Let the Hand-Wringing Begin

Why do we even CARE what these people have to say? In the UK paper the Independent (which, to me, seems anything BUT independent), they asked a bunch of politicians and commentators whether, in light of the tsunami disaster, the year 2005 would see renewed world efforts to tackle poverty.

Huh?

No mention of renewed world efforts to tackle some of the reasons behind the disaster, such as early-warning systems -- or better yet, combating the corrupt regimes that sponsor terror and keep their people in such poverty that they can't even begin to help themselves.

No, this conglomeration of ninnies take the opportunity to take various swipes at capitalism and freedom as root causes of the disaster.

BILL BAILEY, Comedian
It was the same after 11 September. Everyone said it was a great opportunity to try to understand the world but it was used by the US as a reason to go on a rampaging adventure in Afghanistan and Iraq.

DINOS CHAPMAN, Artist
Western capitalism demands that people must be impoverished. I cannot think that anything will change this year, because we are the ones who have made the world the way it is. I don't believe in altruism.

J G BALLARD, Novelist
would be one of the biggest breakthroughs mankind has ever experienced if we pooled our wealth in order to look after the poorer people of the world. Sadly, I don't think it will happen.

TONY BENN, Former cabinet minister
It may make people realise that the UN needs to be well-equipped and funded. If people diverted money from weapons and war, we have the technology and money to be able to help - if we decide to do that.

Moonbats. Again, can someone tell me why we should care what these people think?