Broken Promises (LIVE8)

busybeeburns · 17-04-2007, 08:32 AM

How the Potential of the Live 8 Concerts Has Been Wasted

It's been less than two years since activist Bob Geldof's Live 8 event kicked off a series of concurrent concerts in each of the globe's wealthiest, most developed nations - the G8 countries. Approximately 1.5 million people attended these events, and hundreds of millions more are said to have watched them on television. Just six days later, these nations convened and announced a series of humanitarian promises, including $50 billion in extra aid for Africa.

For a music junkie, Live 8 was the be-all end-all of music extravaganzas: Coldplay, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, The Who - and that was just in London. But the concert was organized primarily in order to pressure world leaders to drop the debt of the world's poorest nations, to negotiate fair trade rules in the interest of poorer countries and to increase and improve foreign development aid. The results, thus far, are not exactly encouraging.

A new report published on April 3 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says the members of the Group of Eight (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) as well as more than a dozen other developed nations, are not meeting the pledges they made to the developing world in 2005. In 2006, foreign aid fell by over $5.5 billion despite the fact that aid was supposed to rise by $50 billion every year until 2010. Only the UK has successfully met its pledge.

The blame for this failure falls squarely on the shoulders of the G8 nations. There could be any number of reasons why these countries have failed to meet the $50 billion-a-year goal, but the fact that aid to the region has actually fallen is inexcusable.

Granted, in terms of debt relief for Africa's nations, the G8 do seem to be on track with their commitments. Developing nations that are heavily indebted often have a very difficult time generating the funding to pay off these loans (as well as the substantial interest rates) so they resort to inflationary measures that can ultimately stunt their development even more.

The G8 nations promised to cancel debt in 19 African nations, and its effects are beginning to be felt, particularly in Zambia and Tanzania.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of Africans being treated for HIV/AIDS, with as many as 800,000 receiving treatment in 2005, but we are still well behind the goal of 4 million Africans treated by 2010.

Keep in mind that foreign aid is not the long-term solution for hunger or poverty - especially not in Africa. Since the end of World War II, Africa has received the most foreign aid of any region in the world, yet it has developed the least.

But this can not and should not be used as an excuse for wealthy nations to ignore the continent's problems. Just because the continent has not developed as quickly as, for example, nations in Southeast Asia, does not mean that sending food and medicine to poor Africans is a lost cause. Foreign aid still has the power to save lives.

But even worse than the nations that fail to give aid are those who criticize Geldof. Andy Kershaw, a TV and radio presenter, has criticized Geldof for believing he can "push around presidents and prime ministers." Noel Gallagher, the guitarist for Oasis, attacked Geldof for expecting the world's bands to come together at his behest and solve world poverty issues.

This is the same pretentiousness argument that people use against Bono - namely, that he has a Jesus complex and is foolish for believing that one righteous man can save the world. But who cares?

Geldof himself responded to the criticism by saying, "I am withering in my scorn for the columnists who say [Live 8] is not going to work. Even if it doesn't work, what do they propose? Every night forever watching people, live on TV, dying on our screens?"

Live 8 was still a whole lot better than doing nothing, wasn't it? Even if the G8 nations aren't doing their part, the concerts still helped raise the awareness of more than a million attendees and countless TV viewers.

It's easy to have a debate about how a worldwide celebrity spectacle isn't going to solve the world's problems.

But do the people in Africa in desperate need of food, medicine and other necessities care where it comes from? What matters is that someone needs to do something, and it needs to be done now. At least Bob Geldof tried.

Mike Brandon is a College sophomore from Colts Neck, N.J.

http://media.www.emorywheel.com/medi...-2845035.shtml

Cirrus Minor · 17-04-2007, 08:39 AM

So once again they lied... Pisses me off.

And Noel Gallagher is a dumbass.

MrMagpie · 18-04-2007, 12:25 AM

What will it take for our governments to change?

TracieMorgan · 18-04-2007, 01:00 AM

Of course Govts. made empty promises. The whole f**king world was watching. THey had to say someting or risk losing votes. It's sad, but true. Cudos to the UK for living up to their promise. I don't usually cheer on the British Govt., but well done this time!!

As for Noel, that comment hardly even belongs in the article. He slags everyone and everthing off to such an extent that it's lost all impact and has become meaningless. I love Oasis, but I don't take anything Noel says seriously anymore,lol.

Next stop...Live Earth. More great music, more empty promises. Let's hope at least a little change takes place.

TracieMorgan · 18-04-2007, 01:02 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Briggins;2051220
What will it take for our governments to change?

