Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Blog Action Day
Today, the 15th of October, is the day for bloggers to stand up and point the spotlight at Poverty. Too bad John Edwards has been silenced, but I digress. Look at my previous "Bono" and "Africa" postings. And tonight thank God it's them instead of you.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Ilana Mercer Hates on Bono
Angelina Jolie isn't much help for Bono in my opinion. She's not quite as smart and saavy with her desire to help poor folks in Africa, and some people like Ilana Mercer put her and other do-gooders in the same category as Bono:
"Beavering away to shape public opinion – and policy – about Africa are the likes of Angelina Jolie and Bono.
In their capacities as U.N. goodwill ambassadors, or Time magazine "Persons of the Year," in the free access they enjoy to popes and presidents, Brangelina (Jolie + the pug-faced Pitt) and Bono, and their enablers in the media (CNN's Anderson Vanderbilt Cooper), are dictating the cultural and political script vis-à-vis Africa. To use a Peggy Noonan refrain, "These people have read an article and now want to tell us the truth, if we can handle it.""
C'mon Ilana! Bono's done a lot more than read the article, he's practically written it. I'll agree that a lot of aid money sent to Africa has been wasted and many of their problems are their own doing....so? So we as Americans, as Christians, should simply refuse to help the poorest of the poor? I imagine Jesus would have a different opinion. I'm amazed when folks like Ilana tear down people who are trying to help the poorest people in the world. And she doesn't even offer any alternatives....if you're gonna tear down people who are trying their best to help Africa's poor, at least take the time to make some suggestions yourself. What should we do? Seems to me she thinks we should let them all starve and die, that the world would be a better place without them.
Ilana mentions Jesse Helms saying foreign aid is "money down a rathole". Well, Ilana, even Jesse Helms agrees with Bono now, so you'll have to find another arch-conservative to quote next time.
"Beavering away to shape public opinion – and policy – about Africa are the likes of Angelina Jolie and Bono.
In their capacities as U.N. goodwill ambassadors, or Time magazine "Persons of the Year," in the free access they enjoy to popes and presidents, Brangelina (Jolie + the pug-faced Pitt) and Bono, and their enablers in the media (CNN's Anderson Vanderbilt Cooper), are dictating the cultural and political script vis-à-vis Africa. To use a Peggy Noonan refrain, "These people have read an article and now want to tell us the truth, if we can handle it.""
C'mon Ilana! Bono's done a lot more than read the article, he's practically written it. I'll agree that a lot of aid money sent to Africa has been wasted and many of their problems are their own doing....so? So we as Americans, as Christians, should simply refuse to help the poorest of the poor? I imagine Jesus would have a different opinion. I'm amazed when folks like Ilana tear down people who are trying to help the poorest people in the world. And she doesn't even offer any alternatives....if you're gonna tear down people who are trying their best to help Africa's poor, at least take the time to make some suggestions yourself. What should we do? Seems to me she thinks we should let them all starve and die, that the world would be a better place without them.
Ilana mentions Jesse Helms saying foreign aid is "money down a rathole". Well, Ilana, even Jesse Helms agrees with Bono now, so you'll have to find another arch-conservative to quote next time.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Jesse pays tribute to Bono
TIME.com: Bono -- May. 08, 2006 -- Page 1: "After so many years in Washington, I had met enough people to quickly figure out who is genuine and who is there for show. I knew as soon as I met Bono that he was genuine. He had his facts in hand and didn't have any agenda other than doing all he could to help people in desperate need.
Along with Franklin Graham, Bono, 45, helped me understand the scope of the tragedy in Africa, especially the pain it is bringing to infants and children and their families. Once I understood, I made both men a promise that I would do all I could to help."
For more on this odd couple, see my webite about Bono and Jesse Helms
Also, if you can tolerate RealPlayer, here's a link to a great NPR story a few years back, where you can hear Helms talk in his admirable southern drawl.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Davos Doubter
World Economic Forum Davos: Paul Theroux:
"Again, Ireland may be the model for an answer. After centuries of wishing themselves on to other countries, the Irish found that education, rational government, people staying put and simple diligence could turn Ireland from an economic basket case into a prosperous nation. In a word — are you listening, Mr Hewson? — the Irish have proved that there is something to be said for staying home."
Another article critical of Bono's efforts. This guy has some clout, but his solution of sending pencils and mops seems absurd. And, I would have to say to him that Bono and the boys have stayed in Ireland, and certainly they have played a major part in the new generation's move away from violence and toward economic prosperity. So, they have stayed home and they have succeeded in Ireland. Maybe that makes them perfect for Africa now...
Monday, July 04, 2005
LA Times Loves Bono
U2 news article - from @U2:
"Bono has been so persuasive in his advocacy of debt relief for Africa that he has won the respect even of controversial, ultraconservative Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly.
