Well tonight thank god its them, instead of you

“Well tonight thank god its them, instead of you”

This is the song line that I probably think of most from the Thanksgiving to Christmas season. I think of the line as an ironic and sad thing, but ultimately in a good way. Most of the people reading this probably don’t remember Band Aid I as anything beyond rock history, but I clearly remember the first time I heard that line. And I remember thinking “what the hell does that mean?”

Over time, I learned that the line caused contention between Bono (who sang it) and Sir Bob Geldof (who wrote it). There seems to be a lot of confusion even about the argument those two had, but that’s not the point. The question is, how could Bono (who has since become the very positive poster child for humanitarian do-gooders who choose to NOT remain anonymous) sing that? What could it mean?

I’m not sure about the original intent, but I know how I choose to view it – its irony – plain and not at all simple.

Its ironic that someone would thank their god that someone else is in pain and dying, but that they are ok. Of course, its ironic at an entirely different level that someone would choose to worship a god who could allow this to happen to other people. And its particularly ironic that many people in the rich, industrialized countries probably didn’t get the irony. I’m afraid that there actually ARE people out there who pray that way – “god, please help the poor, suffering people in Africa, and thank you for not making me one of them.”

And this is all particularly ironic because the song was NOT about what some unseen god did to the poor, starving people in Africa and elsewhere in the world. When taken properly, this song is about the need to HELP these people.

Regardless of your religion or lack thereof, a great thing about the winter holiday season can be the focus on giving. Giving thanks (to whomever you choose). Giving gifts (not just this year’s newest e-toy). And thinking of others. Which, if you choose to be a human being who looks beyond yourself, may also translate into helping others.

By the way, in every religion that I know of, the “god” in question wants human beings to do good things – he/she/it doesn’t usually do things for them.

So I hope you give to your favorite charity. Perhaps plant a tree. Or volunteer at a place that provides necessities to those less fortunate. And beyond all that, inform yourself. And when you get more information, tell others. Do something yourself, let that serve as an example to others, and it probably doesn’t hurt to throw a little guilt into the mix if it will bring someone else on board to help.

Because there’s nothing wrong with appreciating what you have, and even being thankful for the fact that you are not suffering. But there is something right about going out after that and giving at least a little back to those who were born into circumstances less fortunate than yours, or who fell into a less fortunate path.