ABC: Brad Pitt, Bono & ONE Campaign want Bush to help Africa - (VIDEO)

[dzika]

June 7, 2005

Video - ABC: Brad Pitt, Bono & ONE Campaign want Bush to help Africa

Brad Pitt joins with Bono and the ONE Campaign for Africa in asking for help from the Bush Administration.

They're asking everyone to sign ONE Campaign's petition before the start of the G8 Summit on July 6.

Sign up for the ONE Campaign now!




Video in Real Media format (17 minutes)

Video in Windows Media format (17 minutes)

[hiley]

1. Just great Dzika !

Kick ! Recommended too, I watched this last night and it was very moving the children are just beautiful.
We have to reach the goals set.
It only takes $16.00 a year to send one child to school in Ethopia that includes the school uniform.
hiley

[Rex]

2. They are about to meet the Evil Empire!

Such brave rebels.

[dzika]

3. Not enough, say aid agencies

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/06/08/bush.blair.africa.reax/

Not enough, say aid agencies

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Posted: 0924 GMT (1724 HKT)




LONDON, England -- Aid agencies and media in Britain criticized the $674 million aid pledged to Africa by President George W. Bush as inadequate.

Jonathan Glennie, a senior policy analyst from Christian Aid, said: "The sum of $674 million is a drop in the ocean compared to what Africa really needs."

"Once again the Bush administration seeks to promote a 'compassionate conservative' image by repackaging old money for Africa, and once again greater scrutiny reveals this image to be disingenuous," Salih Booker, executive director of the lobby group Africa Action, told Reuters.

Glennie told the UK's Press Association the deal on debt was "very good news for some of Africa's poorest countries and it is definitely a move in the right direction."

But, he said, it was "important to be clear about what is on the table and what isn't on the table."

Said Glennie: "The president's scheme currently only applies to 14 African countries leaving 34 other sub-Saharan African countries without any immediate prospect of debt relief."

[hiley]

4. Bush and Blair both are lacking when it comes to

Africa of course Bush more !

[Cats Against Frist]

5. Uh -- did I just shit my pants for no reason, or was Pat Robertson in the

promo video, with a couple dozen "Hollywood" libruls?

Not saying that it's not a good thing -- though Pat could probably save all of Africa with his IMMENSE FORTUNE (like the rest of them), it was just...disjunctive...I guess.

[Helga Scow Stern]

6. Good capture, once again, dzika!

I would not have even known this existed if you hadn't posted it here.

[roguevalley]

7. I joined some time ago. Send them a buck and get the white

wrist band. Its a great way to get people talking about the campaign. I got ten and I'm giving them away. My parents wear them too.

[hiley]

9. roguevalley

that is so great of you, giving them away will help pay it forward (isn't that the phrase?)
Can't imagine getting my mom to wear one ! Your parents are wonderful..
hiley
Edit to add:
News Release
Five Hundred African Children Die Each Hour as Bush and Blair Fail to Agree on Africa Policy
June 8, 2005

snip--
The director of the United Nations Human Development Report Office, Kevin Watkins, wrote in an op-ed published today in the International Herald Tribune: "f current trends continue over the next decade ... there will be three million more child deaths in 2015 than there would be if the millennium target were met. By 2015 sub-Saharan Africa will account for two in every three child deaths in the world. ... Currently, poverty-related diseases claim the lives of 500 African children each hour -- and the numbers are going up."
snip--
http://www.accuracy.org/newsrelease.php?articleId=1065&pf=yes

[dzika]

17. A wise DU member gave me a tip.

I wouldn't have known either. It turned out to be a lot more than just PR for Brad's latest movie.

[The Stranger]

8. Has Bono figured out yet that there is a massive illegal war going on?

Or is he too fucking stupid to realize this?

I cannot think of a more dated, one-dimensional, over-produced, stilted, unimaginative and simpleton bunch of mediocrities than that shitty band he fronts.

[hiley]

13. Forget Bono and think about the children please...

3 million reasons to act for Africa
Kevin Watkins International Herald Tribune
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2005


OXFORD, England ***Forget the rock stars** and the news media feeding-frenzy. When finance ministers of the Group of Eight industrial countries meet in London this weekend they will be dealing with matters of life and death, especially for the children of sub-Saharan Africa.

