Geldof's rantings

walshb

Is anyone like myself sick to the teeth of these pompous egotistical mega rich 'celebs' spouting on about curing world poverty and cancelling 3rd world debt. Bob Geldof is a very very wealthy man, yet he as far as I know has given f**k all to charity in Africa, yet he expects my government and governments throughout the world to Double aid to Africa. Where do the governments get his money, from us the bloody low paid taxpayers. If Geldof was really committed and serious about poverty in Africa, why doesn't he donate the vast majority of his wealth to the cause. Let's all be on an equal footing here. He's great at throwing around money as if it was confeti, but whose money is it. It's certainly not his own, it's ours...the taxpayers. And is throwing money at Africa really the answer, because I believe that most of it lands in the pockets of dictators and swindlers. The real people who need it, never see it. Another thing, what has Geldof ever done for charity in Britain or Ireland. I'm a great believer in the cliche that 'charity begins at home' and there are a lot of people in the British isles that could do with his 'kind generous heart'. Somehow I doubt he'll take up their cause, because what publicity, what world leaders, what adulation....would he receive. And don't get me started on Bono!!!!!

flogen

How do you know he hasn't given any money? He has at the very least given a hell of a lot of time to the cause.
I think the point is that he and Bono and others are using their status as figures in the public eye to bring attention to this problem, rather than use their status to get richer and to get more invites for Premieres. I'm not a big fan of Bono or Geldof, but you can't fault their commitment to their cause

Velvet Vocals

Well I have to say that I am a bit sick of listening to him but I'm a lot more sick of listening to Bono.
But it's not what they are saying that I'm sick of. Yes, it is "OUR" money that they are trying to give away, the taxpayers will be footing the bill, but I think its a good way for our tax to be spent. Certainly in this country we are very spoilt and many people are very affluent and such we have a social responsibility to help those less fortunate.
I do however think that we should spend a lot more then we do currently on our own poor and homeless people. If Bob and Bono could put as much energy in to Ireland's homeless crises as they do into 3rd world debt you could be pretty sure that there wouldn't be a crises here, infact if they even put half their efforts to it, the problem would solved within a few months.
While the idea of cancelling 3rd world debt is a very Nobel one, to me it seems like it will not solve many of the issues that the 3rd world countries face today. It also seems like it will have a negative affect on the world economy. Surely this money has come from somewhere?

krinpit

Saint Something wrote:

It also seems like it will have a negative affect on the world economy. Surely this money has come from somewhere?

Are you being serious?

walshb

Oh Flogen I certainly can. It is not genuine. How does anyone know if they have given. They haven't said they have and that as far as I'm concened means they damn well haven't. You know it, I know it and everyone else knows it. Even if they have, what the hell use would it come to. Bono must be worth 100-200 million, Geldof is damn rich. These guys should maybe take a walk through some of Dublin Cities streets and see the amount of homeless people freezing, hungry and lonely. Then I may start to pay attention to them. They are up on there soap boxes, all high and mighty, eager for publicity, fame and what ever else. My main point is that they seem to be very good at throwing other peoples money around. Let's see them part first with their own....proof as well.....

walshb

Well said Saint, although I can see my taxes going on a lot better issues than Bloody Africa. You said it yourself, lets sort our problems first, health, homeless, crime, the robbing of our pensioners, sending sick children home to die because of the 'lack' of specialist nurses. All this and more needs to be addressed and Bono would get a lot more respect from me if he challenged the problems firstly in Eire. But see with Bono, the most important thing for that Poser, is that he's seen with the movers and shakers, the Blairs and George W Bush's and the Pope and the US Treasury secretary etc etc. The guy couldn't give a toss about those hungry kids in Africa, it's all publicity with him...Geldof is no bloody different

Stimpyone

The cancelling of third world debt is a noble idea and in theory I would stand by it. In reality however I can see it doing more harm than good for the average African.

A good number of African countries are run by very dubious means, military dictatorships woefully corrupt governments etc. and as I see it the writing off of third world debt would free up a lot of money for these tin pot tyrants to further subjugate there already impoverished citizens. Can people really see the likes of Robert Mugabe using the surplus money for the good of the people of Zimbabwe?.

