MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY says send a Christmas card to Bertie

by cynical iosaf Fri Nov 18, 2005 13:13

* you got us to buy bracelets made in sweatshops to make poverty history in the spring.

* you got us to watch popstars revive their flagging careers and asked us to help put Pink floyd back in the top 10 album charts to make poverty history in the summer.

* now you want us to invest in pulped forests to make poverty history in the winter.

= Oh well, what great ideas will you come up with in 2006?

by MAKE MAKE POVERTY HISTORY HISTORY Fri Nov 18, 2005 13:15

Go out and buy an Ipod to go with your trendy white wristband!
Its O.K ,Bonos approves them,and he is after all the ultimate humanitarian.

Snore.
Christmas cards to Bertie?What a joke,money would have been better spent on resources in the third world than on the same old pleading and lobbying,
Same old make yourself feel good stunt before you stuff your gut and waste hundreds of euros on junk during the Buymas season.

Maybe the G8 will send a card,after all,they are the organisation who came togehter to solve world poverty,aren't they??

New approach needed.

by Sandyclaws Fri Nov 18, 2005 14:27

Send Bertram a map of Shannon Warport. Just as a little reminder, like.

by Ida Fri Nov 18, 2005 15:27

Actually the Make Poverty History campaign is about the Millenium Development Goals and committing to what was stated then, so it will likely go on til 2015 and maybe after that too... unless a miracle happens and the MDG's are delivered by the powers that be.

Campaigning with politicians raises much more money than it costs, so of course it is worth it. you have to spend money to make money - shitty but true.

by Bernadette - personal capacity Fri Nov 18, 2005 15:31 http://www.whiteband.org/specialIssues/WTO/NewsListingSection/en

For those who are thinking that Make Poverty History and such campaigns are all based in Ireland, the Uk and the rest of Europe, check out this link for activism around the world:
http://www.whiteband.org/specialIssues/WTO/NewsListingSection/en This is the website of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, a global coalition. There's lots going on apart from postcard actions...

I understand the frustration with the anti poverty campaigns and the way they seek to engage with govts and institutions like WTO etc. But the reality is these organisations exist and are probably not going away. We need to reform them, make them more democratic through sustained public pressure. How we do that is open to debate. One things for sure, uni lateral agreements like the Free Trade agreement of the Americas are more harmful. People in the 3rd world are saying the same thing - it's not about giving aid (alone) anymore. So, this pleading. moaning and lobbying is still much needed, but obviously there are many ways to fight this one, so each to their own.

by Insurrection Fri Nov 18, 2005 16:56

plz.

by Dr Bill Fri Nov 18, 2005 19:52

Seriously: is this a pisstake?

by Davros - Daleks for the Betterment of Humanity (we're your friends really, now stand still while we take aim) Sat Nov 19, 2005 17:30

I used doubt Make Poverty History until I saw Annie Lennnox perform her song 'Why' at Live8 while pictures of her looking concerned and sitting by starving babies were projected in the background. It never occured to me that another awful effect of world poverty is the toll it is taking on Annie. Luckily her 'best of' was released shortly afterwards, as was Geldof's, so I went out and bought these CDs and put one in the eye of world poverty.

I think the card approach will work. I remember when I sent something similar to Charles Trevelyan and soon after the Irish Potato Famine was abolished. I also sent an Easter bunny yoke to General George Custer and he soon quit putting the boot in on the Injuns.

There are tensions between Northern and Southern attitudes to countering the premeditated genocide that is our current global economic system. On www.monbiot.com you can find contacts for grassroots organisations appealing for help in various ways. Of course these people have never met political and economic analysts extraordinaire like Chris (Live8 is "the best thing ever") Martin but they do live in the thick of it, watching friends and family die etc. Maybe we should listen to them and not let their voices be drowned out by the media moguls and chronic egotists.

