If not...why not?

[Sherry Darling]

So let me state right now it is NOT my intention to guilt trip anyone or provoke fights or anything. But I am curious, and that always gets the best of me.

So many people have gotten involved, because of Bono or not, in the effort to help Africa. We write letters. Donoate. Advocate. Demonstrate.

Have you? Do you want to?

My question really is directed at those who haven't but want to. The idea of dropping the debt is controversial and I respect that. Maybe you just disagree.

But if you don't disagree, I'm curious. Are you insanely busy? Don't think Bush is listening? The problem is too big? Other people are already doing a lot? Other?

So there's my curiousity. I hope I haven't offended anyone and look forward to some discussion.



SD

 

[speedracer]

I don't have too many problems with having to pay slightly more in taxes to help drop the debt (though it seems that the development of African nations is hampered by crooked governments as much as by debt payments).

And I definitely don't have any problems with people and corporations richer than me paying slightly more in taxes to help drop the debt.

 

[anitram]

I'm not sure if you're referring to DATA/Drop the Debt or Bono's Angels?

My main problem with DATA, for example, is that it provides convenient links for contacting senators/congressmen/the president, but as I am neither a citizen nor resident of the USA, it's sort of a moot point for me. I'm not going to write to a random senator pretending to be from their district. I'd like to see more options provided for people outside of the USA - the "What can you do?" section is not very globally-friendly, IMO.

I am interested in Bono's Angels; I just haven't had the time to go and really educate myself about what you guys are doing.

 

[Sherry Darling]

Speedracer, yes corruption is a huge problem! That's why groups like DATA and Jubilee insist that the money is indeed used for schools, health, etc if the HIPC is to be eligible.

Anitram-- excellent point, and just the sort of thing DATA might not have thought of (though since it was founded by an Irishman, he sure should have!) Bono's Angels, my site, needs to improve on this front too. We're basically a letter-writing campaign. I just post the letters I've written, really, and being from the US, that's the perspective. Would any non-US Angel be willing to let me post his or her letter to make ourselves more global?

SD

 

[martha]

Have you? Do you want to?

Are you insanely busy?

Other people are already doing a lot?

No.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

I give so much to my job that I barely have enough of myself left for myself and my husband. For instance, it's 5:20, and I'm still sitting in my classroom with about an hour's work left to be done. I'm posting here because this is the first real break I've gotten today. This is Martha time. I don't get much of it when school is in session.

So, yeah, I'd love to, but to be effective, the letters have to be from me, not what someone else has written, and I've just signed. Those who can commit are doing a great job. I devote my time to making sure the next waves of voters are compassionate, caring, involved individuals. That's all I can do, but it's a huge job.

 

[Kristie]

I haven't done anything substantial yet... I've written letters and such, but I'm not a member of any organization. Yet. I think it's a huge problem and it's absurd that most people in the US could give a shit... I try and educate my friends. My prof in class today (the history of sub-saharan africa) said "You know, if we got together $15 billion dollars, the United States could get rid of global AIDS. The problem is that politicians are scared to start a movement in increasing foreign aid... They're afraid they won't get re-elected."

 

[Sherry Darling]

Martha, you gave me teacher fuzzies. Amazing job, isn't it?

Kristie, thanks for writing! That's HUGE and exactly what we need more of. I'm happy to add you to the Angels for writing, if you like!

Thanks for indulging my curiosity, guys!

SD

 

[JOFO]

I haven't done a damn thing. Here's why:

1. I literally don't have even $5 to spare; I'm trying to get established in my profession and don't make alot.
2. I will not write my congressman or president bush. the reason is I don't believe in politics at all. I don't believe it will make one bit of difference to write a letter.

I support the movement in spirit, and wish bono the best of luck.

 

[Zoomerang96]

well said jofo.

 

[KhanadaRhodes]

"You know, if we got together $15 billion dollars, the United States could get rid of global AIDS. The problem is that politicians are scared to start a movement in increasing foreign aid... They're afraid they won't get re-elected."

i'm sorry to say this, but i haven't donated, and i won't. i honestly don't think most of the politicians here care. i'm sure they already know. as others have said, i really don't think a stupid letter to my congressman or president will change a damn thing.

 

[Sherry Darling]

Thanks for such honest replies! I'd like to submit this as food for thought: the politicos don't care...because they think we don't.

