June 30, 2005
We Wouldn't Want Anyone Actually Helped Now, Would We?
I used to be a big fan of Bob Geldof. I liked his music, and I admired his activism on behalf of the poorest of the poor. I didn't always agree with him, but I found what he was doing to be worthy of admiration. That is why I find
this decision regarding the (misguided) Live8 concert to be so shocking to the conscience.
Collecting food for the homeless and hungry is taking a back seat to poverty in Africa as organizers for Saturday's Live 8 concert ban charities from collecting donations at the event.
Organizers have said local fundraising could "dilute the focus" of the concerts, which includes encouraging the world's G8 leaders to eliminate the debt currently owed by African countries.
"That decision came right from Sir Bob Geldof, himself," said Live 8 spokeswoman Katherine Holmes, referring to the Irish rocker fronting the Live 8 concerts.
No, we cannot let there be any effort to actually help the homeless and the hungry -- that would imply that individuals and not just governments have a responsibility to take action on their behalf. Not only that, it would detract from the focus -- that you show your caring and concern more by going to a concert than by actually doing something for another human being.
Posted by: Greg at
01:45 PM
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http://www.hudson.org/files/publications/Rethinking_Foreign_Aid.pdf
Over 1/2 trillion dollars by the United States to Africa over the past 26 years, and yet they're still in abject poverty, HIV problems, and dictators running the show and collecting the monies.
BTW, the 1/2 trillion dollars does not include private donations and such.
Posted by: mcconnell at Sun Jul 3 06:08:07 2005 (Hyi1O)
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I grew up in Africa ... it has been raped by imperial powers for much of its history ... debt forgiveness is a good step forward. These microloans sound good. Corruption has to be defeated, as does 'dumping' of agricultural products from the wealthy nations where their agri industries are protected by their governments. This stupid Pope needs to shut his mouth up about not using condoms (otherwise murder be in his soul), and African leaders need to face up to hiv/aids. Someone needs to take Mugabe out. It's the only way to save Zimbabwe from a potential genocide. The US and French and British oil companies need to show a little more respect.
Posted by: TJ the DJ at Wed Jul 6 03:26:04 2005 (o6EHG)
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There is also the cultural aspect that causes problems with HIV. When a spouse's husband dies she cannot remarry unless she has sex with her brother-in-law. The brother-in-law may not want to have sex for fear of HIV, even though he may carry it as well. So, a big fight might ensue and so the brother-in-law agrees to have sex so she can remarry. Some of these tribal culture thing has to change, too.
Posted by: mcconnell at Wed Jul 6 04:58:03 2005 (SALCs)
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