by anon Mon Nov 21, 2005 17:23

about needing to listen to people in developing countries. That's what this campaign is about - listening to people who are saying "end export subsidies", "make trade rules fair so that we can trade our goods". Okay, so these campaigns are a bit pithy, but believe it or not that is often what is demanded by the public, the 'give it to me in one sentence' approach.
Also, when it comes to celebrities, why are these NGos falling over themselves to get celebrity endorsement..? Is it cos they think its sexy and they want to get in a photo with Annie Lennox? Or is it cos that's the only bloody way to get into the newspapers - try standing at a photo call with a worthy cause, a great idea and a brilliant campaign, when all the photographers and media heads want to know is what celebrity is going to be in the photo.
Sorry for the rant but I get sick of people knocking these efforts - I know a xmas card is hardly radical but would they rather we all sat at home and did nothing? cos not everyone is going to go the whole hog, opt out of the system and save the world. For some people it will be half measures and maybe that's not good enough, but isn't it better than nothing?

by @ Mon Nov 21, 2005 19:01

On Bono and the ridiculousness of this whole 'lets be white and tell the poor stupid blackies what to do and that will make poverty history' sharade. See the review of Jeffrey Sachs book at this link. Dr. Sachs being ne of the gurus of this new left/right wing movement.

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs’ “The End of Poverty”:
A Political Review
by
George Caffentzis

http://www.commoner.org.uk/sachsreview.htm

by I Love Cynics Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:34

The cynicism here is savage, as usual. I guess ye would have all said the same about Gandhi and his efforts. It seems every bit as hard line and tough as Michael McDowell would be.

Nevertheless all views welcomed of course. I think it would be nice though if people put forward alternative ideas, strategies and actions. Rather than just flicking their fingers and typing in a bit of easy cynicism. Thanks though for the review on Geoffrey Sachs book. Lookin forward to reading that. Something tells me though I’m just in for a bit more cynicism (albeit a bit more “upper-class”) that does not offer alternatives. But we’ll see…….

Best regards.

by Conall O'Caoimh - Comhlámh Tue Nov 22, 2005 15:30 conalloc at comhlamh dot org 10 Upper Camden St. Dublin 2 353-1-4783490

Ask him to Make Poverty History and to Make Trade Rules Fair
Go to www.makepovertyhistory.ie to send Bertie a Christmas Card calling for Trade Justice at the WTO talks taking place during December in Hong Kong
www.makepovertyhistory.ie

Send Bertie Ahern a Christmas Card! Ask him to MakePovertyHistory and to Make Trade Rules Fair.

Join the MakePovertyHistory Campaign by sending Bertie a Christmas Card.

This December, 148 governments meet at the World Trade Organisation in Hong Kong to decide new trade rules.

This is a special opportunity to help Make Poverty History.

Ireland can make a difference by supporting trade rules that help reduce poverty.

You can make your voice heard by sending this eCard to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern asking him to Make Trade Rules Fair.

www.makepovertyhistory.ie



Please forward this message to your friends.
A small icon of the card is available as a web-link if you would like to include it on your website.
Printed versions of the card can be collected at The Body Shop, Nude Café, Oxfam, Trocaire and Concern shops and with Hot Press magazine.
To receive a bundle of the printed card or a poster contact card@makepovertyhistory.ie

Send Bertie Ahern a Christmas Card!

by Davros - Daleks for the dissemination of herbal tea. Tue Nov 22, 2005 16:10

Any Geldof inspired effort is worse than nothing as it cosies up to those who cause the problem and have NO intention of curing it. Summit after summit we have seen the usual celebrity suspects smiling with G8 leaders etc., giving them credibility, and NEVER is there any substantial, or indeed any, change. 'Developed' world leaders have no intention of helping the 'developing' world as this would threaten the profit margins of the corporate paymasters who pay for their election efforts etc.

Many in M.P.H. regret their association with Geldof etc.. When you look at those behind the Live8 effort it can be seen that the degrees of seperation between Live8 and New Labour were negligable. What Live8 really managed to do was harness concern about world poverty and obfuscate the issue to such an extent that mass murderers like Blair were absolved of former crimes and made look like credible and caring world leaders, let alone credible human beings. Good Spin job, lovely. This has been written about on this site over and over again but people who enjoy U2 music will never accept this.