It'll take all of us letting politicians know that if they want our vote, they must take the issues of trade, hunger, poverty, and HIV/AIDS more seriously or they'll be out of a job.

Thank God for people like Steven Lewis. Now there's a national treasure.

Lera · 18-04-2007, 02:59 AM

Well Andy Kershaw and Noel Gallagher can go fuck themselves. I mean, what did they do anyway? Geldof at least tried, that's true. Of course, it didn't work out like it should have, since our world is just like that and our governments are all fucked up and phony, but it's better to do something than not doing anything. This concert attracted many people's attention, some of them made a donation, that's something. And criticizing Geldof for trying to help is just ridiculous, I suppose. Noel should maybe do something for poor countries himself before saying such things.

Space Cadet · 18-04-2007, 04:36 AM

Amusing that Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn have something they actually agree about. Typical media spin though- pick the quote that will be ridiculed just because a Gallagher said it and never mind that several high profile artists have said similar things.

Lera · 18-04-2007, 05:02 AM

Well not just Noel, everybody who say Geldof is wasting his time are wrong, in my opinion. I only mentioned him because his name and quote were in the article.
And yeah, I've read about Albarn as well.

TracieMorgan · 18-04-2007, 05:12 AM

Noel even attacked Chris on a few occasions. He called him a f**king plant pot,lol, and he said Chris was pompous the way he went on about 'free trade'. Noel also played with Chris at the Make Trade Fair concert, so he has actually done something to help. I usually laugh my ass off at his comments, or I just ignore them. I wish he hadn't attacked Geldof, but I'm sure Geldof understands. You're noone unless the Galligers slag you off. It's just part of being a British musician,lol.

And like everyone else has said, at least Geldof has made an effort to help. He can't be blamed for the fact that politicians lie and go back on their word.

Space Cadet · 18-04-2007, 05:28 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by TracieMorgan;2051406
Noel even attacked Chris on a few occasions. He called him a f**king plant pot,lol, and he said Chris was pompous the way he went on about 'free trade'.

Actually, that was Liam, and he even said himself at the time that he wasn't serious, he just wanted to make a scene. Chris and Noel seem to get along quite well in general.

TracieMorgan · 18-04-2007, 06:11 AM

^Was it Laim? My bad. But my point is the same. Both Gallaghers slag everyon4e off, even the people they get along with. It's part of the act.

All I meant was that people should take what Oasis say about other artists with agrain of salt, and not be too offended by it.

Noone laughed harder than Chris when he got called a plant pot at the Q awards...except maybe me.

Plug_in_coldplaying · 18-04-2007, 07:37 AM

Noel is sometimes disgusting

Black Rose · 19-04-2007, 07:22 PM

Live Aid didn't work
Live 8 didn't work
Live Earth won't work.

It will take more than a bunch of artists singing songs at a big concert to make change happen.

busybeeburns · 22-04-2007, 03:19 PM

agreed, its simply a day for music lovers to see their favourite acts when in reality the majority of the musicgoers aren't even arsed about global warming

