U2 on G8

Bono says the G8 deal marks "...the beginning of the end for poverty...". I wish it were true, but pa-leeese.

We have all seen the pictures of the starving children and feel pity for them. We want to reach through the camera lens and offer immediate assistance. The problem is that there has been assistance given over the years. Lots of it, both from private and public sources. Where has it gone? Answer - Into the pockets of government officials.

In my humble opinion, the problem in Africa is corruption, not poverty. If the money sent to Africa actually got to those in need, we would have a different story.

Then there is the idea of forgiving the debt to these nations. Forgive my ignorance, but how is that going to put food in the belly of that starving child. The only ones being helped by forgiving the debt are the same corrupt governments that used the money for there own selfish interests in the first place.

One other question for all of these rock stars: how much of your income is going to help the poor in Africa? I bet one could feed alot of starving children for what is earned from one hit record or hit movie (Mr. Pitt). Perhaps Bono and the others do contribute a large amount, but couldn't they do just a little more. I bet they had plenty to eat today.