Greg Mortenson, famed author for his New York Times bestsellers "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan", has found himself smack dab in the middle of a pretty big controversy. For those of you who haven't heard, Mortenson is the man who shot to international fame with the above mentioned books, which describe him getting lost while climbing K2, the world's second-highest peak, later being rescued by Pakistani villagers in the village of Korphe and vowing to return there to build a school for local girls. His books were inspiring, and his organization, Central Asia Institute, raised millions. His plans were grand, and certainly not easy to achieve, but he saw the good in people, and the need to provide them with some of the same opportunities that he had. It's pretty easy to see how people got behind him and his endeavors.
However, a recent report by Jon Krakauer, a former supporter and friend, paints a much different picture. In Krakauer's new book, "Three Cups of Deceit", he paints Mortenson out to be a fraud, who only did this to further himself financially. For the year ending December 31, 2009, Mortenson's charity, CAI, had expenses of $9.7 million. Of that, $4.6 millions was spent on what was listed as "domestic outreach and education" and "lectures and guest appearances across the United States." Could these be legit, sure, they are legit expenses. To the tune of $4.6 million, though, seems a bit exorbitant. Another $1.5 million went toward advertising and promoting Mortenson's books. Again, a legit expense, but on the high end. That is exactly what Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock is looking in to. Central Asia Institute has a mission statement of building and operating schools in Afghanistan, and it would appear that Mortenson isn't staying true to the organizations mission.
So, why should we care you ask. My child won't be spending any time in school in the Middle East. Sure, you are right. However, for the 4 plus million people that have read his books, they are heart broken. Mortenson painted a picture of a true humanitarian, a larger than life hero that was spreading good throughout a war torn region where women aren't exactly on a level playing field with men. Now, everyone is questioning the validity of his recollections and his motives. Are these books based on facts, or exaggerated memories? Was the charity set up to truly spread good will across the Middle East, or to give Mortenson the golden parachute he would never have had otherwise? Will this story have the happy ending many thought it already did, or will this turn into another instance of greed over grace? Time will tell, but it's not sounding good for Greg Mortenson. For those of you who purchased his books, I hope you kept your receipt. I'm just saying...
About Me
- Mark
- I've always wondered if people actually read this stuff. I never do when I'm on other pages. Well, in case, for some strange reason, you find it necessary, I'll give you a little knowledge. I was born in The County. For those of you who don't konw better, that would be Aroostook County. For those of you who do, your jokes won't work on me, they are lame. I'm the son of an investment banker that squandered his every penny on tuna fish sandwiches in the late 80's, and my mother was the lead singer for the Bangles. Neither of those is true, but again, I'm convinced nobody is reading this anyways. I met my wife at a carnival, and we were married by the bearded lady in front of the entire clown brigade. I have a daughter who is training for the 2012 Olympics where she will compete in the Triple Jump and Javelin. We live in a nice little shanty in the woods and are hoping to one day have running water. Any questions?
