Patriots for Live 8

Starting Saturday, a series of concerts will be launched around the world to convince the leaders of the seven leading industrialized democracies and Russia (the "G8") that we, their citizens, want them to do more to help Africa's population escape the grip of poverty and disease. Dubbed "Live 8," this international effort has been scheduled to both commemorate the original Live Aid concert 20 years ago and to deliver its message before the G8 leaders sit down for their July 6 summit. \nGiven that Live 8's chief organizers -- the Boomtown Rats' Bob Geldof, U2's Bono and director Richard Curtis -- are two Irishmen and a Brit, I doubt they intended to plunk this event down in the middle of the Fourth of July weekend. And yet, I can think of no better timing. This is an opportunity to celebrate the birth of modern democracy -- through employing the rights won by our founding fathers as a means to change things for the better. And it's an opportunity to celebrate our nation's birth by reinforcing its core ideals.\nNow, for any readers who tilt leftward politically, I really shouldn't have to sell you on this. Live 8 seeks to fight poverty and AIDS, further inter-cultural understanding and perhaps even improve America's image among our critics -- if you aren't behind this already, it's time to hang up your tie-dye.\nAnd I shouldn't need to win over you readers of a religious persuasion, either. You know it's not enough in this life to be just an individual -- that we are part of something greater than ourselves. We have a duty to make humanity's business our business -- and Live 8 is a chance to help your neighbor, writ large.\nBut to others who, like myself, don't really fall into either category, we also have reason to participate. And herein lies the timeliness of Live 8's occurring near the Fourth:\nToday we find ourselves, once again, in the struggle to defend liberty. This struggle runs through all of American history -- whether in our revolt against aristocratic rule, our battles against slavery and inequality or in our defiance against the 20th century's fascist and communist tyrannies. Now in the 21st, we are combating the latest totalitarian ideology to come down the pike, Islamic militancy, by promoting democracy and democratic ideals. Simply put, being synonymous with the spread of human freedom, America will always tangle with any group that seeks to terrorize and oppress. Through supporting Live 8's efforts, we can get the government to foster democracy in a region of the world that sorely lacks it -- before the next menace rears its ugly head.\nWant to participate? Watch the Live 8 programming that will be broadcast on America Online, MTV, VH1, CMT, HBO and (possibly) ABC starting Saturday at 11 a.m. Sign the petition at www.aol.com, www.live8live.com, www.one.org or www.data.org. Ask others to do the same. Doing good should always be so easy.