The finance ministers' gathering is the last staging post en route to the full G-8 summit next month. After all the pledges to do something about Africa's poverty, this is a chance for rich countries to show that their promises are worth something.

Last year, the G-8 promised bold action to get Africa back on track for achieving the Millennium Development Goals - a compact to reduce extreme poverty and other forms of deprivation by 2015. These goals include cutting child deaths by two-thirds. Breaking the promise will cost lives.
Currently, poverty-related diseases claim the lives of 500 African children each hour - and the numbers are going up. The United Nations Development Program has just completed a country-by-country assessment of progress in reducing child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The results are not for the faint-hearted.

snip---
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/06/07/news/edwatkins.php

[savannahana]

25. well-done, hiley :-)

up & down this thread -
and every day here on DU,
as always, your commitment
*shines* !

:pals: :hug:

[hiley]

27. thank you savannahana

:blush:

[hiley]

10. “WE BELIEVE"

from the web site...

“WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty. WE RECOGNIZE that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs – education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans – would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget. WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all.”

http://www.onecampaign.org/

[savannahana]

11. thanks, dzika!

signed, forwarded, nominated

great work, as always! :hi:

:kick:

[nonny]

12. "presuming that the countries in Africa make the right decisions"- 1 guess

I heard Bush & Blair answer a few questions about Africa on MSNBC when I was home for lunch. Just listening to him --- makes me wince --- so I had to lookup the transcript to make sure I got it right.

Actually this TV spot was from last night -- but I saw it today.
Along with the Q&A on Africa -- they were asked about the Downing St. memo too.

-------------------------------------------------
Q You've talked of what you've hoped to do for Africa. Do you regard the phrase "make poverty history" as rhetoric from rock stars? Or do you really believe in your gut that this the year it could happen?
And, Mr. President, if I may, as well, on climate change -- you didn't talk about climate change -- do you believe that climate change is manmade and that you, personally, as the leader of the richest country in the world, have a responsibility to reverse that change?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Let me address your first question. Talk about -- you said, I'm willing to talk about what we're going to do -- I want you to focus on what we have done, for starters. I mean, part of the -- part of this world, we've got a lot of big talkers. What I like to say is my administration actually does what we say we're going to do -- and we have. When I say we're going to make a commitment to triple aid in Africa, I meant it, and we did. When I said we're going to lead an initiative, an HIV/AIDS initiative, the likes of which the world has never seen before on the continent of Africa, we have done that, and we're following through. And so when I say we're going to do more, I think you can take that to the bank, as we say, because of what we have done. We have taken a leadership role.

Second question -- do I believe in my gut we can eradicate poverty? I do believe we can eradicate poverty. And, by the way, Bono has come to see me. I admire him. He is a man of depth and a great heart who cares deeply about the impoverished folks on the continent of Africa, and I admire his leadership on the issue. And so I do believe -- I don't view -- I can't remember how you characterized the rock stars, but I don't characterize them that way, having met the man.

snip--

+++This question was before the one above -- I guess I am feeling a little backwards today -- nonny+++

Q For a brief period, Mr. President. I'm from BBC. Could I ask both leaders -- I understand from what you say that you're pretty close to cracking the differences between you about how to pay for debt cancellation for the poorest countries. Is that the case, and can you tell us any more about that?
And also, if I may, to the President, Mr. Blair's Africa Commission has really raised the ante quite a lot in Africa, talking about this big historic moment for the world and the continent. Do you see it that way, too?

PRESIDENT BUSH: I do. That's why we tripled aid. I see we have got a fantastic opportunity -- presuming that the countries in Africa make the right decisions. Nobody wants to give money to a country that's corrupt, where leaders take money and put it in their pocket. No developed nation is going to want to support a government that doesn't take an interest in her people, that doesn't focus on education and health care. We're really not interested in supporting a government that doesn't have open economies and open markets. We expect there to be a reciprocation -- that's what the Prime Minister talked about.
But, absolutely; it's a great opportunity. And I'm honored to be working with the Prime Minister on this important subject.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050607-2.html

[hiley]

14. ``Are you going to pay attention to the continent of Africa?'' ``You bet.

