I was busy most of the day yesterday so I didn't get to see much of Live 8. I did see Paul McCartney open with U2 and since that it about as good as it gets then that is ok with me. I did see enough to get slightly annoyed with CTV. The thing is that Live 8 was a giant propaganda broadcast - an infomercial. Since it is for a good cause you can cut some slack. However it can go too far. I questioned why CTV was presenting it as is with no commentary as to the effectiveness of raising foreign aid. My wife mentioned that CTV is just interested in making some money, getting some ratings, so you can't really blame them. Just then a station tag came on declaring that CTV was a proud broadcast sponsor of Live 8. Therefore they endorse the message and encourage the belief that we can end poverty by increasing our foreign aid from 0.3-0.4% to 0.7% of GDP. I appreciate that it is delicate and CTV did not want to be a killjoy but just a little analysis was warranted.
Well sweet relief for me - on Question Period today they actually analyzed the prospects of the 0.7. If you are looking for a little balance check out the video of Dr. Ayittey. I can't believe that no one wants to help the impoverished in Africa but funding despots is not my idea of help.