17-04-2007, 08:32 AM	#1
busybeeburns mr coldplaying himself Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 46,331 My Mood: Location: test Gender: Country: Seen CP: 20 times Fav. CP album: X&Y Fav. CP song: GPASUYF Fav. CP member: Chat posts: 4 Thanks given: 1,547 Thanked 932 Times in 418 Posts	Broken Promises (LIVE8) How the Potential of the Live 8 Concerts Has Been Wasted It's been less than two years since activist Bob Geldof's Live 8 event kicked off a series of concurrent concerts in each of the globe's wealthiest, most developed nations - the G8 countries. Approximately 1.5 million people attended these events, and hundreds of millions more are said to have watched them on television. Just six days later, these nations convened and announced a series of humanitarian promises, including $50 billion in extra aid for Africa. For a music junkie, Live 8 was the be-all end-all of music extravaganzas: Coldplay, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, The Who - and that was just in London. But the concert was organized primarily in order to pressure world leaders to drop the debt of the world's poorest nations, to negotiate fair trade rules in the interest of poorer countries and to increase and improve foreign development aid. The results, thus far, are not exactly encouraging. A new report published on April 3 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says the members of the Group of Eight (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) as well as more than a dozen other developed nations, are not meeting the pledges they made to the developing world in 2005. In 2006, foreign aid fell by over $5.5 billion despite the fact that aid was supposed to rise by $50 billion every year until 2010. Only the UK has successfully met its pledge. The blame for this failure falls squarely on the shoulders of the G8 nations. There could be any number of reasons why these countries have failed to meet the $50 billion-a-year goal, but the fact that aid to the region has actually fallen is inexcusable. Granted, in terms of debt relief for Africa's nations, the G8 do seem to be on track with their commitments. Developing nations that are heavily indebted often have a very difficult time generating the funding to pay off these loans (as well as the substantial interest rates) so they resort to inflationary measures that can ultimately stunt their development even more. The G8 nations promised to cancel debt in 19 African nations, and its effects are beginning to be felt, particularly in Zambia and Tanzania. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of Africans being treated for HIV/AIDS, with as many as 800,000 receiving treatment in 2005, but we are still well behind the goal of 4 million Africans treated by 2010. Keep in mind that foreign aid is not the long-term solution for hunger or poverty - especially not in Africa. Since the end of World War II, Africa has received the most foreign aid of any region in the world, yet it has developed the least. But this can not and should not be used as an excuse for wealthy nations to ignore the continent's problems. Just because the continent has not developed as quickly as, for example, nations in Southeast Asia, does not mean that sending food and medicine to poor Africans is a lost cause. Foreign aid still has the power to save lives. But even worse than the nations that fail to give aid are those who criticize Geldof. Andy Kershaw, a TV and radio presenter, has criticized Geldof for believing he can "push around presidents and prime ministers." Noel Gallagher, the guitarist for Oasis, attacked Geldof for expecting the world's bands to come together at his behest and solve world poverty issues. This is the same pretentiousness argument that people use against Bono - namely, that he has a Jesus complex and is foolish for believing that one righteous man can save the world. But who cares? Geldof himself responded to the criticism by saying, "I am withering in my scorn for the columnists who say [Live 8] is not going to work. Even if it doesn't work, what do they propose? Every night forever watching people, live on TV, dying on our screens?" Live 8 was still a whole lot better than doing nothing, wasn't it? Even if the G8 nations aren't doing their part, the concerts still helped raise the awareness of more than a million attendees and countless TV viewers. It's easy to have a debate about how a worldwide celebrity spectacle isn't going to solve the world's problems. But do the people in Africa in desperate need of food, medicine and other necessities care where it comes from? What matters is that someone needs to do something, and it needs to be done now. At least Bob Geldof tried. Mike Brandon is a College sophomore from Colts Neck, N.J. http://media.www.emorywheel.com/medi...-2845035.shtml __________________ The early bird catches the worm. The second mouse gets the cheese!

17-04-2007, 08:39 AM	#2
Cirrus Minor The Scientist Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,128 Location: Square One Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So once again they lied... Pisses me off. And Noel Gallagher is a dumbass. __________________ "The Mainstream comes to you but you have to go to the Underground." F. Zappa http://imagegen.last.fm/TDSOTM/recen...irrusMinor.gif This scapegrace will pay My barking harangue Are you listening ?

18-04-2007, 01:00 AM	#4
TracieMorgan Biggest JONNY fan 2012 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 31,720 Location: Playing the drums very badly, and the bass even worse. Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 965 Thanked 808 Times in 531 Posts	Of course Govts. made empty promises. The whole fking world was watching. THey had to say someting or risk losing votes. It's sad, but true. Cudos to the UK for living up to their promise. I don't usually cheer on the British Govt., but well done this time!! As for Noel, that comment hardly even belongs in the article. He slags everyone and everthing off to such an extent that it's lost all impact and has become meaningless. I love Oasis, but I don't take anything Noel says seriously anymore,lol. Next stop...Live Earth. More great music, more empty promises. Let's hope at least a little change takes place. __________________ www.myspace.com/howweseetheworld www.facebook.com/traciemorgan www.facebook.com/traciemorganmusic http://twitter.com/TracieMorgan "That was the day I was almost murdered by a sheep." - Jonny Buckland**

18-04-2007, 01:02 AM	#5
TracieMorgan Biggest JONNY fan 2012 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 31,720 Location: Playing the drums very badly, and the bass even worse. Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 965 Thanked 808 Times in 531 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Briggins;2051220 What will it take for our governments to change? It'll take all of us letting politicians know that if they want our vote, they must take the issues of trade, hunger, poverty, and HIV/AIDS more seriously or they'll be out of a job. Thank God for people like Steven Lewis. Now there's a national treasure. __________________ www.myspace.com/howweseetheworld www.facebook.com/traciemorgan www.facebook.com/traciemorganmusic http://twitter.com/TracieMorgan *"That was the day I was almost murdered by a sheep." - Jonny Buckland*