Did you catch this part ? bush is such a imbecile and smart ass !
says he fulfilled that commitment ! oh really !



BUSH: Well, first, as I've said in my statement, we've tripled aid to Africa. Africa is an important part of my foreign policy.

I remember when I first talked to Condi, when I was trying to convince her to become the national security adviser, she said, ``Are you going to pay attention to the continent of Africa?''

I said, ``You bet.''

And I fulfilled that commitment.

We've convinced Congress to triple aid. We've got a significant HIV/AIDS initiative that we're undertaking. We started what's called the Millennium Challenge Account.

And we'll do more down the road
snip----
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5059018,00.html

[nonny]

16. And did you catch this part.................

He makes no sense at all!
**Just try to read this out loud.**

"Let me address your first question. Talk about -- you said, I'm willing to talk about what we're going to do -- I want you to focus on what we have done, for starters. I mean, part of the -- part of this world, we've got a lot of big talkers."

How about these words --- he wants the countries of Africa to care about People, Education, Health Care. Isn't he such a joker!

"No developed nation is going to want to support a government that doesn't take an interest in her people, that doesn't focus on education and health care."

Oh, and HOW COULD I FORGET...

"...country that's corrupt, where leaders take money and put it in their pocket."

Excuse me ------ I have to go throw up.

[hiley]

20. nonny

made me ill too !

[merh]

15. We Can Make A Difference!

We have to try.

For the children . . .

[hiley]

19. Partners with One Campaign shown

on this link. http://www.one.org/Partners.aspx

[savannahana]

26. "for the children" ... "they left no footprints on the ground"

you bet :pals: :hi:

:hug: merh :hug:


dzika, and hiley: thank you both for bringing
this to our awareness! it may be getting lost
a bit in the swamp of domestic politics
right now, but we won't let it fade away.

Because this matters so much
(and because we can do more than
one thing at a time here in this
beautiful, caring, resourceful community)
I'm copying here an aboriginal story
which makes a fine parallel
for what we are able to do, from
where we are. This story is told by
Jean Starr, Cherokee wise woman.

I hope and believe she will not mind
that I borrow her story in this cause.
The traditional Cherokee way is always
of mindfulness for the children: all Earth's
children understood to be the responsibility
of adult human beings, everywhere.

I am grateful for her wisdom and her
story-telling, reminding us again
that we are all related.

Spirit Defenders


Oh, once I was a good man in a fight,
A good hunter, too.
But now I leave that for my sons;
I am too old. Why, I have grandsons who are men,
Sitting in council.
That's why they left me in the town last fall,
When all the men went hunting.
It was a time of peace, we thought,
And so they left no defenders. Only me,
A man with a broken leg, and a few small boys.
The women were out picking corn.
I heard a scream, and here the raiders came.
I threw my tomahawk
And ran for my bow,
Hoping only to shoot down one
Before they killed me.
But when I turned to shoot
(Oh, they were close - I don't run fast any more)
I heard a bowstring twang behind me,
And at my right hand
I saw a stranger, shooting.
As I fired, and reached for another arrow,
I could see
A line of strangers, painted for battle.
Stranger still, as they fought, they sang.
In the fury of the fighting, calmness came to me,
A strange peace, strength
I never knew in my younger years.
Forward we went against them.
By this time, the women of my town
(Brave as the men of other places)
Had gathered the children in the Council House,
Had gotten their bows and blowguns,
Now were firing from behind our line, a few
Creeping through the fields,
Cutting them down from behind.
Somewhere in the fight I found an ax;
We struggled hand to hand for seeming hours,
And then they broke.
Suddenly they were running, they were gone.
Niquasi once again was safe.
I turned to speak to the strangers,
To give them thanks,
Ask where they came from, in so timely a way.
They, too, were gone, instantly, without a trace.
Then I observed
They left no footprints on the ground;
Only the bodies of the enemies they had slain
Remained behind them.
I am singing when I greet the dawn
The song the spirit warriors taught to me.
I am singing, what few dawns remain to me in life,
Until with the spirits I will praise the dawn.


