The Take Action! Tour 2007: A Message Behind The Music

During the heyday of the 1980’s mega-concert Live Aid, charity was given the opportunity to get as much of the spotlight as performers like Sting, Queen, and Judas Priest. Live Aid, spearheaded by Bob Geldof (perhaps best known for his leading role in Pink Floyd’s The Wall) and Midge Ure, raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief, attracting approximately 72,000 people. The highly successful event was not the first charity concert ever, but it undoubtedly influenced future concert organizers in search of doing a little something more for their community.

Today’s music lovers are doing their own little part thanks to founders of the Take Action! Tour. Hopeless/Sub City Records began trying to make their own contribution to the world in the late 90s by merging a love for music with a passion for social awareness and fundraising. In 1999, results came in the form of the Take Action! Tour, which during that initial year worked to raise funds for organizations like the HIV/AIDS prevention educator Lifebeat, the National Coalition for the Homeless, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

While the original lineup included the likes of Fifteen and Dillinger Four, it would soon attract the attention of one very powerful gentleman in the music world. Kevin Lyman, responsible for the massively successful Van Warped Tour, asked Take Action! to set up shop at the event in 2003. That year, around 12 charities spread their messages during their first year via information booths at Warped. Just showing up for a massive gig like that one helped push Take Action! message to a much larger audience than could have been imagined.

Take Action! will continue to make its stop at Warped Tour, but it is its own annual concert tour that is garnering the most attention. The 6th annual Take Action! Tour, kicked off on Feb. 1 in Washington D.C, with a lineup featuring the likes of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Emery, A Static Lullaby, and Kaddisfly. The focus this year is to spread the word about suicide and depression prevention with the aid of the Youth America Hotline, the Kristin Brooks Hope Center, and the Mental Health Liaison Group.

For Emery guitarist Devin Shelton, taking part in the Take Action! lineup seemed like a positive step all the way around.

“We’ve kind of worked with Take Action! a little bit in the past, like on Warped Tour,” Shelton said, “This time we got offered this tour, and just the fact that they have a cause behind them just makes it all the better.”

The tour began working last year with the Youth America Hotline (1-877-YOUTHLINE), a network that allows young adults and kids to turn to their own peers during times of personal crisis. This year 10 percent of the gross receipts from the Take Action! Tour will go toward the organization, which was founded by Kristin Brooks Hope Center. On its website, the Youth America Hotline provides some alarming facts about suicide and mental illness:

90% of people who commit suicide have depression or another diagnosable mental illness or substance abuse disorder

The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression

Suicide has ranked at the 3rd leading cause of death for young people nationally

There are three female attempts for every male attempt at suicide. However, males are four times as likely to die from their attempts

While there are plenty of tours out there in the music world right now, the chance to take a spot at one that stands for more than just the music was important for Jacksonville, Florida, natives Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

"We know it’s such a good cause and we didn’t want to turn it down,” said Red Jumpsuit Apparatus bassist Joey Westwood. “It’s just a tour you don’t say ‘no’ to. It’s such a cool thing to be a part of, so we definitely said ‘yes.’ It’s honestly probably one of the best tours we’ve done.”

Fellow guitarist in RJA concurred with bandmate Westwood. “It’s an issue a lot of people don’t really know about, so we’re raising money and we’re raising awareness,” Kitchens said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Take Action! Tour, visit takeactiontour.com.

03/01 - Sacramento, CA – CSUS
03/03 - Seattle, WA - The Fenix
03/04 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
03/05 - Boise, ID - The Big Easy Concert House
03/06 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
03/07 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
03/09 - Omaha, NE - Sokol Auditorium
03/10 - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theater
03/11 - Sauget, IL – POPS
03/13 - Milwaukee, WI - The Eagles Club
03/14 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
03/15 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
03/16 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
03/17 - Toledo, OH - Headliners
03/18 - Toronto, ONT - Phoenix Concert Theatre
03/20 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
03/21 - Rochester, NY - The Harro East Ballroom
03/22 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theatre
03/23 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony
03/24 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
03/26 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza

Comments

[Guitarplaya27]

THIS IS A GREAT CD!!!

w00t

[not_dead_enough]

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...

I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.

[guitarist41]

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...


I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

If you were starving you'd want someone to help you.

[raging247]

not_dead_enough :

The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion.

