With the world’s economic woes looming large for many people, it’s not surprising that money matters were mentioned most when Epoch Times reporters from Finspang to Hamilton asked locals, “What do you think is the biggest issue facing your country right now?”
Islamabad, Pakistan
Sajjad Patras, 33, School Librarian
I think the biggest issue for Pakistan is terrorism. Pakistan is a front-line state against the war on terrorism. There were 61 suicide bombing attacks in 2008. More than 800 people were killed. The roots of terrorism come from militant organizations. In some parts of the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) are the bases of these organizations. The hilly and difficult terrain of this region has turned out to be a haven for militant organizations both foreign and national.
Alison Rowe, 55, Psychotherapist
The financial crisis—an escalation of unemployment and we seem to owe a large amount of money to overseas countries. New Zealand’s debt makes us vulnerable to being pressured by those countries into entering agreements that may be beneficial to those countries, but not to New Zealanders.
Iunia Dumitrascu, 24, Tourist Information Desk
I think the biggest problem Romania has to face is corruption, from politics to the lowest levels. Also the mentality of people in general—they are used to it and they find it difficult to accept that it is not the right way to live their life.
Sasso Carmela, 62, Print House Worker (retired)
I think that the biggest issue in Italy is unemployment. In our country, young people are confronting a strange situation. After many years of study in university, when they graduate and try to find a job on their field, they get only the answer: “You don’t have experience.” In this case, they have to take a lower job, under their skills, to have money to survive. But the question is, if they haven’t the possibility to work in their field, how can they get the experience?
Giordano Cellai, 37, Wood Furniture Craftsman and Organic Farmer
I think we don’t have a biggest issue facing in Italy because this concept doesn’t exist. Maybe I am wrong, but I think the important issues are those that the single person and small communities face. Politics, government, and mass media don’t talk about this. For me, the biggest issue facing my little community is how to live and work more in harmony with nature.
C. Y. Cheung, 62, Photography Company Owner
Unemployment … and when people find a job the pay’s not good enough. The poor are becoming poorer. It costs $20,000 HK [$2,580 US] for me to live every month—$10,000HK [US$1,290] for rent for my house alone. Merchandise is so expensive, and the cost of daily living is so high.
Marju Karlsson, 64, “Radda Barnen” (Rescue the Children) Worker
I come to think of the children and the elderly. It is tough for the older generations in many ways. Money is the biggest issue.
Tiffany Ryan, 21, Property Management
My comment is the current economic crisis and probably employment. Employment is low and people are finding it difficult to get a job at the moment.
Dan Lowe, 39, Plumbing Contractor
The erosion of the traditional family is the biggest issue I see facing America right now. You look at all the forces trying to attack the traditional family. We are [naturally] placed in families for a reason. It is the ideal way to raise kids, and within the extended family group.
Look for the Global Q&A column every week, when Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: Do you purposely try to buy products made in your own country?
