Bob Geldof’s Remarks at the White House Today
Share
Bob Geldof just finished speaking at the White House Summit on
International Development. As always, he spoke bluntly and honestly about the motivations for investing in development and the potential returns for doing so.
Bob said that America is unique in that it represents an idea, one that it must live up to it through its relationship with the world’s poor. In regard to potential calls to cut foreign assistance during this turbulent economic time, he noted that the U.S. currently only gives 0.2% of its gross national income to development, meaning that the remaining 99.8% can be used to improve the lives of people here in the U.S. Given the small percentage going to development, he asked about that 99.8%: “Isn’t that enough?”
Bob also spoke about the importance of the U.S. fulfilling the commitments it made to Africa at the 2005 G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland. He said the if the U.S. keeps its promises to the world’s poorest people, then Europe cannot hide behind us and will be forced to do the same. Bob criticized Italy for slashing its foreign assistance even as it puts Africa on the agenda for this year’s G8 summit, which it will host in July.
Today’s speakers all helped highlight the difference between rhetoric
and results. The full impact of this difference is being felt now, as
lives and livelihoods hang in the balance. Bob gave this idea melody and
meaning.
-Josh Lozman
- Previous Post Mo Ibrahim Prize Winner Announced
- Next Post ONE Bus Goes Bongo’s!
 |
 |
 |
Featured Series
About the Blog
The ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with frequent contributions from volunteers, members and partner organizations.
The ONE Blog updates readers daily with the latest in global development news and analysis and what ONE members and our partners are doing around the world to influence world leaders in the fight against global poverty.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE or ONE Action. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
October 21, 2008 at 11:20 pm
In light of President Bush’s statement today that the U.S. will honor its commitments to provide aid to the poorest nations “regardless of the ebb and flow of the markets”, I would like to see One initiate a letter that we members can sign onto affirming his leadership on this issue, which will surely help the other G8 nations do the same.
October 22, 2008 at 10:27 am
I didn’t know much about Geldof until I rented “Geldof In Africa.”
I highly recommend it:
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Geldof_in_Africa/70044195?trkid=222336&lnkctr=srchrd-sr&strkid=2043312586_2_0
October 22, 2008 at 10:56 am
i find it awesome that Mr. Geldof was invited to speak at this summit. if ever there was a time we needed someone to shoot from the hip and the heart, it’s now. i really appreciate what he had to say to the leadership there.
Paul – another amazing read on Geldof is his autobiography “Is That It?”, now out of print (1986) but chronicles his life up to Live Aid. Some amazing insight into this beautiful soul. And Geldof in Africa is also available in CD book, Sir Bob reads it himself, i keep it on my ipod for inspiration from time to time.
thanx Josh for posting this.
stay close,
sammi in seattle =)
October 22, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Thanks for the info. Sammi! : ]
January 19, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Hello fellow ONE member,
I appreciate Bono speaking out on behalf of the worlds poor and sick. Don’t forget that the number one question asked Obama was “Will you legalize marijuana?”. Think about the benefits that medical cannabis can have on the millions of suffering Africans. I am very disturbed when I hear that UN Police are using international aid money to persecute cannabis growers in Africa and destroy such an important beneficial crop. Bono has enormous influence on UN leaders, and some of the world’s most powerful people. Please don’t think for a moment that by removing cannabis the UN is in any way helping the poor people of Africa or any other continent. This is a grave injustice, and I’m sure the sick and dying Africans effected by such laws would agree. The cannabis plant can help to provide food, clothing, shelter, safe medicine, and eco-friendly fuel. If the One Campaign really wants to help the poor, we should let them grow hemp, and if we must get involved, help them succeed in taking advantage of the many benefits of the hemp industry.
I hope Bono keeps up the good work, and helps to stop the bad work.
Thanx. www.nycamp.org