LIVE 8 concerts around the world and efforts to eliminate world poverty
On this special day everyone needs to be finding creative ways to support the efforts of Sir Bob Geldof to reduce the debt burden of impoverished African nations through Live8 (www.live8live.com).
Just some examples of the power we place in the hands of the G8 leaders (http://www.live8live.com/whatsitabout/index.shtml)...
- Smallpox was wiped out by just over US$100m worth of targeted aid. Polio is also close to being eliminated.
- Mozambique's economy grew at an astonishing 12 per cent in the 1990s when aid constituted 50 per cent of its income.
- In Tanzania, debt relief enabled the government to abolish primary school fees, leading to a whopping 66 per cent increase in attendance. As a result, 1.6 million more children now attend school.
- Debt relief helped kick-start Mozambique's impressive recovery from civil war and terrible floods and enabled its government to vaccinate 500,000 additional children.
NOW IS THE TIME, THIS IS THE YEAR - OUR LEADERS HAVE THE POWER TO END POVERTY - BUT WE HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE THEM USE IT!
In Canada, everyone interested in seeing what they can do about this effort is invited to visit the MAKE POVERTY HISTORY website at http://www.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/home.php. Sign the petition to Prime Minister Martin and your MP so they can be a part of doing something about poverty at the upcoming G8 meetings this coming week.
From the CBC.ca news story ... "former South African president Nelson Mandela drew even more applause than the musicians performing.
"I formerly announced my retirement from public life and should really not be here. However, as long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest," Mandela said. "While poverty exists, there is no true freedom."
"History and the generations to come will judge our leaders by the decisions they make in the coming weeks. I say to all those leaders, do not look the other way. Do not hesitate," he continued. "It is easy to make promises but never go to action. We ask those leaders to demonstrate their commitment and not engage with hollow promises. We want action."
Mandela, who was frequently forced to stop because of cheering from the audience, added a message for those watching the Live 8 concerts worldwide.
"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that generation," he said, urging people to help end poverty. "Let your greatness blossom."