Long after Live 8, the misguided attempt by Irish rocker Bob Geldof to "raise awareness" in the minds of political leaders of the G8 nations (which, for some perverse reasons, includes Russia, a nation not particularly great in anything except pride) will be remembered for its generational snobbery. In an act of Baby Boomer arrogance, Geldof has decided to go mainly with aging Baby Boomer rockers on the declining edge of their musical ability in order to appeal to the aging Baby Boomers who are ruling over the free and unfree world. Ah, the irony. Just call me when it's over, okay? I don't want to listen to a bunch of fifty-year olds who can't hold a tune in a bucket try to belt out songs that were hits thirty years ago. That just isn't my cup of tea. Obviously, Mr. Geldof decided against trying to appeal to younger people. Perhaps he thought that the retreat acts, for the most part, from Live Aid would have enough cred to appeal to young people without trying to get recording acts who have been successful in recent years. I personally think they're wrong, but they're probably trying to appeal to power-mad middle aged people anyway, not people like yours truly.
Now for my second rant about Live 8. What is the point of wasting a bunch of money on Africa? Bono and others are whining on behalf of Africa that the continent needs its debts forgiven and that it is unable to bear its burden. Well, no one (save Africa's own leaders) forced that debt on Africa. They have brought their disaster on themselves--through environmental degredation, civil conflict, a lack of democracy, culture that frowns on personal responsibility or respect for women and children (those nations who fail to properly respect their youth soon face the music), and the belief that they are entitled to everyone else's money. That sort of attitude doesn't do anyone any good. Let Africa show, through their deeds, that they are a worthwhile investment and not a lost cause, and then we will see about mercy. At this point, though, giving Africa aid and the chance to borrow freely is like giving a drunk a prepaid card at the local pub. It's a recipe for disaster. Sorry, Bob Geldof and you other bleeding hearts, but Africa isn't worth saving until it makes some major changes for itself. Then come and see us again. Until Africa can demonstrate the capacity to govern above the tribal level, proper respect for youth and women, sensible policies concerning agriculture and mining and forestry, a commitment to human liberty and dignity, and personal responsibility (rather than graft and dependence on charity), then it has no business asking anyone for help. And that is my rant for the day.
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2 comments:
Debt forgiveness has Biblical backing, you know. Check the first part of Deuteronomy 15.
I've had to practice this a couple of times over the years -- back when the Churches of God were a lot more strict about third tithe years and such.
Absolutely, debt forgiving has a biblical backing. But one would have to be a fool to actually loan money to Africa. Of course, Africa would probably be in a lot better shape with the jubilee year in place too. Those, however, are not the intents of the hippies who are running Live 8. It would, however, make a worthwhile study for us today. I'm a bit busy, and my backlog of projects is long enough already. It'll have to wait.
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