A Measure of Quiet Rapture - Follow Up On the G8

A few weeks ago, I attended a concert put on by the choir of Watoto Child Care Ministries. The choir consisted of very young orphans from Uganda, younger than adolescent age, who had lost their parents to AIDS or the Civil War of Uganda. While the music (especially the recorded backup tracks) was somewhat cheesey, the enthusiasm and spirit of good will were infectious. There was much dancing, clapping and audience participation. As stilted as I am, I even managed to get into the action a little.

I realized that I couldn't begin to imagine what it would be like to not have parents. Orphans have to grow up very fast, whether they're Oliver Twist or not. I thought about how cool it is that these kids are being given a chance to make something of themselves. They will be given the skills and guidance to become the future leaders of Uganda.

But many will not be so lucky. One organization cannot reach out to the thousands of orphaned children plagued with AIDS and poverty. That's where the G8 summit comes in. Amidst the tragedy that occurred in London last week, leaders of very rich countries were meeting to pledge their help to these countries in need. This is a chance to turn around conditions in the world.

Anybody who knows me well knows that I am very skeptical of acts of philanthropy, especially coming from a benevolent guy like Bush. That's why we must hold these leaders' feet to the fire. We must ensure that they follow through with their promises. So go sign the G8 petition today and help us get 30,000 signatures telling Bush we mean business. I think we only need about 8,000 more. So you can help us get to a very realistic goal. GO DO IT! You know you want to.

Current Music: WGN Radio