Live8

This is an excellent article in, of all places, the New York Times. Mr. Tonme explains perfectly why the Live8 concerts was such a dumb, misguided, propoganda-driven idea. This ties in perfectly with another article I read recently which pointed out a distinct difference that often (as of late) seems to formulate itself between the left and the right. While the right engages in the creation of ideas, many of them not simple, hard in the short-term, and seemingly 'heartless' in principle, the left proposes ideas that do not solve the problem, often pushing the problem to the back-burner for a while until it comes back worse than ever, but at the same time putting on a strong, helpful, warm face to whomever they are trying to help. Mr. Tonme puts it best:

But the truth is that it was not for us, for Africa, that the musicians at Live
8 were singing; it was to amuse the crowds and to clear their own consciences,
and whether they realized it or not, to reinforce dictatorships. They still
believe us to be like children that they must save, as if we don't realize
ourselves what the source of our problems is.

It is sad that the liberal portion of the world is so intent on fixing the world's problems; yet are disillusioned into presuming that there is a simple fix to many, while pretending that others do not exist. Perhaps the left in America will find a new voice, one with clarity of mind, intelligence, and an understanding of the psyche of humans; but I, for one, am not going to hold my breath.