The Power of Four Bits

I often get caught up in big-picture thinking-- working on ways to bring capital to bear on solving every day problems. But this story from the NY Times reminded me that the problems that really matter are often the 50 cent problems.

The story is about a young boy, Karlo, in the Sudan who is sick. A few days earlier his older brother died of the same sickness. NY Times report Nick Kristof is in the Sudan and meets Karlo and his mother when his guide vehicle stops in their village to drive them to the nearest clinic. The guide vehicle, by the way, is Samaritan's Purse, a US aid agency run by Franklin Graham, Billy's son.

Take note that engaged on bringing this story about Karlo to us are two wildly different organizations: Samaritan's Purse born out of the religious right, and the NY Times the banner publication of the liberal left. I suppose political dogma doesn't matter much in the presence of a dying child.

Watch the video and see for yourself the power that 50 cents can do. What will Karlo grow up to become?

In this kind of work, it's easy to get caught up in thinking about thousands of dollars and even millions of dollars-- I certainly do. Karlo reminded me about the power of 50 cents.

Here's the link:
http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=36e26b2219b9cff40623d6d7ae048954619fc6f8