Alternatives: rather than deciding that it is better to help the dysfunctional, non-credible and fundamentally dishonest efforts of various star struck N.G.O.s, seek to abolish the institutions that directly cause the trade related genocide. Help grassroots organisations. Comparing M.P.H. to Gandhi, as implied above, is an utter joke. Gandhi confronted oppression via civil disobedience, not pop concerts and cosy MTV interviews. Gandhi made an impact because he had the courage of his convictions. M.P.A. will never make an impact because they're really all a bit scared of bad PR, seeming like party poopers, and spending a night in the cells.

The truth is that there is no will amongst the occidental person on the street to honestly help Africa, we just want to be made feel good. A real effort would involve a sustained campaign of non-violent civil disobedience, like Gandhi's or King's.

M.P.A. is a joke. Abolish slavery, do not campaign for softer whips.

Rant over. Is there a spell check on this site by the way? Is that possible?

by Michael R. (I love cynics) Tue Nov 22, 2005 18:36

Thanks for the argument Davros. At least it provides an argument and not just cynical comments. Whatever about anything else, I really believe people need to deal in arguments and not just throw away cyncial comments. One loses respect and credibility with cyncial comments. If you have a serious point to make, make it seriously. These are certainly serious issues that we are addressing.

Do not have time right how to really address your argument below. But it certainly touches on a big debate within those who are against the current dominant world system - i.e. what is the best approach to take in changing it? For a start I again gotta say one has to try and respect other people's approaches and opinions. Disagree with them of course but disrespecting other approaches, I believe, casts a dim light on one's own approach and attitude. Do you think Gandhi would have disrespected (albeit vehemenlty disagreeing with them) other approaches?

I totally understand your argument below and am unsure myself what exactly is the right thing to do. What I do know is that while we are debating this and whilst we are awaiting "the revolution" to happen - 30,000 people will have died by the end of today from hunger realated causes. Assuming its taking me 5 mins to type this comment, 100 people will have died by the end of it (i.e. one every 3 seconds). That I do KNOW.

I guess I personally believe in doing all one can to support M.P.H., Geldof etc. as a short term measure to tackle this. Too many lives are at stake just to wait for a revolution, which there is no guarantee will ever happen.
Its like saying there is no point in giving money to charity or to crisis situations like Niger. Rather give ALL your money to political efforts (or otherwise) that are trying to change the system.

However, of course, I also agree with you that the whole system has to change in order for long term peace and prosperity to reign on this planet of ours. So I basically believe in actively supporting both sides. One can argue that this is a contradiction but I don't believe so.

Good call on the spell checker!!

by i Tue Nov 22, 2005 20:53

its appaling.

* last spring - "buy a bracelet made in a sweatshop to make your voice heard"

* last summer - "buy the pink floyd album to make your voice heard"

*this autumn "send the taoiseach's office a spam mail to make your voice heard"

Sorry but I'm in the world of real activism.
I'd really appreciate it if you stopped pretending to make any difference at all.
So much so that I'm considering setting up a "send MPH a christmas card asking them to disband"
any takers?

by @#$€&/. Tue Nov 22, 2005 21:49

its like you sold "bracelets" to kids and grown ups alike to "end poverty" in big letters with "millenium goals" written in the small print.
The bracelets were made in sweatshops.
Since then you've talked about "fair trade", oh well, the sweatshops can't export their products to the €U anymore, thanks to the Blair UK presidency rulings on far east trade.

well done!

Then you told us all to go "march like a million" (something only the RC church does in 2005) to tell them in no uncertain terms to change the rules!
In the process the album "dark side of the moon" went from outside the top 100 charts to the top ten to occupy for several weeks running the first position. & Mr Barrett aint well enough to enjoy it, and a whole load of people especially young people will forever think they did something "to make old rockers happy".

well done!

Now you want us to further irritate the public internet addreses of elected government officials on a world wide basis the very same week that the world internet regulatory body met amidst insistence from certain nations that such lobbying be made illegal.

well done!

