a result, Heifer has a long list of success stories where they not only eliminate poverty, but also decades-old fueds.

Its a brilliant concept, well executed, and with many success stories. Kudos to Mancini for starting this meme, and thanks again for the hat tip.