Its ok for you to say that! Guess you dont live there. And it is not free trade you fool. Its because developed countries like the US and countries in Europe impose such strict import duties and tariffs to protect their own economies that countries like Ethiopia can't catch a break.
How did you personally earn your money the good old fashion way. Did you stimulate your country's economy? Like all of us here, you were born into it, and for that you should be greateful.

[Strat_Monkey]

^^Agreed. Furthermore, the whole international debt thing that cripples many African countries was also the fault of people from Western countries.

[MoBscene]

wow im not seeing that to emo for me

[AtomicMaelstrom]

# 90% of people who commit suicide have depression ...

Wow, who would've thunk it?


# There are three female attempts for every male attempt at suicide. However, males are four times as likely to die from their attempts

ah, funny. Reminds me of George Carlin. Thank you, Take Action!.

not_dead_enough wrote:

The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility

Haha. Idiot. It's alright if your country can grow crops to feed everyone in it or has the power to screw over the countries that can grow them for you.

However, things like AIDs charities I'm not so sure about giving money to now that I've heard some American gave Bill Gates $36billion for his charity. Surely that's nearly enough money to solve absolutely every problem. Why do you need another £20?

[~=====[:]X[:]|}]

NO FLORIDA STOPS!!! That Sucks.

[not_dead_enough]

andrewbiles m wrote:
not_dead_enough wrote:

The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility


Haha. Idiot. It's alright if your country can grow crops to feed everyone in it or has the power to screw over the countries that can grow them for you.

However, things like AIDs charities I'm not so sure about giving money to now that I've heard some American gave Bill Gates $36billion for his charity. Surely that's nearly enough money to solve absolutely every problem. Why do you need another £20?

Nice to see that the UG moderators are insulting their users. It's funny how, with that sentence of mine you quoted, you just happened to omit the next three words which were IN MY OPINION. Yet you proceed to call me an idiot for expressing my opinion which is relevant to this article. You've probably warned other users for doing that.

Also, funny how no one has mentioned my positive outlook on the suicide prevention cause.

[Raulness]

~=====[:]X[:]|} wrote:

NO FLORIDA STOPS!!! That Sucks.

Uhh, yeah you did notice they said the tour started in February. Hate to tell you this but this tour already came by Florida.

[BassNewbie]

^^Agreed. Furthermore, the whole international debt thing that cripples many African countries was also the fault of people from Western countries.

i disagree. its a most african contries are moraly deprived. sex and drugs are out of control. they choose to live that way let them. but i do think we should help break the cycle by helping the youth efore they get pulled into the lifestyle.


on subject i saw them when it came into okalhoma. wow it was so amazing! static lullaby rocked the house

[Paradise Lost]

that's because if you can actually get some fag emo guy depressed enough to kill himself, he's gonna be serious about it and do it right. girls mostly just want attention... and i'm sorry if youre a girl and you're offended, but it's true.

I agree completely. It does sound almost ignorant and sexist, but it is true.

[gwitersnamps]

I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

It's not the Ethiopians fault. It's the fault of their failed attempts by a struggling political system to create something that works. It's also the fault of the world market that takes advantage of the desperation of the ethiopians in order to turn a profit.

[TheKingisDead]

Hopeless/ Subcity and the tour has bands like that? They used to be my favorite label, what with the weakerthans, against all authority, mustard plug, etc.

I mean, i know it's a good cause and all, but this tour looks terrible.

[iamthedecieved]

this is sooo ****ed up first of alll the words suicide and emo dont go together, which was a stupid thing for the lineup even tho its also kinda funny, in real life emos a look for whoever brings up emo jokes and says suicide is emo bullshit can go **** themselves suicide is a big problem i know i know more than a couple people whoc have killed themselves and lets face it its not funny. but not dead enough i understand that that is ur opinion but just understand what ur implying by ur opinion i mean i guarentee people in african countries work harder than u probably ever will and still dont make enough for a stable governmetn and economy. ive been to africa ive seen it the place iw as staying people wer eliving in mudhuts and workign all ****ing day and yeah just understand what ur sayin, even tho i do appreciate ur outlook on the suicide aspect. personally i dont give a **** about this tour im more excited for ozzfest and sotu

[Soma3009]

I don't care what you guys say. RJA rocks, alright? So, keep your narrow-minded opinions to yourselves. These new bands are trying hard, making good music, and putting on good shows. I'm lookin' forward to their show tonight in Seattle, should be great.
And as far as I'm concerned, emo is more original and better sounding than the new metal I'm hearing. You guys are living in a dying age.