On the day that the UN announces 6 million children starve to death every year, you yet again try in a very old fashioned way to reach out to the generation of Europeans who are more obese than ever before "just coz they got internet", whilst you trumpet intellectual copyright and prepare the christmas launch of "Live 8" CDs and DVDS where the greatest efect you will have is on :-
a) entertainment corporation profit margins
b) pink floyd's retirement package.
c) turning kids off politics completely.

well done!

Just one thing -

Whose fucking side are you on?

=
DISBAND MPH.
(((I'm sending my card by post to Geldof's house)))

by cornelius Wed Nov 23, 2005 01:17

version of that old classic critical of sir bob
http://www.angelfire.com/my/lookwood2001/music/mp3s/idontlikegeldof.mp3

by anon Wed Nov 23, 2005 13:44

MPH had nothing to do with Live 8!
The July 2nd march in Edinburgh (politically motivated and nothing to do with a concert - people waited for 6 hours to march, there were many people on the streets) was planned for months and months.
With one months notice Geldof announced the Live 8 concerts on the same date. MPH was appalled. Live 8 tried to take over a concert in Sth Africa and call it Live 8 africa or something. Not sure if they succeeded.
Geldof was not to be swayed from the July 2 date. MPH decided to stick to their date and plan. Maybe this was a mistake/maybe there should have been a more public split. Maybe they won't work with him again. But it was a hard call - the point of MPH was to mobilise as many people as possible, not just the 'elite' campaigners. That was why the campaing was a bit watered down - had to appeal to many.
Please stop linking Live 8 and MPH - the media has been doing this since day one and I'm sure it was hard for MPH to disassociate without causing big rifts.

by uninitiated public type with small purse Wed Nov 23, 2005 14:24

Well silly me, I just thought after you so closely associated yourselves with Geldof and Bono and Clinton and Blair that you were the same thing. & most kids would too.

which is why i think you ought disband, you made a politically inept decision to allow pop stars to milk your credibility and make peurile publicity ahead of the G8 conference in the UK.

At no stage did MPH attempt to criticise the manner in which the G8 conference on africa and climate change was associated with live 8. And since there has been no succesful outcome of the campaign, and there is only one month left before Russia begins its countdown to G8 2006 its time to accept-

"that was a bad idea" we "MPH" are indelibly associated with pop stars in the public imagination and its time to change our name, because mr Putin won't mention "making poverty history" on a special edition of MTV next spring.

How about calling yourselves
"trocaire" ? or "concern" ? or even "gort"?

by Davros - Daleks Wed Nov 23, 2005 15:09 Planet Skaro

M.P.H. courted Richard Curtis and Geldof and various celebrities to appeal to the Heat magazine crowd that they patronisingly believe to be the average man and woman on the street. We are too stupid to understand the issues you see. We like parties though, just give us a party.

The result was MPH being used by the establishment and their efforts eclipsed by the brilliant spin doctoring of no.11. They did a much better job on this than they did when they tried to fob us off with that dodgy dossier.

To quote a John Pilger article:

'"(Ours) is not a march in the sense of a demonstration, but more of a walk, " said Make Poverty History's Bruce Whitehead. "The emphasis is on fun in the sun. The intention is to welcome the G8 leaders to Scotland and ask them to deliver trade justice, debt cancellation and increased aid to developing countries."
Really?
In Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice asked the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter to show her the way out of wonderland. They did, over and again, this way, that way, until she lost her temper and brought down her dream world, waking her up. The people wilfully impoverished in Africa by our governments and our institutions in our name, demand that we wake up.'

Michael, do we really have to wait for a revolution? Or should we look on this more as an effort to gain a forward step for human civilisation, like the abolition of slavery for example? (Although it would be reasonable to argue slavery was never abolished, just the terms changed.)

Handy stuff:

http://www.globalrising.org/

http://www.globalrising.org/africa/trade.htm

And some more moaning:

http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2005/07/09/africas-new-best-friends/

http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2005/09/06/the-man-who-betrayed-the-poor/

http://www.newstatesman.com/200506270006

by Jim Dunstan - BadDoggie Wed Nov 23, 2005 17:48 jimdunstan at gmail dot com 99 Duckpool Road, Newport, Wales +441633678761

I hate poverty, but right now I'd like to get rid of all of those self loving, holier than thou, pretentious popstars who use charitable causes as a way of getting publicity. Geldof means well, but the rest are frauds. Make PopStars History!

by p Wed Nov 23, 2005 17:59

I would include Geldof in that list.

