I think the beard adds some 'gravitas.' However, to quote our PRES__ENT, 'WTF' does a white boy from Berkeley, CA know about life in The Congo? Oh that's right. He's from Berkeley, so he's a born expert on the subject! *SNORT*
Posted on 03/05/2011 6:53:34 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
(Actor to testify before the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights on the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo.
Of all the philanthropic endeavors Ben Affleck makes time for, perhaps none are as close to his heart as his work in one of the most troubled places on earth, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The more I traveled, the more I was struck about it, the more I fell in love with the people, the more I was horrified by what was happening. And the more I did, I started to develop this idea of partnering with the Congolese people and wanting to empower community-based organizations there that were doing extraordinary work,” Affleck told CNN last year.
Since 1998, the DRC has been embroiled in violent conflict, poverty, and terrible disease, with an estimated 5 million deaths as a result. Since he first visited the country more than three years ago, Affleck has made it his personal mission to educate people on the atrocities being committed there.
“Congo is in terrible shape,” Ben said in a 1998 "Dateline" interview. “What’s going on here in this country is humanitarian disaster. I think just helping people understand that could have a real ripple effect down the road and this piece will be one small incremental step in that.”
Last year, Affleck launched a grassroots organization called the Eastern Congo Initiative, which supports "community organizations working to help rape victims and to rebuild from a decade of war."
Next Tuesday, he'll testify before the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights. The subject of the hearing is “The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Securing Peace in the Midst of Tragedy.”
The hearing, which is open to public, will be held in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building at 1PM. You can also check it out live online through the Committee on Foreign Affairs website.
I think the beard adds some 'gravitas.' However, to quote our PRES__ENT, 'WTF' does a white boy from Berkeley, CA know about life in The Congo? Oh that's right. He's from Berkeley, so he's a born expert on the subject! *SNORT*
Mr Affleck is fighting a losing battle IMHO.
My first reaction, smug.
haha! is he from Bezerkley? i thought he was Bostonian... the ex of JLo looks silly with the beard... like he's playing dress up or something...
I need you like Ben Affleck needs acting school,
He was terrible in that film.
I need you like Cuba Gooding needed a bigger part,
He’s way better then Ben Affleck.
And now all I can think about is your smile,
And that ——ty movie too,
Pearl Harbor sucked and I miss you
Where are JJackson and Sharpston?
Thanks Diana in Wisconsin.
“to testify before the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights on the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo”
see also:
Lawmakers want SEC to stand firm on strict conflict minerals rules
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2684302/posts
“...The provision is intended to make companies more accountable for the trade of minerals that has driven the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the surrounding region.”
Just when you thought the collective IQ of DC could not possibly get any lower....
I work here in Hollywood and throughout the years, I have heard rumors that these 2 imbeciles (Damon and affluck) did NOT write GOOD WILL HUNTING’, but paid a ghost writer millions to shut up about it or they’ll lose the Oscar.
Maybe Ben and Sean Penn can go rescue some villagers in their yacht!
Wouldn’t surprise me to wake up one day and learng that those two were Milli Vanilli, LOL!
I will give kudos to Affleck on his directing of, ‘Gone, Baby, Gone.’ It was a really well-done film for those that are Dennis Lehane fans. His younger brother Casey (sp?) was PERFECT in the lead.
But, even a blind squirrel finds a nut from time to time, LOL!
There it is.
If you want to know about the 'Congo' go talk to the Belgians. Or do a look-up on the Mau-Maus. Mike Hoare.
That place was a mercenarys' cash cow during the 50s-60s just because of its instability and internal dissent.
Its Africa - It ain't never gonna change.
Another charity pimp, like Bono or one of the Kennedys.
I am so SICK of Africa. Africa is like that unstable, dysfunctional family member that does nothing but mooch, cause porblems, and export problems. All the money that has gone to Africa could have more than helped the US and paid for all that has to now be cut.
I can’t understand why actors and entertainers shout out their political views. They instantly lose half their audience. Makes no sense.
My idea is to jsut let Africa die and go back to nature for a while.
Since 1998, the DRC has been embroiled in violent conflict, poverty, and terrible disease, with an estimated 5 million deaths as a result. Since he first visited the country more than three years ago, Affleck has made it his personal mission to educate people on the atrocities being committed there.
Mr. Affleck can educate everybody in the world about these atrocities if he wants to, but it will change nothing.
Why? Simply because he is confusing cause and effect. Which is why most of Africa lives under very similar conditions.
Eliminate the anarchy, clanish mentality, warlords presiding over an almost feudal system throughout the continent, and then you may understand why the situation is what it is.
Armed with this knowledge, the situation still looks bleak at best.
Unfortunately, Africa's largest import will be Islam. Which is a very sobering thought to this poster.
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