Andrew Higgins writing for the Wall Street Journal comments on Zimbabwe’s mismanaged economy saying

Custodian of a currency in free fall in a country ravaged by hyperinflation, Gideon Gono, Zimbabwe’s central-bank governor, scoffs at “traditional economics” and seeks guidance elsewhere. He says he reads the Bible. This, says the guardian of Zimbabwe’s monetary policy, has taught him the importance of obeying Robert Mugabe, the country’s 84-year-old leader and architect of policies widely blamed for the destruction of a once-flourishing African economy. “Anyone who says the bank governor should violate the head of state is violating a principle that Jesus Christ demanded of his disciples,” says Mr. Gono.

Meanwhile, Wall Street Journal reader, Georgia Allen, in swift response suggests that Zimbabwe’s mess in self-inflicted, and that the Bible certainly can’t be blamed. She says

Your article “Zimbabwe Central Banker Answers to Mugabe, Bible” is a revealing glimpse into the trade-offs and mechanics of presiding over the world’s worst case of hyperinflation. Contrary to the governor’s assertion, traditional economics do apply in Zimbabwe. The country’s devastated economy is largely a result of ruinous policy making. Gideon Gono is at risk of failing a hard test of public service: the choice between loyalty to a leader and betrayal of the public’s trust along with values of equity and transparency. The claim that Christianity supports the former is convenient, misinformed and false.

Then again ask just about any Zimbabwean what they see as the answer to all our troubles, and they’ll say prayer.

This entry was posted on July 19th, 2008 at 10:08 am by Bev Clark and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.