18-04-2007, 04:36 AM	#7
Space Cadet You have been warned. Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,738 My Mood: Location: Nova Scotia Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Amusing that Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn have something they actually agree about. Typical media spin though- pick the quote that will be ridiculed just because a Gallagher said it and never mind that several high profile artists have said similar things. __________________ Spoiler http://img-fan.theonering.net/middle...trolls_als.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9WmxwgW2J0 "Troll sat alone on his seat of stone, And munched and mumbled a bare old bone; For many a year he had gnawed it near, For meat was hard to come by. Done by! Gum by! In a cave in the hills he dwelt alone, And meat was hard to come by. Up came Tom with his big boots on. Said he to Troll: 'Pray, what is yon? For it looks like the shin o' my nuncle Tim, As should be a-lyin' in graveyard. Caveyard! Paveyard! This many a year has Tim been gone, And I thought he were lyin' in graveyard.' 'My lad,' said Troll, 'this bone I stole. But what be bones that lie in a hole? Thy nuncle was dead as a lump o' lead, Afore I found his shinbone. Tinbone! Thinbone! He can spare a share for a poor old troll, For he don't need his shinbone.' Said Tom: 'I don't see why the likes o' thee Without axin' leave should go makin' free With the shank or the shin o' my father's kin; So hand the old bone over! Rover! Trover! Though dead he be, it belongs to he; So hand the old bone over!' 'For a couple o' pins,' says Troll, and grins, 'I'll eat thee too, and gnaw thy shins. A bit o' fresh meat will go down sweet! I'll try my teeth on thee now. Hee now! See now! I'm tired o' gnawing old bones and skins; I've a mind to dine on thee now.' But just as he thought his dinner was caught, He found his hands had hold of naught. Before he could mind, Tom slipped behind And gave him the boot to larn him. Warn him! Darn him! A bump o' the boot on the seat, Tom thought, Would be the way to larn him. But harder than stone is the flesh and bone Of a troll that sits in the hills alone. As well set your boot to the mountain's root, For the seat of a troll don't feel it. Peel it! Heal it! Old Troll laughed, when he heard Tom groan, And he knew his toes could feel it. Tom's leg is game, since home he came, And his bootless foot is lasting lame; But Troll don't care, and he's still there With the bone he boned from its owner. Doner! Boner! Troll's old seat is still the same, And the bone he boned from its owner!" Albums of the Year 2011 - Vote Here!

18-04-2007, 12:25 AM	#3
MrMagpie Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 26,887 Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	What will it take for our governments to change?

18-04-2007, 02:59 AM	#6
Lera Dancing on the highway Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,786 Location: Shytown Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well Andy Kershaw and Noel Gallagher can go fuck themselves. I mean, what did they do anyway? Geldof at least tried, that's true. Of course, it didn't work out like it should have, since our world is just like that and our governments are all fucked up and phony, but it's better to do something than not doing anything. This concert attracted many people's attention, some of them made a donation, that's something. And criticizing Geldof for trying to help is just ridiculous, I suppose. Noel should maybe do something for poor countries himself before saying such things.

18-04-2007, 05:02 AM	#8
Lera Dancing on the highway Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,786 Location: Shytown Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well not just Noel, everybody who say Geldof is wasting his time are wrong, in my opinion. I only mentioned him because his name and quote were in the article. And yeah, I've read about Albarn as well.

18-04-2007, 05:12 AM	#9
TracieMorgan Biggest JONNY fan 2012 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 31,720 Location: Playing the drums very badly, and the bass even worse. Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 965 Thanked 808 Times in 531 Posts	Noel even attacked Chris on a few occasions. He called him a fking plant pot,lol, and he said Chris was pompous the way he went on about 'free trade'. Noel also played with Chris at the Make Trade Fair concert, so he has actually done something to help. I usually laugh my ass off at his comments, or I just ignore them. I wish he hadn't attacked Geldof, but I'm sure Geldof understands. You're noone unless the Galligers slag you off. It's just part of being a British musician,lol. And like everyone else has said, at least Geldof has made an effort to help. He can't be blamed for the fact that politicians lie and go back on their word. __________________ www.myspace.com/howweseetheworld www.facebook.com/traciemorgan www.facebook.com/traciemorganmusic http://twitter.com/TracieMorgan "That was the day I was almost murdered by a sheep." - Jonny Buckland**

