I was troubled by the report about Greg Mortenson and his book, Three Cups of Tea, on 60 Minutes this weekend. It didn’t seem very balanced. Since the program, I’ve read many commentaries and articles, many of them agreeing with the 60 Minutes portrayal.
Why would 60 Minutes do this, especially without giving more time to the schools that were opened, that are operating, and talking with people who have seen Mortenson’s work? There are so many positive things that were left out.
Interestingly Jon Krakauer, who was on the show talking about Mortenson's false stories and worse, has written a piece that is being offered as a free download. Part of an upcoming book?
Three Cups of Deceit How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way
by Jon Krakauer
http://www.byliner.com/...
On the website of the Central Asia Institute (the institute that manages Mortenson’s charity) there are statements from Mortenson and the CAI answering 60 Mintue’s questions. These answers were also sent to CBS which has a link to them at the end of a page with an article about Mortenson's book being under review now. Regarding the funding issues raised, they answer them fully. Mortenson has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the fund and they have a twenty million dollar scholarship fund for their students' further education.
Important Messages from Central Asia Institute
http://www.ikat.org/
Also Mortenson answered questions about the book and his charity in a recent interview:
Greg Mortenson Speaks: Exclusive Interview in Outside Online
http://outsideonline.com/...
Too many links. But this is a column by someone who's met Greg Mortenson
http://danielglick.net/...
I have read Mortenson's books and his work sound like a wonderful alternative to all the cash the Saudi's are sending to build madrases, something Mortenson also mentions in his second book. Just wondering what others here think of this.