Waltman believes Americans should be willing to foot some of the bill. But he wonders how that bill would be shared among the countries concerned and among their taxpayers. Answers to that are still being worked out. In Tanzania, for example, nine times as much has been spent on debt servicing as on basic health and four times as much on debt as on primary education, according to studies conducted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. The denomination began monitoring the debt burden in 1986.
Financial obligations are important but basic human needs take precedence.
It would lift a huge burden from the shoulders of the world's poor, send a message of hope and offer the prospect of a new start. Demonstrations and symbolic actions are planned. Petitions are circulating. Education and discussion materials have been developed. Women of the ELCA is joining the letter campaign.