18-04-2007, 05:28 AM	#10
Space Cadet You have been warned. Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,738 My Mood: Location: Nova Scotia Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by TracieMorgan;2051406 Noel even attacked Chris on a few occasions. He called him a fking plant pot,lol, and he said Chris was pompous the way he went on about 'free trade'. Actually, that was Liam, and he even said himself at the time that he wasn't serious, he just wanted to make a scene. Chris and Noel seem to get along quite well in general. __________________ Spoiler http://img-fan.theonering.net/middle...trolls_als.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9WmxwgW2J0 "Troll sat alone on his seat of stone, And munched and mumbled a bare old bone; For many a year he had gnawed it near, For meat was hard to come by. Done by! Gum by! In a cave in the hills he dwelt alone, And meat was hard to come by. Up came Tom with his big boots on. Said he to Troll: 'Pray, what is yon? For it looks like the shin o' my nuncle Tim, As should be a-lyin' in graveyard. Caveyard! Paveyard! This many a year has Tim been gone, And I thought he were lyin' in graveyard.' 'My lad,' said Troll, 'this bone I stole. But what be bones that lie in a hole? Thy nuncle was dead as a lump o' lead, Afore I found his shinbone. Tinbone! Thinbone! He can spare a share for a poor old troll, For he don't need his shinbone.' Said Tom: 'I don't see why the likes o' thee Without axin' leave should go makin' free With the shank or the shin o' my father's kin; So hand the old bone over! Rover! Trover! Though dead he be, it belongs to he; So hand the old bone over!' 'For a couple o' pins,' says Troll, and grins, 'I'll eat thee too, and gnaw thy shins. A bit o' fresh meat will go down sweet! I'll try my teeth on thee now. Hee now! See now! I'm tired o' gnawing old bones and skins; I've a mind to dine on thee now.' But just as he thought his dinner was caught, He found his hands had hold of naught. Before he could mind, Tom slipped behind And gave him the boot to larn him. Warn him! Darn him! A bump o' the boot on the seat, Tom thought, Would be the way to larn him. But harder than stone is the flesh and bone Of a troll that sits in the hills alone. As well set your boot to the mountain's root, For the seat of a troll don't feel it. Peel it! Heal it! Old Troll laughed, when he heard Tom groan, And he knew his toes could feel it. Tom's leg is game, since home he came, And his bootless foot is lasting lame; But Troll don't care, and he's still there With the bone he boned from its owner. Doner! Boner! Troll's old seat is still the same, And the bone he boned from its owner!" Albums of the Year 2011 - Vote Here!

18-04-2007, 06:11 AM	#11
TracieMorgan Biggest JONNY fan 2012 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 31,720 Location: Playing the drums very badly, and the bass even worse. Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 965 Thanked 808 Times in 531 Posts	^Was it Laim? My bad. But my point is the same. Both Gallaghers slag everyon4e off, even the people they get along with. It's part of the act. All I meant was that people should take what Oasis say about other artists with agrain of salt, and not be too offended by it. Noone laughed harder than Chris when he got called a plant pot at the Q awards...except maybe me. __________________ www.myspace.com/howweseetheworld www.facebook.com/traciemorgan www.facebook.com/traciemorganmusic http://twitter.com/TracieMorgan *"That was the day I was almost murdered by a sheep." - Jonny Buckland*

18-04-2007, 07:37 AM	#12
Plug_in_coldplaying 5:2 Hurts Like Heaven Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 25,633 My Mood: Location: Grays, Essex Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 65 Thanked 31 Times in 19 Posts	Noel is sometimes disgusting __________________ Coldplay live 10 July 2005 Vienna Austria St. Polen Air 23 September 2008 Budapest Hungary Sports Arena 24 September 2008 Vienna Austria Wiener Stadthalle 19 September 2009 London UK Wembley Stadium 21 February 2012 London UK O2 Arena (Brit Awards) 16 September 2012 Prague Czech Republic Synot Tip Arena

19-04-2007, 07:22 PM	#13
Black Rose Bear with me Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 47,534 My Mood: Location: A strangeland under the iron sea where hopes & fears can make the night train be in perfect symmetry Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 6 Thanked 105 Times in 83 Posts	Live Aid didn't work Live 8 didn't work Live Earth won't work. It will take more than a bunch of artists singing songs at a big concert to make change happen. __________________ You could take a picture of something you see In the future where will I be? You could climb a ladder up to the sun Or write a song nobody had sung Or do something that's never been done

22-04-2007, 03:19 PM	#14
busybeeburns mr coldplaying himself Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 46,331 My Mood: Location: test Gender: Country: Seen CP: 20 times Fav. CP album: X&Y Fav. CP song: GPASUYF Fav. CP member: Chat posts: 4 Thanks given: 1,547 Thanked 932 Times in 418 Posts	agreed, its simply a day for music lovers to see their favourite acts when in reality the majority of the musicgoers aren't even arsed about global warming __________________ The early bird catches the worm. The second mouse gets the cheese!

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