O'Reilly questioned Bono for 45 minutes about African and economic issues before agreeing to have him as a guest on his show last year.
'I think Bono should win the Nobel Peace Prize,' he said in an interview last week. 'He's not a phony. If I can help him in any way, I will help him.'
Bono was on stage at the beginning of the London concert as U2 joined Paul McCartney on the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' and it was striking how essential he seemed to the proceedings. He has achieved a level of social activism Lennon and McCartney had only imagined."
"Bono has been so persuasive in his advocacy of debt relief for Africa that he has won the respect even of controversial, ultraconservative Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly.
O'Reilly questioned Bono for 45 minutes about African and economic issues before agreeing to have him as a guest on his show last year.
'I think Bono should win the Nobel Peace Prize,' he said in an interview last week. 'He's not a phony. If I can help him in any way, I will help him.'
Bono was on stage at the beginning of the London concert as U2 joined Paul McCartney on the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' and it was striking how essential he seemed to the proceedings. He has achieved a level of social activism Lennon and McCartney had only imagined."
Saturday, July 02, 2005
An Unforgettable Face
Moving moments from Live 8 in London - Live 8 concerts - MSNBC.com:
"There is much to say about the audience and the musicians and the event itself. But for me, the most moving moment came halfway through the concert. Activist Bob Geldof, the force behind Live 8 and the Live Aid fundraiser in 1985, took the stage. 'Don't believe you can't make a difference,' he said. 'Take a look.' A short video followed. It was an old video, two decades old. I had seen it before. It was a montage of photos showing children starving in Africa. They were beautiful and innocent and dying. Some were cradled in their mother's arms. The moms were starving, too, and couldn't even shed tears for their children because they were so dehydrated themselves. The video ended with the photo of a girl, maybe 3 years old. Her eyes were rolling back into her head. She couldn't have been more than a day away from death. I remembered her. I remembered her face from when the video first aired. It was the kind of picture you can't forget. Geldof then told the crowd, 'You made a difference then and you can do it again now.'
He then introduced that little girl. She walked onto the stage like a butterfly in first flight. She wore a flowing white skirt which showed off her beautiful skin to advantage. She was simply gorgeous; a poised young woman in her mid-20's. It was almost beyond belief that this was the same person. She survived.
I looked at the French reporter next to me. She was crying. Turns out we spoke the same language after all."
Yes ,THAT was quite an emotional moment, the kind that can make world leaders face the reality. She was beautiful in so many ways. A flesh & blood example of what can and must be done.
U2 & Macca doing Sgt. Pepper was cool, I mentioned that it was like a "passing of the torch" and my wife rolled her eyes at me. About 20 minutes later, one of the VeeJays said the same thing, so I wasn't the only one thinking it....
"Beautiful Day" was just fantastic, you can tell they have been touring and are in top form. The bird release was a nice fit with the lyrics, even though it did remind me of the Michael Jackson verdict. (Damn freaky California bird-lady!)
Other notes:
Madonna's spot was right on, emotional with the Unforgettable Face, she wins most improved from '85.
Pink Floyd, together again, wow! Money has never sounded better.
"There is much to say about the audience and the musicians and the event itself. But for me, the most moving moment came halfway through the concert. Activist Bob Geldof, the force behind Live 8 and the Live Aid fundraiser in 1985, took the stage. 'Don't believe you can't make a difference,' he said. 'Take a look.' A short video followed. It was an old video, two decades old. I had seen it before. It was a montage of photos showing children starving in Africa. They were beautiful and innocent and dying. Some were cradled in their mother's arms. The moms were starving, too, and couldn't even shed tears for their children because they were so dehydrated themselves. The video ended with the photo of a girl, maybe 3 years old. Her eyes were rolling back into her head. She couldn't have been more than a day away from death. I remembered her. I remembered her face from when the video first aired. It was the kind of picture you can't forget. Geldof then told the crowd, 'You made a difference then and you can do it again now.'
He then introduced that little girl. She walked onto the stage like a butterfly in first flight. She wore a flowing white skirt which showed off her beautiful skin to advantage. She was simply gorgeous; a poised young woman in her mid-20's. It was almost beyond belief that this was the same person. She survived.
I looked at the French reporter next to me. She was crying. Turns out we spoke the same language after all."
Yes ,THAT was quite an emotional moment, the kind that can make world leaders face the reality. She was beautiful in so many ways. A flesh & blood example of what can and must be done.
U2 & Macca doing Sgt. Pepper was cool, I mentioned that it was like a "passing of the torch" and my wife rolled her eyes at me. About 20 minutes later, one of the VeeJays said the same thing, so I wasn't the only one thinking it....
"Beautiful Day" was just fantastic, you can tell they have been touring and are in top form. The bird release was a nice fit with the lyrics, even though it did remind me of the Michael Jackson verdict. (Damn freaky California bird-lady!)