- Jean Starr
Tales From The Cherokee Hills
John F. Blair, Publisher, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 1988

It is not our way nor is it needed
that we fight with ax or blowgun or bow.

It's from compassion's courage that we're
painted for this battle: knowing what we know, of
who and what is our common enemy, what threatens our souls
as well as the peace of the village, the children and the elders
of "Niquasi" : in our awareness, what village is not "Niquasi"?

"Niquasi" is the dwelling place of our children, our elders;
the peace village of time past, time present, time future.

Awareness, our presence; ability to respond, our bow;
our willingness, the quiver filled with spirit-defenders'
justice-arrows: voice by voice, dollar by dollar, will joining will.
Hands, hearts, and minds: working as One: for the children.

[merh]

28. For the children

:hug: Thanks ana :hug:

[hiley]

29. Gonna try kicking this up today

[Geek_Girl]

18. Thanks for the Link!

:kick:

[hiley]

21. Kick for the children...

PRESS RELEASE


U.S. AND U.K. TO PRESENT AFRICA PROPOSAL AT G8 SUMMIT
Jun 07 2005
At a White House press conference, American President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair outlined their proposal for a G8 Africa deal to be delivered at the Africa Summit of the G8 in Scotland, July 6-8. Included in the package will be 100% debt cancellation for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries and additional resources to preserve the financial integrity of the World Bank and African Development Bank.

REACTION FROM RICHARD E. STEARNS, PRESIDENT OF WORLD VISION, A FOUNDING MEMBER OF ONE:

"World Vision applauds the President's proposal that the G-8 nations relieve 100 percent of the burdensome debt of several of Africa's poorest nations and also applauds his plan for additional emergency funding to help ease the fear of an emerging famine in east Africa. Like President Bush, we also praise the commitment and leadership Prime Minister Blair has demonstrated on these and other issues related to improving the lives and livelihood's of millions of Africans.
However, much more needs to be done. As President Bush and I share a bond as Christians, I urge him to consider earmarking one percent of our nation's wealth for the "least of these." As a nation, we can bring education, clean water, food and care to transform the future and hope of an entire generation of children affected by poverty, injustice and HIV/AIDS."

REACTION FROM JAMIE DRUMMOND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DATA, A FOUNDING MEMBER OF ONE:

"President Bush and Prime Minister Blair underlined significant progress on debt and strong momentum toward a bigger and better debt-aid-trade deal to make poverty history at the Gleneagles G8 Summit. A final debt deal is inches away and will see these countries save hundreds of millions of dollars which they can put into lifesaving programs to fight AIDS and extreme poverty. The principal of 100% debt cancellation with additional resources is now firm policy. President Bush and Prime Minister Blair have co-created real momentum for much more at Gleneagles, with support from Finance Ministers Brown and Snow. We trust the debt deal will be finalized this weekend with finance ministers and the bigger debt-aid trade deal will be announced at the G8 in July, with the world watching."
http://www.one.org/Press.aspx

[hiley]

22. This is a great cause and video

so I am kicking today.
hiley

[hiley]

23. Call to Action

Pitt recently toured Africa, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of AIDS and poverty on the continent.

"Listen, we who were born in America have to understand, we hit the lottery by growing up here, by being born here," he said.

He said the costs involved in making a real impact in the impoverished regions of Africa are minimal.

Sign up for the ONE Campaign now!
http://www.onecampaign.org/

[hiley]

24. we hit the lottery by growing up here, by being born here," he said.

http://www.onecampaign.org/

[Jade Fox]

30. Asking Bushco to do anything like this....

seems an excercise in futility at best. Are these folks dense enough to imagine
Bush will actually respond? Or are they trying to show up Bushco for the
callous Corporate ass-kissers they are.

Treating Bushco as though they are any sort of responsible force in the
world is, at this point, extremely naive. These folks would probably
accomplish more for Africa by working to get Bush impeached.