I know that the Live 8 thing is in the news a lot and on people's minds. I was at the first Live Aid and it really opened my eyes and got my teenage energy going towards the great divides between the first and the third worlds and I was vigorous supporter.
However, I came across this comment on the BBC news website
As an African, I am full of anger knowing that my people have become mere pawns in this very cynical and self-serving antic of doing something for Africa - whatever this means. This is a game in which the real obstacles to our people's economic emancipation (i.e., African rulers) are gratuitously indulged at every opportunity, while our people become increasingly poorer.
I just wish that the Blairs and the Geldofs of this world would stop exploiting my people's suffering in this way. It is, after all, the case, that no impoverished African has ever asked anyone for aid. If the Blairs and the Geldofs of this world cannot join us in demanding responsible governance on our continent, I say, leave us alone; stop prolonging our suffering with these antics. Enough is enough!
UE, UK/Nigeria
and it made me think; is the first world misguided in it's zeal for aid or should the more toothy issue of tackling the widespread problems with those who govern African countires be addressed before aid is handed over?
There are plenty of other comments on that website, I just thought I'd start the ball rolling with this one as it's one that jumped out at me.