eatstatic

Well, well here's one time that the Aussies do not come top of something.

Seems like the stereotypical image of OZ being parochial, inward looking, selfish and boorish may be be closer to the truth thsn previously thought.

Enter Sir Bob to share his thoughts on OZ and El Presidente Johhy Howard:

Geldof lashes Aussie aid as pathetic
November 9, 2004

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Australian aid to the world's poorest countries was "embarrassingly pathetic", according to pop star and humanitarian Sir Bob Geldof.

Nearly 20 years after the famous Live Aid concerts to help feed the starving in Africa, Sir Bob gave Prime Minister John Howard a serve for not upping Australia's commitment to poor countries.

Sir Bob said more people still died of hunger every year in Africa than from war, AIDS, TB, malaria or polio and the issue had to be addressed.

But instead of chasing British Prime Minster Tony Blair or US President George W Bush over the issue, Sir Bob said Mr Howard was the one who needed to take more action.

"It's chasing John Howard, I think, (that) is important," he told the Nine Network.

"Blair gets it because he's a Live Aid baby, George W - bizarrely - is the most radical president with regard to Africa that we've seen since (John F) Kennedy.

"John Howard has just been elected now with a very good majority, he can ... use his political capital with George Bush to influence change.

"But more importantly Australia, a hugely wealthy country showing great leaps economically year on year, gives 0.25 per cent of its economy to the poorest countries in the world."

Sir Bob described the contribution as "embarrassingly pathetic".

"You have an international responsibility and now is the moment for John Howard, a strong prime minister, to enact that," he said.

Live Aid helped raise more than $200 million for the starving in Africa and a new DVD has been officially launched featuring footage of the concerts.

© 2004 AAP

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/...?oneclick=true

wmoore

Funny, I only saw you use those words, not Sir Bob. I don't think he even hinted at parochial or boorish but perhaps selfish and inward looking.

It is sad that a wealthy country doesn't do more to help the less well off though. It's up to the Aussie people ( & PRs) to speak out if they don't like it. Or maybe give more directly out of their own pockets.

Siren & Brian

So what is .25% of our total economy in Dollar terms????

Siren & Brian

Did a quick search and if our economy is $800 billion therefore we give $2 billion in aid. Thats alot of

Bordy

As long as we give less than other countries then Kong will be happy.

JAJ

He's Bob. Or Mr Geldolf. Not Sir Bob.

As he's an Irish citizen who has not taken British citizenship, his knighthood is honorary and doesn't come with the title of Sir.


Jeremy

Siren & Brian

*Giggling*

Siren

wombat42

Eatstaic, Kong , as you are a typical generous Brit compared to a stingy Aussie can you please tell the forum how much money you give to charity each year.