I Don't Like Mondays Either, Bob

Did anybody catch what you could call (for lack of a better way to put it) the do-gooder hissy fit by Sir Bob Geldof a few days ago over what Al Gore has in mind to promote global warming awareness (yep – I’ll be catching up for a little while I’m afraid).

From this story, it sounds like Geldof was annoyed at Prince Albert because he more of less bastardized the name of some of Geldof’s prior concerts (with Gore calling the July 7th performances “Live Earth”), and also for the following reason…

"I would only organize (Live Earth) if I could go on stage and announce concrete environmental measures from the American presidential candidates, Congress or major corporations," Geldof told De Volkskrant. "They haven't got those guarantees, so it's just an enormous pop concert or the umpteenth time that, say, Madonna or Coldplay get up on stage."

I understand what Geldof is saying about “concrete measures,” and of course he’s right. But I would say at this point that anything to promote awareness of global warming would be bound to have a positive impact of some type; I just don’t understand Geldof’s agitation.

And by the way, what were the “concrete measures” of Geldof’s “Live 8” concert? Well, as noted here…

These concerts are the start point for The Long Walk To Justice, the one way we can all make our voices heard in unison.

This is without doubt a moment in history where ordinary people can grasp the chance to achieve something truly monumental and demand from the 8 world leaders at G8 an end to poverty.

The G8 leaders have it within their power to alter history. They will only have the will to do so if tens of thousands of people show them that enough is enough.

By doubling aid, fully cancelling debt, and delivering trade justice for Africa, the G8 could change the future for millions of men, women and children."

Yes, those were “concrete” measures. They were well intentioned but totally unattainable also, unfortunately.

Besides, Bob, why don’t you try to lend a hand; don’t shoo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-oooot the whole day down, OK?