It speaks volumes about our upside-down world that the political initiatives of rock stars and Hollywood actors are often taken more seriously than those of seasoned statesmen. But that’s the perverse reality in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty across the developing world.
Only this explains the President of Sierra Leone practically drooling over Angelina Jolie during her visit last week. He proceeded to pledge to her immediate action on human rights abuses. You’d never know that South African President Thabo Mbeki had made repeated pleas for him to take such action, to no avail.
UN Ambassador of Goodwill Angelina Jolie shows off why she’s proving so persuasive as an international diplomat…
Only this explains Western leaders, including US President George W. Bush, fawning over rock star Bono as they pledged debt relief for African nations. You’d never know that Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and even Nelson Mandela had made repeated pleas for them to pledge such relief, to no avail.
Rock Star Bono lecturing on Third World debt relief and poverty alleviation to a rapt audience of world leaders, including former US President Bill Clinton and South African President Thabo Mbeki…
And on a farcical — but no less telling — note, only this explains the mini national crisis that erupted in Israel after Madonna snubbed the foreign minister’s wife during her much-hyped visit to the Holy Land.
Alas, worshiping celebrities is not merely the avocation of giddy teenage girls; world leaders seem equally enthralled by these latter-day performing saints.
Even more surreal, though, is how these so-called statesmen will grant almost any concession just to bask in the reflected glow of celebrity crooners and make-believe artists.
Now if only we could get Paris Hilton to take up the cause of nuclear non-proliferation — world peace might finally trend.
Legacy Note: With over 5,600 posts spanning 20 years, I am easily the most prolific blogger on the most eclectic array of topics on the web. That makes The iPINIONS Journal an unparalleled archive of informed political and cultural commentary. Visit the ARCHIVES section in the sidebar or search by topic. You won’t find a more consistent, independent voice on world affairs.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.