I agree too with "i". We should "send MPH a christmas card asking them to disband"

by Bernadette Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:44

Even though I believe in the need for campaigns against free trade and injustice, after reading these posts I feel so weary. I agree it was a mistake for MPH to be so closely associated with celebrities but I understand why they did it. We are told getting into the media is so hard, that you need spin, you need a 'hook' to make them interested, Maybe they should have believed in the power of their argument, and not looked for media attention through stunts.

But is it not better to try and maybe fail than not try at all? There are lots of committed people in MPH in UK, Ireland, in the other campaigns, like No Excuses campaign in Italy, and all the others around the world, who believe in the need for change. But activists come in all colours and shades - some may not be radical but may be committed. I don't know if I'm making sense and this probably isn't the place for this wondering. I just get frustrated reading these posts which are so cynical. I understand the cynicism but I just think it's so negative and not very productive.

by iosaf Thu Nov 24, 2005 13:35

Bernadette your thoughts are not unusual, and in no way do I want to depreciate the sincerity of activists in the coalition which gave the world MPH, notwithstanding I don't want the genuine criticism of the decisions they made to be dismissed as "cynical" either.

The facts remain that the decision to play "media spin" made by MPH surrendered a key advantage they had before - "the moral highground". Sitting down with Blair meant sitting down with the masters, _supreme masters_ of spin. The moment Geldof simpered on Blair's shoulder and mouthed the words "its embarrasing how much i agree with this guy" was as damaging to your long term goals as Bono's declaration to the WEF "my job is to tell you when you get it wrong".
Thats as ridiculous as Blair's assertion in late April "that he never lies".
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/04/309961.html
We are the media bernadette where campaigns are reported and expanded.
We have been that media since Seattle.
In the meantime i've ruefully seen various campaign slogans "adopted" by "street savvy" corporations to sell their products to the kids.
Each one fails, you can't re-invert a subverted slogan, but in the case of MPH it was quite clear that the "serious activists" within the varying organisations were surprisingly naïve. Enough of that, _move on!_

You don't need Geldof, Bono or Brad Pitt (in the "one world") to sell the idea of ending global poverty. You don't need to sell it at all.
Because no-one has the money to pay for it.
Engaging in "fashion politics" will always bring you whatever mph or km/per hour travel to the stark finality of the emperor's clothes.
You can only be fashionable for one season.
You will only touch one generation of kiddies, those immediately behind will automatically reject what was "cool".

I heartfeltedly (?) implore the coalition members to continue to work together but draw a line, and symbolically break the connection. = Disband MPH. in exactly those words. I'll think you'll find that space you wanted in the commercial media all the way along, if you do so. They'll have a field day.
imagine the headlines-

"Make poverty history disbands!"
"Live 8 dead!"

by Davy Carlin - Street Seen Thu Nov 24, 2005 16:20

Hi Bernadette good to see you engaging on Indymedia, Wish there where many more like you willing to engage in such a fraternal way on Indymedia, against us 'anarchists' and all.'

I to am active within MPH, this in the North, and while I have problems with MPH, those problems do not ascend above me working within the coalition.

Similar as I had done in various other coalitions, campaigns etc over the years.

Indeed I am fully aware of the many genuine committed activists within MPH, {Indeed I am inspired by some who sit on the MPH Northern Coalition Committee - this due to their sheer activism and commitment to a particular progressive belief that speaks not only in their words but shines in their eyes.]

Of course they are not Revolutionary Socialist like the understanding that I hold but nevertheless they are prepared to do some thing, which is progressive, and with that I will stand shoulder to shoulder with them, while of course engaging as to how I believe a better world can really be won.

I go into a lot of my thoughts on MPH in theNorth in this section of my Diary.

