I particularly admire Geldof’s acknowledgment that “neo-conservatives and religious rightwingers” were receptive to appeals for help. He recognizes that just because some group is (presumably) wrong on one set of issues doesn’t mean that they’re wrong on every issue.
What’s the debate?
Did the Boomtown Rats suck? Personally I was never huge fan, but I did like a few songs ( can’t think of anyone who dislikes “I Don’t Like Mondays” ).
- Tamerlane
"Banana Republic " was a good tune.
Geldof couldn’t care what your party affiliation is, as long as you helped.
Is the Surprise that Bush might actually be doing something right the reason for starting this debate?
Geldof has a bias and it’s towards the poor starving people. He’s also been a straight talker. He has given EVERYONE that got in his way shit and will continue to do so.
If he says that the Bush Admin are helping then I believe they are. If he say that Clinton and the EU did/are getting in the way then I believe they are.
Only an idiot would blindly support one group no matter what the issue.
[ul][]Do Bush and the neo-conservatives and religious rightwingers who surround him really deserve a lot more credit than Clinton and the EU?[]Did Clinton really do “fuck all” and “diddly squat”?[]Has the European Union been “pathetic and appalling”?[]If Geldof is right, then Bush and his people (who are despised by many on this Board) have outdone Clinton and the EU (who are admired by many posters.) How do you explain that? []Does it change anyone’s mind, at least to some degree? []Does it reduce your dislike for Bush, neo-conservatives or the Christian right? Does it reduce your respect for Clinton and for the EU?[/ul]
One issue, December, its only one issue.
Get a grip will ya.
It should be pointed out that Geldof was also vocally in support of the Iraq campaign (as I recall - BBC radio, so no cite).
I wil also add my praise to the Bush administration for its proposed HIV/AIDS program for Africa. My view has nothing to do with Geldof’s views, mind you, other than we both agree that a multibillion dollar aid package for the poorest people in the world is an excellent thing.
I also think the EU could do a lot more in terms of overseas aid. I hope they respond to Bush’s challenge.
The EU gives quite a lot more development aid than the US. As a percent of GDP the US ranks dead last in terms of aid among rich countries. That’s going to remain true even after Bush’s announced increases. The combined aid of Germany, France and the UK , whose total population is about a third lower than the US, is more than what the US gives.
So Geldoff is probably wrong about development assistance as a whole though there may be individual countries towards which the US is more generous. Perhaps Ethiopia is one of them. I would like some evidence though. In any event it doesn’t really change the big picture.
No, because I am as much a zealot as everyone else 
Rather than toss out the snipey little remark I had planned, I’ll just take the time to mention that I think this is a very much-needed and welcome proposal.
Nope, I won’t do it.
Oh, hell with it. Geldof has been known to associate with other rats in the past.
Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by december *
[ul][li]Does it reduce your respect for Clinton and for the EU?[/ul][/li][/QUOTE]
Wow, december, you really are stretching for a Clinton-bashing point today, aren’t you?
Good for Bob. I wish more of us would value acts over rhetoric and blind franchise loyalties, and it’s good to see you lead the charge, december . To demonstrate that your OP is genuine, I request that you start a concurrent thread about a Bush/Clinton policy shift where you prefer Clinton’s approach. Or perhaps a thread about a major Islamic leader you admire.
Or maybe just admit you like French toast.
Of course, december only cites the parts he likes. december, what do you have to say about this part:
december, I know you like to bash the EU and you ignore anything good the EU might do but here’s something for you: European countries have peacekeeping forces in many places around the world and are doing a pretty good job. Spain has peacekeeping forces under NATO command in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. A couple of days ago a plane carrying 62 Spanish peacekeepers returning from Afghanistan crashed in Turkey killing all of them. Let’s give some credit where it’s due.
Why would a single opinion by a foreign celebrity change my political views about George Bush? Is that the way it works in your world, december?
I would say that several other organizations are quite critical of the US. That’s what makes Geldof’s praise surprising.
The only thing I find surprising is that there’s a Great Debate about a guy who gave credit where credit is due, criticized what should have been done but wasn’t, offered opinions only on subjects with which he is reasonably expert, and generally rejected the intellectual crutch of political partisanship.
Wait, did I say “surprising?” I meant, “ironic.”
december you keep missing it. No one so blind as the one who does not want to see. Bob Geldof said on the whole the USA does more damage than good with its trade policies
You are so sectarian.
Of course the USA does much good. But your insistence that the USA only does good and the rest only do bad is just childish and stupid and very tiring.