Live 8 - Genuine concern or famous people polishing their halos?

Let me explain this poll...
I'm curious of what you people think of the whole live 8 concept. I will present several "opinions" below. Read carefully, and if you feel like it - vote for the alternative that is closest to your own opinion.

1.
Live 8, is very effective at raising awareness and keeping Africa in the minds of the Western world. Small ripples make big waves... Young people today are not so aware of the problems that exist in Africa. This is a great way to make them develop solidarity with those less fortunate. Music is a good tool to use to get young people envolved. It's good to see that people care. These rock stars do a good job in setting an example to others and even if the end result might not be the desired one, it is still the thought that counts. There is still hope for humanity!

2.
A stupid concert will not change anything - Tackle the root of the problem, not the effect of it. Reform the African governments, then people can partake in ending poverty. Debt relief without regime change will simply allow corrupt leaders to spend more on buying weapons and enriching themselves. Remove trade barriers, open markets, remove old foreign debt and stop corrupted bribes is a necessity. What Africa needs is not aid, they need fair trade. If our governments can let them sell their products to us at a fair price, that will help relieve poverty. The rich west could invest in African companies or stock exchanges and thereby put their money where it's useful instead of in private greedy pockets. End their debt -We will never get it paid back anyway so why keep putting up the interest.

3.
Live 8 is of no benefit in the present state. What did the Band Aid concert 20 years ago achieve?? Learn from that. Why pour money into an endless hole? How about raising awareness of the corruption, bad governments, genocide and lack of Aids awareness and education that Africa really stands for? Why make it look like as if it's us in the West who are responsible for the suffering of these poor people in Africa. Surely it's the endemic corruption in the oppressive regimes that is the main cause of this misery - Not us. I work hard to feed MY family, not to feed Africa. Maybe it would be more sensible to sort our own problems out first before taking on other countries' problems?

4.
Boycot the whole damned thing! Those rich bastards live cocooned in luxury far from reality. Perhaps their conscience stems from the contradiction between their lifestyles and those of everyone else? Live 8 is just another opportunity for famous people to polish their own halos. Elton John campaigning against poverty! A man who spends £100,000 a year on flowers! Is this not just an excuse for us at home to get a good concert and for some music artists to sell a few more records and make themselves look good? These "stars" cynically take any chance they can to boost their career/new album/public-image/ego. It's sickening to hear a billionaire tell me that I should give my money to others. He obviously didn't...

5.
The western world is built on the sweat of the African and the ingenuity of the white man. It is only fair that the descendants of both should benefit from the wealth generated. Never have so few taken so much from so many for so long. I wonder how many people understand how Europe's theft of Africa for centuries has left it in the state it is in today. Who has produced the food on your plate? Probably someone much worse off than yourself. All these people complaining about these mega-rich rock stars trying to make themselves look good in the public's eye... Take note that these stars donate time, money, ideas, raise awareness, entertain, host charity events and still half of all their money would not fix the problem. I admire them for making the effort.

 

I voted for alternative number 2. Aid only works as a short time help. The problems have more to do with politics.

 

i chose #2 as well... this topic should be under politics even though it is about a concert.... but from what i can see... the aid the world has been givin africa for who knows how long now... doesnt seem to be doing anything at all... its like giving a crackhead or a heroin addict 50$ to go buy clean clothes... the money isnt gonna goto clothes obviously... this is why the US is saying more or less saying "hey we're not gonna increase the amount of money we send to africa because we havent seen any change over the past who knows how long that we've given them aid" africa needs alot more than money to straighten themselves out

 

Yes, you may be right. I had trouble deciding where to post it and went for the form (concert) rather than the theme (aid) ...

 

I chose number 5 but I don't agree with the whole explanation of #5. I just simply think that this concert will help raise funding and it makes me happy to see that many groups and people donating time, money, and effort. It may not fix the problem or make everyone aware of the severity of the problems in Africa, but every little bit helps.