In my opinion the cancelling of third world debt should be taken on a country for country basis with the cancellation of the debt depending on a number of factors the most over riding of which should be a UN/Independently monitored and approved elections. We should help the Africans to help themselves, otherwise the outcome will be grim imho.

Velvet Vocals

yea, I agree with you totally Stimpyone!

walshb wrote:

The guy couldn't give a toss about those hungry kids in Africa, it's all publicity with him...Geldof is no bloody different

I don't think I'd go that far. To be honest, I think all this does come from a desire to do good. And it does stand to us that it's two Irish lads up there making all the noise. But I think they just need a bit of grounding! I'm sure being in the positions that they are in it's hard to get an honest opinion from anyone. They are probably surrounded by yes men!

simu

I think he's a bit deluded rather than acting in his own self-interest. Does he really think a rock concert will change anything?

Half-Bicycle

Tell you what, I'm a bit sick of people slagging off easy targets such as Geldof and Bono. Both have been involved with charities and both have been involved with organisations to hilight poverty. As for back home, Geldof was involved with Self-Aid as was Bono. There's been work with Greenpeace and Childline as well.

All of you slagging of the proposed gigs, well what are you doing to alleviate poverty?

Oh, I forgot it's "bloody Africa"...

Alanna

I agree with Half Bicycle, they (Bono and Geldof) have done more for charity than I have, or than most of you have, so I say let them at it and thank whatever God you believe in that there are some people in this world that can be bothered.
Ireland is a very rich country and undoubtably better administration would, and should, sort out the homeless and medical needs here. Africa is largely ignored on the world stage and the object of this concert is undoubtably more important than the personalities involved and indeed their detractors.

mike65

I just wish Sir Bob would stop swearing like a teenager trying to impress his mates by acting hard....

Mike.

sceptre

simu wrote:

I think he's a bit deluded rather than acting in his own self-interest. Does he really think a rock concert will change anything?

Judging by his note in the inside of the Live Aid DVD I reckon he thinks it won't change anything like he thought the first one would achieve before it was held. I wouldn't say that he reckons it'll change anything. However, it'll raise a bit of money and get more pictures of the beneficiaries in the media and that'll get them something.

I suppose a better answer would be that his expectations have changed but he's doing what he can in the best way he can. He could just drive a truck to the Sahara but he'll probably achieve more by getting the money to pay other people to drive a few trucks there.

chern0byl

Geldof and Bono are possibly the most annoying pests on the planet but its that quality that makes them perfect for the charity roles.How else do you convince Bush or Blair to give and give and give? You pester and pester and when you get what you want, you come back twice as often.

Even if Geldof has not donated a single penny to any of the causes he fights for[i think its safe to assume he has], he still has donated a huge part of his life to it. He has done more than you[another safe assumption :-p ] and will continue to do a vast amount more than you for the poor, so the next time you see a bucket, be a sport and just contribute.

flogen

Just because Geldof doesn't brag about what he has given doesn't mean he hasn't done it, and as I said, he's spent a large amount of his own time fighting for what he believes in.
If you want to see domestic problems solved, give out about the politicians who aren't doing much to solve them. Geldof and Bono and the like are telling western governments that even with a willing government (which is more rare than it should be in Africa), these people have no chance because their domestic problems are mainly a result of the damage done by western powers and the debt it has left. Geldof is asking you to give a donation, you dont have to. He's asking Governments to cancel debt not just give money over. It's not really going to cost you anything.

Live 8 won't really solve many problems, there are a number of reasons why the governments wont lift the debt, and it's not because Africa has too many dictators. Geldof and Bono are annoying most of the time, but at least it's for a good reason. I can't complain because to my shame I've done very little in the way of charity.

walshb

Half-Bicycle wrote:

Tell you what, I'm a bit sick of people slagging off easy targets such as Geldof and Bono. Both have been involved with charities and both have been involved with organisations to hilight poverty. As for back home, Geldof was involved with Self-Aid as was Bono. There's been work with Greenpeace and Childline as well.

All of you slagging of the proposed gigs, well what are you doing to alleviate poverty?

Oh, I forgot it's "bloody Africa"...