Other notes:
Madonna's spot was right on, emotional with the Unforgettable Face, she wins most improved from '85.
Pink Floyd, together again, wow! Money has never sounded better.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Blair, Bono Win One for Africa
Blair, Bono Win One for Africa | csmonitor.com:
"It's been a long campaign of persistent persuasion by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish rock star Bono. But finally, on Saturday, they won a victory for the world's poorest continent.
The finance ministers of the G-8, the wealthiest nations, decided to forgive 18 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, more than $40 billion of debt owed to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank.
The deal means G-8 taxpayers will be obligated by up to $8 billion to those finance institutions. It's a small price to pay to keep Africa from further backsliding into poverty, disease, and violent chaos.
President Bush could hardly say no to the deal. Many of the 18 nations can't pay their debts anyway. Also, because of a new US strategy to try to keep impoverished nations from becoming terrorist havens, Africa is prime turf. Most of all, Bush couldn't resist the pleas of Mr. Blair, who chairs the G-8 this year, because the US recently won about $33 billion in debt relief for Iraq from 19 nations."
"It's been a long campaign of persistent persuasion by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish rock star Bono. But finally, on Saturday, they won a victory for the world's poorest continent.
The finance ministers of the G-8, the wealthiest nations, decided to forgive 18 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, more than $40 billion of debt owed to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank.
The deal means G-8 taxpayers will be obligated by up to $8 billion to those finance institutions. It's a small price to pay to keep Africa from further backsliding into poverty, disease, and violent chaos.
President Bush could hardly say no to the deal. Many of the 18 nations can't pay their debts anyway. Also, because of a new US strategy to try to keep impoverished nations from becoming terrorist havens, Africa is prime turf. Most of all, Bush couldn't resist the pleas of Mr. Blair, who chairs the G-8 this year, because the US recently won about $33 billion in debt relief for Iraq from 19 nations."
Friday, June 03, 2005
(Bo)No Debt!
Sweet victory ahead on debt relief? | csmonitor.com:
"The 10-year battle to wipe out the debt burden of the world's most impoverished nations is reaching a climax.
Hopes are running high that when leaders of the richest countries gather next month in Scotland, they will insist that two key players - The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - forgive billions of dollars of debt.
The logic behind debt relief is twofold: 1) Countries no longer indebted would have more money for education, health programs, sanitation, and services for the poor. 2) Many of these loans are so-called 'odious' debts, made by onetime dictators instead of elected representatives. Since the United States has already persuaded other countries to forgive loans made to Iraq under Saddam Hussein, the logic goes, then debts made under other former dictatorships, from Nigeria to the Philippines, deserve similar treatment.
The US stance on Iraqi loans, plus repeated high-profile protests at international meetings of wealthy nations, have moved debt relief from the bottom of the international agenda to near the top.
In addition, thousands of people are expected to protest in Scotland July 2 to help keep President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the other leaders of the G-8 (the G-7 industrial nations plus Russia) on track to forgive billions of dollars of debt, primarily for poor sub-Saharan nations, when they meet four days later in Gleneagles, Scotland.
'Expectations have been raised very high,' says Mark Engler, an analyst with Foreign Policy in Focus, a New York think tank."
What's this....something good has come from the Iraq invasion? Alert George W., he should be draping himself in this, but alas, my guess is more promises with little to back it up.
"The gold....it's in the...."
"The 10-year battle to wipe out the debt burden of the world's most impoverished nations is reaching a climax.
Hopes are running high that when leaders of the richest countries gather next month in Scotland, they will insist that two key players - The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - forgive billions of dollars of debt.
The logic behind debt relief is twofold: 1) Countries no longer indebted would have more money for education, health programs, sanitation, and services for the poor. 2) Many of these loans are so-called 'odious' debts, made by onetime dictators instead of elected representatives. Since the United States has already persuaded other countries to forgive loans made to Iraq under Saddam Hussein, the logic goes, then debts made under other former dictatorships, from Nigeria to the Philippines, deserve similar treatment.
The US stance on Iraqi loans, plus repeated high-profile protests at international meetings of wealthy nations, have moved debt relief from the bottom of the international agenda to near the top.
In addition, thousands of people are expected to protest in Scotland July 2 to help keep President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the other leaders of the G-8 (the G-7 industrial nations plus Russia) on track to forgive billions of dollars of debt, primarily for poor sub-Saharan nations, when they meet four days later in Gleneagles, Scotland.
'Expectations have been raised very high,' says Mark Engler, an analyst with Foreign Policy in Focus, a New York think tank."
What's this....something good has come from the Iraq invasion? Alert George W., he should be draping himself in this, but alas, my guess is more promises with little to back it up.
"The gold....it's in the...."
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