Live 8 is an amazing event, which is designed to alert the world to poverty. Do we here at Phoenix Song agree with the views of Bob Geldof and all of bands that have been performing?

*Summoning all my brave Gryffindor tendencies, except that I'm a Ravenclaw*

Yes, from what I've seen in the papers it did look like an amazing event. And yes, poverty is tragic and we ought to work to make sure everyone's needs are met.

That said....
Throwing money at a problem doesn't always make it better. Being on "the Dole" doesn't get someone meaningful employment. Giving massive amounts of money to third world countries doesn't allow the people of those countries to have the pride of solving their problems themselves. Mind you, I'm not saying lets not give any aid at all. Ignoring people in need is wretched behaviour.

These countries are not "children" to be looked after in a patronising manner. As in "Let's teach you how to take care of yourselves." Africa has any number of brilliant minds and researchers. I'd like to learn more about what the individual African nations are doing to solve the problem themselves. Then we should look at what we can do to aid them in the way they feel is best. Making decisions on how to help without having the African nations in attendance is patronising.