[jimmcs2000]

Its ok for you to say that! Guess you dont live there. And it is not free trade you fool. Its because developed countries like the US and countries in Europe impose such strict import duties and tariffs to protect their own economies that countries like Ethiopia can't catch a break.
How did you personally earn your money the good old fashion way. Did you stimulate your country's economy? Like all of us here, you were born into it, and for that you should be greateful.

That's a nice sentiment and partially correct. I know that if you did your own independent research you'd find that although it's fashionacle to blame the U.S. for the worlds problems. You would find that while these people are starving, the leaders of many african countries are millionaires if not billionaires living like jet setters while their people starve. The U.S. people are some of the most gereous in the world. The problems is with getting that money translate into food for the starving babies. And for the do we stimulate our economy? Hell yes! I personally put a great deal in taxes and investments to help our economy. I was born here but itf I don't work it doesn't propogate itself. 2 years ago the U.S. and Europe forgave Africa of the biggest debt by petitioning the world bank to forgive the debt. the people are still starving and getting slaughtered by warring factions. That's my fault?
THIS IS NOT A BITCH! and does not mean I won't participate in charities and this seems like a good idea to stp kids from bottling up and killing themselves. The original post seemed cold but I don't think he meant it that way. All governments are in the business of oppression. Without the poor there is no rich. We need a world wide revolution to replace the corrupt leaders in every country! My point? Don't believe what anyone says...find out on your own! Sorry if I sound preachy but, my best friend put a bullet in his head and thet's when we found out he was depressed.peace420
You are right about the lack of free trade...no trade is free and we do take advantage of poor people everywhere. peace

[jimmcs2000]

now let's rock!

[i_am_metalhead]

not_dead_enough wrote:
The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion.

Its not their fault that they cant build an ecomomy you dumb ass.

Its kinda hard to build an economy when you have more powerful countries that are seeing that you dont have an economy by making the same stuff you are and selling it in your country for much less money.

And I'm sure if you were starving and all of your family and friends were dying of disease you would be begging a country like the U.S. to come help you too.

So go **** yourself - that will be much more productive than sitting here talking about a subject you are completely ignorant of!

[jimmcs2000]

^^^
It is their governments fault!
You make a nice emotional appeal but, you can't fix shit by crying. what your talking about is "feelings" and your so sweet for that but, it doesn't solve anything. Just like an emotional FUCK, tou don't get your way and have a temper tantrum and say **** you! You say ignorant, I say your the typical immature brainwashed follower that has nothing to offer. Now tell me FUCK myself and I prove my point. You ever hear of personal resposibility? You know not of what you speak. but what the hell, let's blame us! it's a popular opinion. Good luck in life.

[abwell]

not that i care, but i guess they don't care about kids living in the south committing suicide...

[vanceboy]

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...


I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.

Your ignorance is showing quite blatantly. Since when was the "free market", or capitalism, the way in which the world was supposed to run? Maybe if you took a few classes, you'd realize that the free market is actually supressing many parts of Africa, with corruption running rampant. Capitalism may work for America, but why the hell should it always work for some other country...say, another country like Iraq. It's fucking impossible to start a country when the government is corrupt, and many rebel groups are making it impossible for anything to happen. Think idiot before posting your ignorance.


I think these benefit concerts are great, and I hope that they're actually helping the intended target. Free market is all about making money, so hopefully most of the proceeds are going to the intended place rather than corporate America's pocket.

[vanceboy]

All you people saying that it's the government's fault, it may or not be, but nonetheless people are suffering, and it's easy to talk about it so casually when you're not there praying for your next meal. So think, Jimmcs2000 before posting your stupidity. Now you can fuck yourself.

[not_dead_enough]

Hello everybody!!

Firstly, let me say that I hold a degree in Corporate Finance, so yes vanceboy I have taken a 'few classes' in my time and don't assume i'm ignorant to the statement i'm making.

Secondly, you're all telling me who's "fault" it's not when my original post didn't once use the word "fault". You're all telling me I was born into it and it's not the individual's fault and that developed-world economies are barring them of growth.

