Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Bob Geldofyerhighhorse

So okay, I think we should wipe the slate clean in terms of debt owed to Canada by third world nations. And I think we could give a lot more foreign aid, though there is that small problem of making sure that the dollars we give are effective and end up in the right hands. But where exactly does Bob Geldof get off telling my Prime Minister not to bother coming to a G8 summit unless he's prepared to double foreign aid by 2015, increasing it to a level promised by Pearson. Okay so it is does suck that there was a promise made that has yet to be lived up to. This one appears to have joined the closet with that one about eliminating child poverty in Canada by 2000.

But excuse me, when did Bob Geldof's opinion count more than my vote? Yes, I accept my part of the responsibility for the catastrophe in Africa, and perhaps part of that is not holding my government accountable for its foreign policy.

I happen to think we have a crisis in health care in this country. So sue me for wanting to put my family and friends ahead of Africa's population. So maybe I'm not a straight up utilitarian. But that's my right as a citizen.

Noel Gallagher of Oasis is quoted in this week's Macleans as saying "My role in life is making sure my daughter grows up knowing right from wrong. That's it. Elton John and Bob Geldof can say all they want that rock stars should be doing stuff, but who put them in charge?"

Now I'm not normally one for quoting a Gallagher, but *hello* that's the point, no one put them in charge. Just because millions of people bought a record you made 30 years ago does not make you the moral authority of the world. How about directing your energies toward the un-elected multi-millionaire head of your local drug conglomerate?

Because I'll tell my Prime Minister what to do, thank you very much. And he's going to the G8 summit. And if you have anything further to say, Mr. Geldof, I look forward to hearing of your application to become a Canadian citizen.

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