If we do, they will. Simple as that.

SD

PS I've donated a lot of time and energy, but I don't have a penny to spare either. I think that phone call or letter is much more valuable. Don't feel bad!

 

[martha]

Martha, you gave me teacher fuzzies. Amazing job, isn't it?

Are...
you...
one of...






us?

 

[Dreadsox]

i'm sorry to say this, but i haven't donated, and i won't. i honestly don't think most of the politicians here care. i'm sure they already know. as others have said, i really don't think a stupid letter to my congressman or president will change a damn thing.

Having worked in my congressman's office when I was a young liberal............I can assure you that someone is reading the letters......and they do make a difference.


Peace

 

[Dreadsox]

Re: Re: If not...why not?

I give so much to my job that I barely have enough of myself left for myself and my husband. For instance, it's 5:20, and I'm still sitting in my classroom with about an hour's work left to be done. I'm posting here because this is the first real break I've gotten today. This is Martha time. I don't get much of it when school is in session.

It is 9:00 here. I just finished my report cards. I hate doing them as much as I hated getting them. My wife is sitting here correcting papers for her class. My kids have not been able to play with me for the past three nights as I have been working to get the cards done. In the meantime, someone called and made a comment about school being over at 3:30 and what a sweet job. Grrrrr.... 4:00 Pick up Kids
4:30 Give Baths
5:00 Cook
5:30 Dishes/make lunches
6:00 Read books with kids
6:30 Correct/Report Cards


Anyways......

I have written letters to Congressman Barney Frank, Senator Kennedy, Senetor Kerry, and President GW.

I am insanely busy.

I would like to do more.

I am actually interested in getting to Africa and teaching, there was a recent article about the fact that there are more teachers dying of aids than are entering the profession in some of the countries.

Peace

 

[hiphop]

Would any non-US Angel be willing to let me post his or her letter to make ourselves more global?

SD

Go ahead.

 

[Sherry Darling]

Martha....I sure am.

Whenhiphop--thank you!!!. Could you post it here and I"ll add it to the Letters page?

Dreadsox-- good to hear from someone "in the know", thank you!


SD

 

[martha]

Martha....I sure am.

I knew there was something about you that I liked!

But how are you managing an internship, too?

 

[hiphop]

Sherry, its in your other thread, if I?m not mistaken. I hope it suits your needs, if you need any adjustments, do tell.

Dear President Bush,

I was disappointed to hear the news of the postponement of your journey to Africa.

Like many European citizens who were excited about the potential for this trip, I heard the news with regret. As you know, millions of Africans, many of them children, will die of AIDS, starvation, or other preventable diseases.

Apart from that, I know that you personally, Mr. President, have the possibility to make great changes by influencing, adjusting and slightly redirecting the policies of the International Monetary Fund based on the Washington Consensus.

Another important contribution of the current U.S. administration could be setting and encouraging higher ethic and Christian standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dear President Bush, those issues are of great importance, and you have the power to give a whole continent some chances to survive. I want to encourage you to give the *emergency* currently devastating Africa the highest priority. It is in Africas humanitarian interests, it is in American and European long-term security interests, and it is the right thing to do.

Hoping to be hearing about concrete plans from your administration soon,

Sincerely,
....

 

[Sherry Darling]

Martha-- I'm finishing my MA right now, and went back to school full time last semester. By far the biggest drawback if I make this career move from teaching to development work is...HOLY SHITE WILL I MISS MY STUDENTS!

Whenhiphop, that's perfect! What a great letter! I'll post it up right away! You're an

SD

 

[U2luv]

Anitram, have you tried emailing DATA and suggesting that they make things more global? I agree that the site is mostly geared toward the US. I wonder if that's because they are focusing on the US at the moment to get the word out to us about Africa and all that's going on there.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

I've done a little bit-sending letters from sites that I'm signed up with, and then last fall I did an informative speech on the crisis in Africa in my Advanced Speech class.

I feel bad for Bono when I hear that our government isn't doing more-Bono puts so much faith in these people and thinks they'll do something, and it just ticks me off when they don't follow through, they let him down. But I still write to them anyway, just to bug them-they need more people bugging them. Plus, there's always the very off chance that our government will actually do something-if not Bush himself helping out, maybe someone else in the White House will.

I'd like to do a lot more, and as time goes on, maybe I will. But this is a start.

Angela