- http://davycarlin.allotherplaces.org/?m=200510

Again these are my own thoughts. Yet, Bernadette, for me I have moved on, and in doing so hold still those beliefs as a Revolutionary Socialist - but rather than standing outside and aside criticising such coalitions, I personally prefer to get in there and argue my points.

Who knows I may have even convinced people at times!!!


For example in the last week or so I have engaged with a Lord Mayor, Unionist politicians and grassroots activists at Belfast City Hall on the issue of local racism and an initiative to be launched around that. Then I had sat around a table with the ICTU, leading NGO’s, and the Northern Voluntary sector to organise events all around the North on International poverty. I had also sat around a table with Socialists, Anarchists and left Republicans to organise white line pickets, leafleting etc on the Shell to Sea issue while again on the other hand I had sat around another table with a Republican MEP on my immediate left and a Belfast City Council representative of the loyalist community on my immediate right and again with other differing leading NGO and leading Grassroots activists. This time dealing with the issue to Social and Economic deprivation and regeneration within working class areas.

I can site more examples in the last week or so but you get my drift, that is, that most of those I have engaged with, ‘and will campaign with’ do not have the understanding not only of my beliefs but of also of how I believe we need to organise.

Yet I will engage, work and organise with them in such campaigns while putting my points.

Therefore while I organise within various grassroots campaigns I also work and organise with others inside progressive campaigns and issues. In doing so I have found as you said many committed activists for some form of limited change working within them.

- If everyone organised like revolutionaries and thought like revolutionaries then it would all be so simple, but unfortunately they do not, and real politic means dealing with that reality. -

Bernadette, as stated, good to see you on Indymedia, keep up the activism, keep the chin up and who knows we may even find each other standing shoulder to shoulder together on a MPH vigil – rally etc against Global poverty.

And who knows we could even have a chat on some of the issues I have been engaging on with activists like your self - on local poverty, racism, the working class and many other issues that effect people locally as well, and indeed how we may be able to deal and organise around them.

Chin up, All the best – Davy Carlin

by Michael R. Fri Nov 25, 2005 15:23

Hi Bernadette. Very much agree with Davy’s comments above. Indymedia, unfortunately, is famed for its cynicism. There are cynical comments on all types of issues. But this is the price you pay for a totally democratic and transparent forum, without any censorship. But do not believe that these views are representative of most people’s views.

It is also important to note, I think, that many of the above comments are not really cynical, but rather they are trying to make an argument that is well worth considering. Namely:-

1. Do we try and help stop the death from poverty through more soft approaches like MPH and Geldof etc.

Or

2. Do we try and help stop the death from poverty through more radical approaches, namely that of overturning the capitalist, neoliberal system that is causing much/most of this poverty and death in the first place. Hence though MPH might gain good short term success – in the long run it will have done more harm than good.

This is an important argument as by using the first approach above it could well be argued that we are leaving the system that is causing poverty and inequality off the hook – using a “soft whip” as a commentator earlier described it.

I personally believe in using both approaches (and the third approach of charity) and am totally behind MPH & Geldof etc. - but the second argument is definitely one worth thinking about and MPH would do well do bare it in mind.

One must also remember that the end aim of BOTH approaches is to eliminate poverty. At least the people we might think as cynical are thinking about this and actively trying to do something about it. THIS IS EXTREMELY POSITIVE!! It is the 99% of the average Joe Soap’s walking around who are not “really” thinking about it and being active about it, is something to be concerned about.

So as Davy says, do not lose heart Bernadette. The vast majority of people who frequent this site have the same Ultimate ends as you, just a different means of achieving it.

If it is to be achieved Every single ounce of activism and thought is needed. And Every once of blood is needed to end this bloodshed. Stay positive. Keep up the fight. Power to the People.

Best regards. Michael.

by Go figure Sat Nov 26, 2005 02:45

The grassroots nonviolent confrontations at Seattle, J18 London etc. created the political space. The authroritarian left and the moderates/NGO moved into colonise it.