The fact is that ALL human beings started out with nothing in the beginning of time. African countries in that sense were given no disadvantage by mother nature (or god or whatever). It's just that they didn't manage to build an economy like all other cultures did and I don't really see why.

It's not that I think it's not sad that people are starving and I too would like to see an end to it. It's just that WE all should not have to pay for it. The corrupt billionaires who lead these starving countries and capitalise on their desperation - make THEM pay for it and stop people like Bono putting the guilt trip on us!!

[SURFraptor7]

Who commits suicide but ISN'T depressed?

I'm not being sarcastic. I just really wonder what motivates the 10% of people who kill themselves but aren't depressed...

[kingasherock]

not dead enough has a point that part of the earth was the birth place of huan life and they stiil have not caught up to everyone else...of course had they been more willing to denouce their "heathen gods and practices" the goverments backe dby the [power of the christian church would have sought to help them rather than enslave.

but Bush beleives terrorists are hiding in Ethiopia now so soon that should just be a smoldering hole in the Earth soon
BUSH AGAIN IN '08 TOGHETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
America f@@@ yeah

[kingasherock]

maiden4life is totally right big record sales ALWAYS equate to great music. you'd have to be pretty retarded not to believe that. you're not retarded are you?

[Muddy_Banks]

ah...hmmm?!?! what are they gonna do with the money?? give it out to the depressed kids??.and make them feel happy so they could move somewhere where no one will hurt them??? a happy place perhaps?? what will this do to any?? will the bullies go to the shows and it will stop them from bullying?? is it gonna return someone's dead friends back to them or their parents?? among many other problems.

Another thing to make them us feel better like we're doing something. This is nothing but another concert with another look im doing something radical wishy washy message.

how about find a band that really has something to say other than focusing on your own problems. but no we have bands playing that write about bliding wrists and a pretty boy tearing his heart open about his lost love!

This whole thing is like trying to help a rape victim by asking that person to describe the rape in details.

[Muddy_Banks]

ohhh also how about a tour that raises awareness that smoking may cuase cancer headlining with Motorhead among many other artists who smoke.

[raging247]

jimmcs2000 : Thanks for your comment and I agree with some of your points, but.....
Firstly, I did not blame just the US, notice how I said Europe too, and being English, that includes me. By no means are the US the only ones.
I also appreciate your comment about African billionaires, but don't forget that that is a stupidly small percentage, less than 0.1%!!! That is not the issue, or the problem, although I do agree people in those positions should do more.
Also, as a fellow tax payer who gives away almost a third of his earnings, I can sort of understand your point. But come on, we earn in a week what they do in a year. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful, but we need some perspective here.
Saying this, I am totally with you when you say " Don't believe what anyone says...find out on your own!" Because of that point I have the upmost respect for you. Too many people fail to ask questions these days, and in this era of political lies and spin, EVERYTHING should be questioned.

I appreciate your comments. With so many ppl on this site just saying "**** that" its nice to see someone with a head on their shoulders.

Laters.

[kunyo]

I read all your comments about this charity concert, however, most of you people forget that when you do charity you just dont give them food or any material stuff, but most of all you give them HOPE, another day to live again. Remember, many great people who lived, once in their life starved to death, and a glimmer of hope from somebody made them realize that there is still LIFE. I believed that this CHARITY is not about the economy or free trade, but showing them that there is still life after all. I believe saving a couple of lives to a million is worth it than not saving anybody at all. Its not a responsibility that we should handle, but let us look at this way, maybe if we can save a few, those few will rise up and make a difference in this world. Its just an assumption and Bono and the rest of the people hoping for it are crossing their fingers that this concert, somebody will be SAVED.

[maJ estY]

SURFraptor7 wrote:

Who commits suicide but ISN'T depressed?

I'm not being sarcastic. I just really wonder what motivates the 10% of people who kill themselves but aren't depressed...

Acting on impulse.

[punkrockpirate]

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...

I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.

I would agree, except that it's largely the exploitation of developed countries that leads to the economic instability of others. Also, you say you went through suicidal moments, so you feel that's a worthy cause. If you'd gone through a period of poverty, would you feel that was a worthy cause?

[not_dead_enough]

punkrockpirate wrote:

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...

I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.


