two minute hate

Britain's Guardian, 28 May 2003:

Bob Geldof astonished the aid community yesterday by using a return visit to Ethiopia to praise the Bush administration as one of Africa's best friends in its fight against hunger and Aids.

The musician-turned activist said Washington was providing major assistance, in contrast to the European Union's “pathetic and appalling” response to the continent's humanitarian crises.

“You'll think I'm off my trolley when I say this, but the Bush administration is the most radical - in a positive sense - in its approach to Africa since Kennedy,” Geldof told the Guardian.

The neo-conservatives and religious rightwingers who surrounded President George Bush were proving unexpectedly receptive to appeals for help, he said. “You can get the weirdest politicians on your side.”

Former president Bill Clinton had not helped Africa much, despite his high-profile visits and apparent empathy with the downtrodden, the organiser of Live Aid, claimed. “Clinton was a good guy, but he did f**k all.” […]

Lord Alli, the aid activist who is accompanying Geldof on the trip organised by the UN children's aid agency Unicef, echoed his praise of the Bush administration.

“Clinton talked the talk and did diddly squat, whereas Bush doesn't talk, but does deliver,” Lord Alli said.

Thailand, 12 July 2004:

I could say more, but already I've had to delete a screen's worth of cursing.

Background here.

MORE: For a mostly fair description of Bush Administration AIDS policy, and from a mainstream media source at that, try here.

I would also greatly credit Bono for his work alongside Paul O'Neill in helping convince the administration of the horrific aids/hunger issues in Africa.

Good stuff this past week, you are on a roll. You are staying on top of the key issues well. I am reading your entries every weekday.

Good job!
Justin