Self Aid. Will you ever go away. How long ago was that and how famous were they then. That was just another publicity stunt, Bono and co were just making up the numbers, so using Self Aid as an example of Charity at home is pathetic. U2 were barely known back then and would have done practically anything to become recognised. These rich stars will lend their name to anything that gets them in the spotlight, that's their Buzz, they get their kicks from it. What annoys me is that they really are not Genuine, because if they were...they would be the ones donating first and don't give me his crap of "how do you know they haven't", if it's not public knowledge, it's not worth discussing. I think most people know that Bob and Bono still live like kings, with their jet set lifestyle, Limos, Hotels, fast cars etc etc. It's easy for the very wealthy to harp on about the poor and the impoverished. Stick them lads on the minimum wage, and then see how damn charitable they are, when they can't meet mortgage repayments, can't socialise, can barely pay bills. I say Bono and Bob, if you really mean busines, donate 99% of your wealth to Africa and the poor.....yeah right, they know only too well where that money will go...to the corrupt politicians and dictators. So shut up boys and stop begging off me and the low paid hard working taxpayers of this country...

walshb

Alanna wrote:

Ireland is a very rich country and undoubtably better

Alanna, a very rich country. For who I ask. Certainly not the OAP's who have been robbed and swindled for years, certanly not for the PAYE worker,certainly not for the thousands of homeless on our streets, or the people waiting up to 4 yrs for treatment in our hospitals, or the young girl they sent home from hospital to die because they hadn't got the specialist nurses for the operation. My god, everyday I'm reading about teams of surgeons and nurses from Eire heading off to Vietnam, and Africa and Asia to cure sick children, yet they send their own home because they 'haven't got the resources'...don't get me wrong, every child deserves the best, but if you can't provide for your own, how can you provide for others..??...very rich my arse. Maybe for the select few in high places, but the vast majority of us are working damn hard just to get by......

Alanna

Walshb, take a step back and have a look around you, Ireland is a very rich country. Certainly not without problems but it comfortably provides a basic standard of living for just about everyone.

Millions of people in Africa are dying because of lack of resources, have a bit of compassion and stop slagging off people who are trying to make a difference to their miserable lives. Vote with your wallet, feel free not to donate anything to this cause.

oxygen_old

walshb wrote:

My god, everyday I'm reading about teams of surgeons and nurses from Eire heading off to Vietnam, and Africa and Asia to cure sick children

And? … Is this a bad thing? Do you think they will lie on their death bad and say, “I wish I didn't save all those bloody Africans."
Good for them, other than begrudging general charitable people such as Bono,Bob Geldof and the many teams of surgeons and nurses who donate years of their life to help the plight of the poor in Africa, what are you doing ?

walshb wrote:

cancelling 3rd world debt. Bob Geldof is a very very wealthy man

Are you that dim. Do you think Geldofs and Bono’s wealth combined and multiplied by 100 would allilviate 3rd world debt? 3rd world debt cant be cancelled by throwing money at it, it has to be cancelled by the countries currently keeping Africa in disastrous poverty.

walshb wrote:

How does anyone know if they have given. They haven't said they have and that as far as I'm concened means they damn well haven't.

walshb wrote:

Bono must be worth 100-200 million, Geldof is damn rich.

Why should they boast about their donations?
Anyway, again you missed the point, throwing all their wealth at the 3rd world wont cancel the debt.

walshb wrote:

I can see my taxes going on a lot better issues than Bloody Africa.

“Bloody Africa”. Says it all. To begrudge the starving in Africa is shamefull.

walshb wrote:

“hungry kids in Africa”

Their not hungry. They are dying of starvation famine,disease and poverty.

And just for the record, Bob Geldolf doesn’t want our money this time, he wants us to rally and protest for the leaders of the world to do something positive for the African continent at the G8 summit. So you wont have to give a penny to the “Bloody Africa" WlashB, hang on to it.

toiletduck

how come Geldof never campaigns against one of the biggest reasons for the state of the third world, overpopulation?

walshb

Geldof is a parasite, that's why. He and others are living off these problems. The charities that make millions a year from the sick and hungry. I'm not saying they do nothing, but I do have to question their motives and their methods. If Poverty was suddenly erradicated, what would these people do. This is big busuiness at the end of the day and many people are getting rich on the backs of the poor, mainly the charities, yes the do some good, but really most of it is money making schemes and rackets

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

which is why you don't feel bad about not donating?