I would agree, except that it's largely the exploitation of developed countries that leads to the economic instability of others. Also, you say you went through suicidal moments, so you feel that's a worthy cause. If you'd gone through a period of poverty, would you feel that was a worthy cause?

I never said I was suicidal, just that it was a very difficult period. My own personal depression was overcome by my own doing with little external help. But people being educated on this relatively unknown phenomenon of depression will make a world of difference to people who have it worse than I ever did.

Poverty however is a political issue which actually involves a transfer of wealth and property. Who should foot that bill is my topic. Yes I think poverty is a worthy issue, just not of music festivals that impose a guilt trip on us for being born into the developed world. That was all I ever said to begin with.

And let me say this: how much aid do you think africa has received in total over about the last 3 decades? Let me tell you, millions upon millions of dollars. Has it worked? Hell no. It's the age-old 'give a man a fish/teach him how to fish' dichotomy. We need a new strategy.

[fukkindoyle]

not_dead_enough wrote:

punkrockpirate wrote:

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...

I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.


I would agree, except that it's largely the exploitation of developed countries that leads to the economic instability of others. Also, you say you went through suicidal moments, so you feel that's a worthy cause. If you'd gone through a period of poverty, would you feel that was a worthy cause?


I never said I was suicidal, just that it was a very difficult period. My own personal depression was overcome by my own doing with little external help. But people being educated on this relatively unknown phenomenon of depression will make a world of difference to people who have it worse than I ever did.

Poverty however is a political issue which actually involves a transfer of wealth and property. Who should foot that bill is my topic. Yes I think poverty is a worthy issue, just not of music festivals that impose a guilt trip on us for being born into the developed world. That was all I ever said to begin with.

And let me say this: how much aid do you think africa has received in total over about the last 3 decades? Let me tell you, millions upon millions of dollars. Has it worked? Hell no. It's the age-old 'give a man a fish/teach him how to fish' dichotomy. We need a new strategy.

they have been given alot of money, but i'm pretty sure it takes more than a couple million to keep a country going. especially when absolutely no one has money, and it's over populated. you're right, we should be forced into it or guilted into going to give these countries money, but you're not being forced are you? if you don't wanna give, which clearly you don't, then don't go... now if you like the bands playing, maybe you should go so you can see a good show. it's not like you're paying double. it's a regular price for a good show and money from it is getting donated, or you could even donate more when you're inside. some people like to give to people more unfortunate, why should you stop them? i'm sure the governments could give, but why should they even give? they're getting along fine the way it is, just liek we are. they could use your argument to their advantage too you know... someone needs to take action to help these people get through, it just so happens musicians believe it to be a more worthy cause than most people.

[fukkindoyle]

we shouldn't be forced**

[chuck_norris]

Raulness wrote:

~=====[:]X[:]|} wrote:

NO FLORIDA STOPS!!! That Sucks.

Uhh, yeah you did notice they said the tour started in February. Hate to tell you this but this tour already came by Florida.

yeh feb 9th they were here in st pete

[birdmilk13]

gwitersnamps wrote:

I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.


It's not the Ethiopians fault. It's the fault of their failed attempts by a struggling political system to create something that works. It's also the fault of the world market that takes advantage of the desperation of the ethiopians in order to turn a profit.

Actually it is, in a way, their fault. They gave up a lot of valuable things through out history, not realizing their worth. And to add on top of it a lot of private businesses came in and stole their mines. So if you want to get on some one's case about this, don't get onto the government about it. They didn't cause it. The just merely were trying to do what profited our country most at the time.

jimmcs2000 wrote:


Its ok for you to say that! Guess you dont live there. And it is not free trade you fool. Its because developed countries like the US and countries in Europe impose such strict import duties and tariffs to protect their own economies that countries like Ethiopia can't catch a break.

Exactly!!! We live in a selfish world and if you were put in charge, your decision wouldn't be that different than the decisions that were made.

I also have to say that not_dead_enough was expressing his opinion, which his entitled to, so give him or her for that matter, a break.

[RatSkull]

Am I the only one who thinks its a bad idea to have emo bands playing on an album thats trying to reduce suicide?

If you want to make a meaningful album thats against the prevention of suicide, get some ****ing SKA bands on there who play happy music about peace and hope. Not bands who boast in hopelessness and sadness.

