Freddie Posted July 2, 2005 Report Share Posted July 2, 2005 So I'm sure you've all seen the coverage on television and in the papers. Awareness has definately been raised like they said, but what do you think will happen next? For me, I can't really see the G8 leaders not offering more aid and better aid. If they walk out of the summit after talking and haven't set out clear plans to help the countries who suffer so badly then there will be a massive outrage. I believe many of the leaders will have been greatly 'moved' if you like by the recent coverage. We all know they have the figures of how many die a year or how many have died or AIDs but figures aren't really moving for me. But I felt uncomfortable and sad when watching earlier as Bob Geldof showed the video of the kid trying to stand up and walk and not even having the energy or strength to do that. I suppose seeing it shows the problem much more clearly. (Y) Basically what do you see for the future? Do you think poverty can be eradicated from the world we live in? Thanks for taking the time to read, Freddie. (Y) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbanPoet Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Do you think poverty can be eradicated from the world we live in? ← No. But at least rock stars can feel better by throwing a shed-load of cash at the problem (Y) No, sorry, that's far too cynical a view to have, money helps of course, but countries need to be able to sustain themselves. It's the same old shit, blame the CAP for starters.. blah, blah, blah etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 I think it was a good thing, and it came at a good time. Who really knew about the G8 summit before this week? I certainly didn't really, but now I know who's involved, where it is, what the topics of discussion are etc. In terms of raising awareness it's done an amazing job. As for wiping out poverty, I don't think that was the aim of the concert. They are just trying to get people on side and aware of the problems. Now it's at the forefront of the media and everything, I don't see how Bush, Blair and the other G8 people can do nothing. Whether it's even in the power of the G8 leaders to "fix" Africa I don't know. Probably not. But I think it's probably worth trying. This country has too much money for its own good anyway. On a different note - How much was Peter Kay milking that stupid Amarillo song? Let it rest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mod_rider Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Everything takes time, but this will definately speed it up. When bands all come together and sing together, when normally they would be rivals for the number 1 spot or whatever, it catches people eye and then I would imagine they think about why they are doing it. People will realise there must be a big problem that a lot of people want to do something about. Same happened to me with the appearance of Bill Gates, and hearing he donates $5billion a year. People will say well that's not much on scale as to how much he has but as a percentage I bet it's more than anyone else I know. Everyone should atleast sign the petition thing for definite, and recognise the work Bob Geldof has put in to help famine over the years, he is the definition of a legend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoojames Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Noticed a load of Americans didn't perform cause they wern't getting anything out of it... selfish yanks! Anyhoo, yeah its done wonders for awareness, now every home in the country knows that a kid dies every 3 seconds in Africa, won't make a bunch of people become aid helpers in other countries though... The economic globalisation gap is way to huge to be bridged by 8 men in a room... surely saying "You don't owe us any money" won't achieve anything, nor will giving them aload more, lets face it, they are ruled by a f**king idiot... Summary: world = preety messed up place James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tipsy Jock Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 All this money wont do anything until the countries sort themselves. Did you know that when Africa gained independance some of the countries were the richest in the world! Many are flooded with resources but any means to extract them are frittered away or non existant. Once the governments and authorities have been sorted then you can throw money at the problem. A figure i heard recently was 400 million pounds, thats both the amount of aid given by Britain in the last 40 years and the amount wasted by African leaders. ho hum Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMonkey Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 You keep saying all this money, one of the things proposed was to wipe clean the debt Africa owes, that involves no money. Haha like their gonna do that though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyroo Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 (edited) Yeah, for those who have been hiding in caves and who still think its about money... Geldof doesnt want money, he wants all the people who went to the concerts to go to Edinburgh for the G8 meeting, which will decide upon Africes debts being cancelled, and peacefully protest and show them what the worlds opinion is, and hopefully sway the decision. I cant beleive the interview with Lenny Henry, when he said that he disapointed that they didnt get more black musicians... why bring race into it? It was the black musicians who wanted to be paid to do it, and the same with the first live aid concert, no black artist would do it unless the got paid. The truth was though, of all the musicians, including backing, most were black. So he can shut up. He was getting all grumpy about it on his friday show as well, saying that it was rascist that there are no black artists. He was, however, saying all this to his 99% black audience. Hypocrite. Edited July 3, 2005 by andyroo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tipsy Jock Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Poor Edinburgh is going to get trashed (Y) Obviously our mate Bob didn't think of what happens to the people of Ediborough or the ickle town near where the summits being held when his millions of protesters