Could Pop Stars end poverty?

Question

Why do people like Bono, McCartney, Elton John, Cliff Richard etc pretend to be so supportive of poverty in Africa, when between them they have more cash in the bank than any African nation and could end starvation, build 1000s of school etc..

Because they only want to fame of it all, rather than just do it?

Should they be more like Bill Gates and give it all away?

bob geldof is no pop star, he is penny less compared to these mega stars, most are chasing £100 million of wealth each.
I agree fix your own problems first, but if you destroy others economies and pillage their nations for oil, mineral, metals etc (ie USA around the world) then you should also fund them appropriately.

Regardless of Gates, tax incentives the money still leaves his account eventually, which is more than most.

It's not relying on pop stars, but making them actually pay for their PR, rather than pretending to be do-gooders.

Answer 1

It is all PR. This Rock against Racism, BandAid, LiveAid- it's just feel good BS that never serves any real meaningful purpose.

The real people helping are the UNDP, UNICEF, Oxfam and many others providing poverty solutions..

Answer 2

My opinion would be a resounding NO.

Africa has never been as poor as it is right now. With Independence and self governance, came Power Hungry and money grabbing leaders and their hench-men.

Money that is sent to Africa, seldom benefits the poverty stricken people. Vast amounts of this money land up in Swiss Bank accounts or goes into building great mansions and flashy cars for the leaders and their cronies. Farming implements, clothing, food, etc., seldom go to the needy, unless the distribution is monitored by the donor.

I have witnessed, much needed water pumps etc., being left out in the elements to rust, because the Goverments insist on inflated import duties being paid by the receivers.

Most African countries, inherited self sufficent countries, at the time of Indepenence. Almost from day one, corruption amoungst Government Officials, reared it's ugly head, having a knock-on effect in businesses etc., with catastrophic effect, as can now be seen.

African countries must learn to stand on their own two feet and until such time as new respectable Govenments are elected, Little help should be given, other than food aid that can be monitored by the N.G.Os.

Raising money though music is pointless. Just ask the peasant, indigenous peoples of these poverty stricken, previously rich countries, they will tell you the same.

It's a long story but there are many Websites available, dealing with this problem.

Answer 3

Well they could be doing nothing, zero, nil because they have enough money already. Even though we may question their motives they are still attracting attention to the plight of a continent that would be overlooked usually. Bono and Geldoff and others have made a change by "prompting" the G8 leaders years ago to cut some African debt. I would rather say keep it up Geldoff, Bono, Elton John and make more of a fuss about idiot celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears making more money from doing nothing except irritating other celebrities who actually contribute to the benefit of the world.

Answer 4

They can NOT end poverty or starvation. NOBODY can. It is a problem that will exsist as long as there are people... However helping to educate the children will do wonders for those few people.. They can and should donate their money to help those without but they should not just say heres a check for a million pounds to some random village... Food aid would be helpful though.

As for the pillage of lands... Have you totally forgotten India and South Africa?

Answer 5

Good thought. Bill Gates??? Though what he did was wonderful, he did not exactly "Give it Away". His Charitable Foundation allowed him to sell his Microsoft Stock without paying ANY tax on it. The rules of the Trust (Any Charitable Trust) are that he must give away 5% of it yearly to qualify as a Charity. Depending on how it was written, he, and future generations of his Family would still have Income, mostly tax free, for his life, and all future generations.
I think this is one "Loophole" in tax law where everyone benefits. Except the IRS of course!!!

Answer 6

Governments could end poverty by allowing the money and aid to get to the people. Pop stars have tried over and over to end poverty, some of them have better motives than others. If the Pop stars gave all their money to the poor the governments would pocket it all.

Answer 7

Who gives a **** about the odds. Follow your dream because if you don't you will probably regret it. There are more regrets about not doing something than there are about doing something so you should at least give it a shot. Rock isn't completely gone from the mainstream. Jack White and The Black Keys are huge and a few other rock bands get some hits now and again.

Answer 8

Most pop stars are concerned with themselves first, but that simply shows how greedy Americans can be. You are right, these filthy rich pop stars could end poverty combined, but I believe most of them are afraid they won't get the fame for their time, money, and efforts which makes me sick to my stomach...

But, before we worry about Africa, I also agree that we need to worry about America, first...

Answer 9

I agree. Put your money where your mouth is. Look at Bono & his huge ellaborate concerts. Sunglasses alone probably cost a couple grand just to have 'em polished.

Answer 10

How about Americans fix problems in America first?