And it's also kinda stupid that a company called "Hopeless" is trying to speak out against suicide.

They need to get about 3 things straight before they try to act like they are doing any good and serving any point.

[Idiot_Son]

jimmcs2000 wrote:

^^^
It is their governments fault!

and, all the money that we give these '3rd world' countries goes straight to the government. they never see a cent of it.

[Hamsterboy420]

i grew up in the bible belt and here its like depression is something to be talked about behind closed doors. when i was a kid i was really depressed, not suicidal, and noone gave a shit. ive seen obituaries in the newspaper here about people who offed themselves but noone made a big deal about it. noone was like we should help that persons family deal with this. i know all of you have seen your local media raise money for funerals for people who died in a car accident or something. but they dont do that for people who kill themselves. where i live suicide and depression is taboo, for all i know it is everywhere else, but i dont. so if someone is trying to raise money to educate people about depression and to provide hope for the people who suffer from it. more power to 'em.

i hate emo.

[Partyboy2k05]

Well, I think awareness for any problems should be taken into consideration. Knowing solves some of the problem in itself, whether it be for illness, poverty, corruption, and just plain education.

I honestly think that many so called depression is buying into all this psychology stuff. Some people naturally feed off some so called problems. I'm not saying all depression is like this, because it's very real and so is suicide. But our society has brought it to a whole new level. Depression was unheard of 50 years ago, so advances of knowing and identifying problems is a good thing.

The poverty thing...Many, many, many African countries are corrupt. A main reason why a lot of charity money seems to be falling into a bottomless pit is because governments haven't been able to handle it for the right purposes. Even our government (U.S.) sometimes does this. Rebel and guerilla forces take and steal what is intended for the common people. And yes, some of us, the U.S. and Europe have taken from Africa that has led to their demise, but many people are forgetting that conquer and pillage was fairly common way back when. Now our countries aren't like that anymore. Africa still is in many cases. Look at the Congo. So some places it's out of our hands to try to even help.

[A_VII_X_13]

not a fan of any of the bands i support the cause like in third world countries but not for here in the us

[DaveDaThrasha]

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...


I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.

read a book called Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins, alot of the problems in africa are not due to "free trade" as you put it, but i can dig what your sayin about the suicide thing, having had people close to me off themselves, i think its important we try to do what we can to prevent it. My hat is off to this tour.

[Metallicam]

SURFraptor7 wrote:

Who commits suicide but ISN'T depressed?

I'm not being sarcastic. I just really wonder what motivates the 10% of people who kill themselves but aren't depressed...

I was thinking the same thing. Even if it's on impulse, that impulse was still fueled by a depressing incident. I'm guessing the other 10% is pure curiosity. Who hasn't wondered what happens to us after we die? Download the song Suicide by Bobby Gaylor. But don't judge it by the first half! Listen to the whole thing. Great song.

K. No more political chit-chat please, if you want to discuss this to such a length take it to the forums. Any more comments of this debate will be deleted & warnings/bans issued to those who repeated continue to debate on this.


Checked/Deleted.

[fender1133]

its not the childrens fault their country cant feed them

not_dead_enough wrote:

Live Aid...raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief...


I generally don't like things like that; it's the free market. The fact that some cultures (ethiopia in this case) cannot build an economy like every other society has managed to is not our responsibility in my opinion. And bands like U2 have lost touch with the working class and below and are ignorant to the fact that somebody or some group (who most likely earned all their money the old fashioned way) actually has to pay for the food/debt relief that they 'demand' these poor people get.

Suicide however is a much better and more worthy cause. Having been through a very difficult period in my own life once ago I know what it's like and know the difference it can make when others around you know what you're going through.

[TMAW]

well, if anybody has already mentioned slavery then i am sorry, but most of the African countries were rich in the 1700's but after that colonialism on the part of the Eurpoeans and slavery srtipped the lands bare and they have lost the strongest and best of their people and have been left with the corrput generations who sold their people to the British, however if trade rules were changed then the way the world is structured would change, look at CHina, used to be poor, now they have overcome the WTO to become the next dominant power in the world, all poor countries should have the right to make their way up the world ladder a bit, it would be better for all of us.

[frottage]

if all the bands there didn't suck, i might go. and if they actually gave a good amount of the money to the ethiopians and whoever else they give it to. %10? that's bullshit.