Thirty Years Later - A New Cause...

It was November 1984 and starting my trend of enjoying British music bands.  I was going to TCJC at the time and was looking like I was actually getting into some sort of shape.  The physical education course was at the point of doing strength and circuit training.  I was never happier because I was tired of running all of the time.

At this time, the biggest bands/singers of the British music scene were gathering together to record a song.  There was a cause behind it - helping to feed those in Africa who were not getting any assistance from their own governments.  The song was called Do They Know It's Christmas? and the band compiled called themselves "Band Aid."

Bob Geldof wanted to do something after seeing a documentary on TV regarding the crisis in Africa.  He contacted Midge Ure and the two artists developed the song.  After that, there was the organization of those artists willing to contribute their time and talents to helping develop the record.  All of that work took place in a 24 hour time frame, then the record was released.

I was truly in awe of what Bob had done and the song actually had an effect on me.  I bought the 45 RPM as well as the 33-1/2 RPM.  I did what I could do on a student budget.  The same was true for when Bob gathered the same artists and more to do Live Aid in July 1985.

Here it is - thirty years later - Bob and Midge sit before a group of journalists to say there will be another Band Aid - Band Aid 30.  Bob appears weary in this setting, but his words make a lot of sense.  One can tell that this business of doing the socially good is becoming a huge burden on him as people are always expecting it from him.  I completely understood his comment about how embarrassing it was to call people you do not even know to ask them to help.

However, this time - the cause is very different.  Sure, it is for the people in Africa, but this time, the people in West Africa who are dealing with the ebola virus.  While I should not have lived in any fear of this disease when the Dallas area was managing it, you cannot help but feel what sort of fear those people have there.  When I read of people here talking about wanting to flee, that is what makes that situation worse - it is what spreads it because of "fear".  

So, for anyone reading this, in the next few days, an updated version of this record will be released to the world.  Even if you do not like the song, buy it.  Give of yourself this small amount as it will be a tremendous amount to help those health workers and such in West Africa.  The situation there is dire.  We here in America are very lucky.  Maybe get past the commercialism of Christmas and make yourself feel good - give to something that can make a difference.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBandAid30

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/band-aid-30-bob-geldof-midge-interview-20141114?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=daily&utm_campaign=111414_16&utm_medium=email&ea=cmlja3NtdXNlQGFvbC5jb20%3D