U.S. enters G8 summit with an image deficit - 07/05/05

Now that Bob Geldof, Bono, and other pop music icons have finished their global concert, we should ask if they are prepared to take the necessary steps to save Africa from its plight. Live 8's goal of shining a spotlight on poverty in the Dark Continent was noble but, unfortunately, misdirected. African poverty is not caused by overbearing debt, insufficient aid or globalization. It is caused by tyrants who ignore property rights and the rule of law.

Over the past 45 years, $450 billion in aid failed to make a dent as the African gross domestic product steadily fell. Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo estimates that corrupt African leaders have stolen at least $140 billion of this aid. When not stealing the money, dictators such as Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe implement socialist programs that destroy industry. In an attempt at "land reform", Mugabe forced productive farmers off their land causing widespread devastation to the agricultural industry leading to mass starvation.

Unless Sir Geldof and his merry troupe plan to take up arms and overthrow some despotic regimes, Africans will suffer regardless of the number of albums sold or debts forgiven.

[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News - Submitted 07/06/2005]