descend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hardman Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Africa will still remainf**ked sorry but thats my opinion having studied Africa for a year at uni the probems are too great and too inbedded to be solved. Try to solve one and make another worse. Live 8 was about raising awareness my arse its a pr stunt. Even if everyone knew about it and pressured the world govs noting would happen they make the decisions not us. The Uk is becoming a totalitarian state we cant do anythignt he goverment sees as against their ideals so f**k em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicH_87 Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 clearing the debt ain't gonna do jack shit. its the governments in africa that owe it, not the starving people so canceling it won't feed or clothe them. Plus i'm sorry and i know it sounds harsh, but where the hell are all these 'starving orphans' coming from? someone must be shagging and giving birth to them. It's there own stupid fault and retards like Bob Geldof should stop rubbing our noses in it and trying to make us feel guily for owning stuff we worked for. Why shouldn't we spend money on getting fit, having fun, going out, wearing nice clothes. I personally couldn't give a flying f**k that my jeans could feed a family for a week. Luck of the draw, they lost, not our problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munkee Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Last time debts were wiped clean we ended up with world war 2, not saying anything would happen but im sure there is going to be a few pissed off people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbanPoet Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 In the Telegraph this morning, there was an article which included the "AIDS cycle", it goes like this: Impoverished father goes to a city to find employment so he can feed his family. :) Father sleeps with HIV-positive prostitute. :P Father comes home, infects wife. :S Father develops full-blown AIDS and dies. :blink: HIV positive mother gives birth, breastfeeding her child, infecting him/her with HIV. :P Mother develops full-blown AIDS and dies. :D This creates another HIV-positive orphan. :) (Emoticons added for effect...) Where's the common sense? I'm sure they've heard of this HIV infection that desimates their entire population. What's with the ignorance/idiocy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 What's with the ignorance/idiocy? ← Not so much ignorance/idiocy, just misinformation spread by people. LMAO at the "Catholic Match" banner :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark W Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 clearing the debt ain't gonna do jack shit. its the governments in africa that owe it, not the starving people so canceling it won't feed or clothe them. ← Jeez, can you seriously not actually assess the situation and understand it? I'll spell it out. If the governments owe us loads of money because we forced them into debt, they have to direct most of their money into paying us back. If they are directing most of their money into paying us back, they can't afford to provide decent health-care, education, a decent transport network, etc. If they can't afford to do that, the people of the country are in the shit. That really didn't take a f**king leap in thinking to work out... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicH_87 Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 If they are directing most of their money into paying us back, they can't afford to provide decent health-care, education, a decent transport network, etc. If they can't afford to do that, the people of the country are in the shit. That really didn't take a f**king leap in thinking to work out... ← The governments don't want to help them out, or they wouldn't of put the money thats been lent to them straight into their pockets would they. Like i said in another post, I read a story in the paper of a £29million debt that was cleared, then the following week the leader of the same government bought a £20million jet, what the hell is that all about. If they really cared about their people they would be doing everything they can to get them better houses, better clothing, better health care, but they aren't. Unless we personally fly to the countries, build the hospitals/schools/homes and employ the people all the money will just end up in a swiss bank account. The majority of the leaders in africa couldn't give a crap what happens to the population, as-long as their lives are cushy. We shouldn't be clearing the debt, we should be shoving it down their throats until they sort their country out and actual make an effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark W Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 The governments don't want to help them out, or they wouldn't of put the money thats been lent to them straight into their pockets would they. Like i said in another post, I read a story in the paper of a £29million debt that was cleared, then the following week the leader of the same government bought a £20million jet, what the hell is that all about. If they really cared about their people they would be doing everything they can to get them better houses, better clothing, better health care, but they aren't. Unless we personally fly to the countries, build the hospitals/schools/homes and employ the people all the money will just end up in a swiss bank account. The majority of the leaders in africa couldn't give a crap what happens to the population, as-long as their lives are cushy. We shouldn't be clearing the debt, we should be shoving it down their throats until they sort their country out and actual make an effort. ← Hmm. Last time you used that funtabulous story, it was £32 million. Equally, the debt isn't cleared, it's just passed on from their government to the coalition of governments who say they'll absolve the debt. Therefore, they wouldn't magically be given some lear-jet-style spending money. Also, they're now saying they're sorting the infrastructure out prior to giving them any money, so we're all ridiculously happy anyway. :blink::D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicH_87 Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Fair enough, its still all self-ritious bullshit. Poverty has been going on forever, long before Bob Geldof or any of the other twats we're born and it always will exist. We can have as many Live-Aid concerts as we want, but it ain't going to stop homeless africans humping way more than they should and increasing their population when it's already fubar'd so badly its rediculous. My point is, (and a very badly explained one) why should we care? why is everyone so bothred all of a sudden when it's been going on for the entire history of mankind? Who does saving all these starving homless actually beneifit? Why should our lives be descibed as wastuful and over plentyful? They say it's not their fault that they were born there, but its not our fault we were born into a develpoed country. Basically i hate the way this whole thing just seems to be a way of boosting everyone ego. And the way that people can stand up and talk about how discusted they are thay immigrants should want to come and feed of britains wealth, yet in the same breath they'll talk about given as much as they can to help people in the same situation, just becasue they live on another continent. Everyone should climb down of their high horses and get on with their great lives, becasue at the end of the day, no-one would really give up their modern lifestyles to beneifit those who are still living in the same poverty that their ansestors created, if they were given the choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tipsy Jock Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 The governments don't want to help them out, or they wouldn't of put the money thats been lent to them straight into their pockets would they. Like i said in another post, I read a story in the paper of a £29million debt that was cleared, then the following week the leader of the same government bought a £20million jet, what the hell is that all about. If they really cared about their people they would be doing everything they can to get them better houses, better clothing, better health care, but they aren't. Unless we personally fly to the countries, build the hospitals/schools/homes and employ the people all the money will just end up in a swiss bank account. The majority of the leaders in africa couldn't give a crap what happens to the population, as-long as their lives are cushy. We shouldn't be clearing the debt, we should be shoving it down their throats until they sort their country out and actual make an effort. ← This man has his head screwed on, African debt isn't totaly our fault, as i said earlier most of these countries were among the richest in the world when Europe left. Zimbabwe is a good example, The white farms were profitable and fed the country. now that Mugabe has "reclaimed" them the suck and the country is diving back into even deeper poverty. Yet another despot ruler ruining a country. I admit the awareness helps, but throwing money wont help these countries need to develop themselves so they can help themselves. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegrass Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Was talking to my dad about this earlier... I basically said that, ridding Africa of its huge debts is in theory going to help the problem, but its the corrupt governemnts that are the major problem. "Yay, all my countries debts are gone so now i can take out another huge loan from some more economically active country to buy weapons, because i have no intention to help my people, i just want another mansion to live in..." Send in the SAS and get rid of the Mugabe type leaders and put in someone who actually has sense and intentions to bring the country back. Feel free to slag off what i just said, as some probably won't agree :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbanPoet Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Not so much ignorance/idiocy, just misinformation spread by people. LMAO at the "Catholic Match" banner :) ← True, but isn't it a 'sin' to knob hookers? Or is it ok as long as no protection is used? :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun H Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Maybe we should just invade Africa as well...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hardman Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Jeez, can you seriously not actually assess the situation and understand it? I'll spell it out. If the governments owe us loads of money because we forced them into debt, they have to direct most of their money into paying us back. If they are directing most of their money into paying us back, they can't afford to provide decent health-care, education, a decent transport network, etc. If they can't afford to do that, the people of the country are in the shit. That really didn't take a f**king leap in thinking to work out... ← But that will not happen with a corupt government. Lets take Angola they were are still have access to lrage amounts of valuable resourses, including diamonds and oil. Now there was a 40 year war that was a result of corupt governments figihting over the resources. Its more complicated than this but thats the basic gist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadManMike Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Cash raised helps the minority, which is still good, but I doubt there will ever be a poverty-free country on this planet. :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyroo Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 (edited) Cash raised helps the minority, which is still good, but I doubt there will ever be a poverty-free country on this planet. :blink: ← Damn right, the rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer. It's good that people are trying to help. and hopefully it does make a difference, but we will just have to see. The problem is that Africa is only ever able to pay back the ever growing interest on the loan that they have, and so have never managed to even dent the original loan, and the amount just builds and builds, so cancelling the debt will be a start. Its got to be better than a kick in the face Edited July 4, 2005 by andyroo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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