I know I don't.

walshb

Oxygen wrote:Their not hungry. They are dying of starvation famine,disease and poverty.

And just for the record, Bob Geldolf doesn’t want our money this time, he wants us to rally and protest for the leaders of the world to do something positive for the African continent at the G8 summit. So you wont have to give a penny to the “Bloody Africa" WlashB, hang on to it.[/QUOTE]

They're not hungry, they are dying of starvation. You silly person, same bloody thing, hunger leads to starvation, dress it up what way you damn well want. The kids are hungry, and are dying from that hunger. I certainly don't begrudge the Africans help. I'm human like the rest of us, it''s not them I'm berating. I'm just questioning the motives of these posers and egomaniacs like Geldog and Bono. So he's not looking for money, why then is he calling for aid to be doubled you silly person. Where will this money come from, not him anyway.It will come from me and people like me who pay the taxes to this country. Read my posts thoroughly before replying because yopu are coming out with ridiculous statements, starving, hungry.....same thing, just two ways to describe it. They don't have a history of helping their own people, yet they want to HEAL the world......it's all to boost their massive egos. Money and doubling of aid won't cure 3rd world problems and it's the interfering 'do gooders' in the West that are creating more and more problems for these people

krinpit

So walshb, is your problem with:

a) Their supposed egos
b) The fact that someone is trying to make a difference
c) both a) and b)

?

oxygen_old

walshb wrote:

If Poverty was suddenly erradicated, what would these people do.

Bob Geldof is man of 50 plus. He could probably retire from the public eye and spend more time with his family,which Im sure he is missing out on alot of time with organinsing this cancert.

And I’m sure Bono could get on with making more music, whatever you think of U2 he is still a musician at the end of the day.

walshb wrote:

This is big busuiness at the end of the day and many people are getting rich on the backs of the poor, mainly the charities, yes the do some good, but really most of it is money making schemes and rackets

Have you a single shred of evidence to back up this outrageously ignorant accusation?

walshb

Oxygen, I'm not saying what would Geldof do or Bono. They can retire when ever they like. Sooner the better. They're rich. I'm talking about the charities who provide great wages to their workers in the name of charity. They aren't charities, they're buisness and big business. Like I said, they do some good work, but these people for the most part wouldn't help their own neighbor, yet there willing to help people in other countries. I've seen it far too much

walshb

And the main problem is people like you who freak out if anyone dares to question the charites and their methods. We're called racists and begrudgers. Saying no to charity is seen as a person being 'stingy or miserable'. Charities play on this. A lot of charities, especially home based are very good and I have supporteD them. The big charities I tend to be wary of. Anywhere there are huge sums of money, there will be corruption. To deny this is plain and simply NAIEVE

walshb

The Christina Noble foundation is 1 piece of evidence Oxygen, or do you not know of that.......

oxygen_old

walshb wrote:

They're not hungry, they are dying of starvation. You silly person, same bloody thing

Definition Hungry : feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

Definition Starvation : a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period

walshb wrote:

So he's not looking for money, why then is he calling for aid to be doubled you silly person. Read my posts thoroughly before replying

If you read my post thoroughly you would see I said "Bob Geldolf doesn't want OUR money ". State Aid is not our money.

walshb

Oxygen I'm finished debating with you....you MORON....Trying to distinguish between starving and hungry. This is not an exact bloody science. I'm hungry, I'm starving....just to please yo, I'll agree...They are starving and they too are hungry. They are starving due to the lack of food. They are hungry due to the lack of food. Can you get your head around this, or is it too complicated for you.

State aid, where in gods name does the money come from. They don't just wave a magic wand. People create this money, taxes create this money...WE are the people. How long will it be before the PAYE worker in this country starts seeing a povert tax of x amount of Euro in their payslip, because that's the way we're going. Will Bono be exempt, bet you damn life he will.

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

a moron you say?