The biggest hassle I have with both breeds is the lack of mutuality. They sell the militants out everytime....no back up for those hospitalised, imprisoned etc

Like the authoritarian left, the NGO primary agenda is self-promotion, careerism (NGO career paths a lot more secure than the authoritarian left, if you're considering one).

In the case of the recent G8 the moderates supported a multi-millionaire celebrity leadership approach where the war could not be mentioned (the war that came home to London on the last day that sidelined their efforts mainstream media wise), let alone concepts that we may have to simplify our lifestyles in the first world if we are going to share with those straving in the third.

It got so weird this time that it turned into a consumer frenzy ......buy the concert ticket, buy the album, buy the wristband, now the postcard...consume for justice! (A bit like Bush's advice to America following the NYC attack, "be patriotic get out and shop").

Some of us got the shit beat out of us at the World Economic Forum in Melbourne 2000 blockading Bill Gates and he is invited on stage in London.2005.

Go figure...where does the cynicism come from for this proposed Christmas effort????????????

by Go Figure Sat Nov 26, 2005 02:49

Link below. An interesting critique of the authoritarian left attempts to colonise the movement...

by iosaf Sat Nov 26, 2005 19:48

has seen a pre-christmas sales boom interview publshed in today's Irish Times where the ageing rock star expresses his wish to be seen as the singer songwriter performer behind a "BEST OF GELDOF" singles work. A new compilation will hit the streets and make history.

Oh well, mr lynott is probably turning in his grave, sure I know they weren't in the same band, but wasn't Thin Lizzy against poverty as well? Didn't seem to make much money or milk much publicity in any case.

Ah yes, the old fashioned rock star. I suppose the Blair kids will get a CD. put in the shelf next to the LIVE8 DVD. Maybe some day, we'll have a world where all of africa can have CDs and DVDs or even iTunes.

& just to think there are some who call me a cynic.
Anyway I live in the real world, a shanty town put up to protest the Barcelona 10+ euro-med conference with 35 governments in town, the Americans and even Chancelor Angela, Sharon, the Palestinians is being rudely evicted right now by the cops. But at least no-one will be asking you to buy bracelets, records or dvds. But i have seen the light! Bob you're the business example to follow. hmmmmm. Fuck capitalists.

by iosaf Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:59

use the MTV snap shot of Geldof simpering on Blair's shoulder which was the introduction image to "The UK EU and G8 presidency".

he still thinks it was all worth it. Worth & Value. but he makes no mention of going to russia in 2006.

by conchubour - slightly disorganised Mon Jan 23, 2006 02:03 a thing you wear ......

He's good with his gold, is our Bob. And here's why

In 1999 - Ten Alps was founded by Alex Connock, Bob Geldof and Des Shaw. Alex bought Planet 24 Radio for £1, on the day that Carlton TV acquires Bob's previous TV company Planet 24 for a reported £15m. Ten Alps is Planet spelled backwards. .

Bob co-owns this company Tenalps, who do PR for lots of lovely money making companies, and The UK Foreign Office, the MOD too, and in 2005 Tenalps turned over a cool 37 million sterling.

It's a little known fact that Bobs (Ten Alps) clients JP Morgan, BP and Ford, , are among the defendants in a court case in the USA, brought against them by South Africans who were victims of Apartheid, looking for reparation, on the basis that the three companies mentioned had HUGE links to the apartheid regime, funding it, supplying the tools of oppression and for their abusive employment practices in South Africa.(the case is still ongoing, i believe - though I've heard that the SA govt. backed down on it, as it would have been 'bad for foreign investment', thus leaving the victims to fund the case themselves....)

TenAlps also makes 'documentaries' for the UK, US and Israeli Governments, and do PR (remember what good old Bill Hicks said about working in PR!!) for EMI, Disney, L'Oreal, Citreon, Volvo, FHM magazine and a host of others of similar ilk.

Good with his gold indeed! further info can be gleaned from these ever so proud sites!!

http://www.tenalpsevents.com/

http://www.tenalps.com/index.php?location=/index.html

There's a lovely section on the directors CVs, with a smiling Bob, grinning out at us.

Sick. Sick. Slick.