I was just thinking since the Marley coin is coming out a million years
after his death [now Bob isn't a threat] - why was Bob given the third
highest medal in JA? Isn't he worthy of the HIGHEST medal? Tell me one
Jamaican who has done more for his country or the world? As I have said
before his work is worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize which he can never receive
now. Not that Bob would have sought out this fame - he was essentially shy
and modest when he was recognized [UN peace medal], but his own government
should be ashamed of these crumbs that they throw his way.

uhhmmm:
Michael Manley
Alexander Bustamante
Rex Nettleford
Mavis Irwin
This is to start: Can YOU tell me what THESE people did?

Why do you think his work is worthy of a Nobel? You think Bob was in music
because he wanted to do something for Jamaica? Please.
That tells meYOU'RE not from Jamaica. Check the news and see the
accomplishments of the people who received awards during Independence in
Jamaica this year.

Sounbwoy:
Sorry - I lived in Jamaica and spent years with Marley. I know what he did
for the Jamaican people on an individual level on a daily basis. Also, if
we want to get "real" about reggae - anyone who is making a living playing
this music or is involved with music can thank Bob for bringing the JA 45
for which people were paid [or nothing at all] 20$ JA and starving to death
to a decent wage. Who really gives a fuck about JA politicians - what the
fuck did any of them do for the JA person living on the edge of survival?
Ask anyone around the world who or any musician around the world who made
the greatest contribution to JA music and the answer is Marley. I have no
quarrel saying that Michael Manley gave a honest effort to improve
conditions in JA or that he is a good man. I met him and he seems like a
good man. However, you cannot say that even Marcus Garvey changed the fate
of the Jamaican other than to influence the modern JA music scene. Bob [and
others] have taken JA and Rasta philosophy to the world and made a positive
contribution. If any JA is a planetary figure it is Bob Marley. Was Bob
perfect like some seem to indicate? The answer is no - he had his faults -
to me, this makes him more remarkable - what he accomplished despite his
faults. I am speaking from my own personal observations - in spending many
many days with him. I hope this helps explain my viewpoint. ...

uh?

what was it he did for Jamaica besides helping the economy by attracting
weed smoking American college students? Or maybe the "adults" who go to
places like "hedonism"?

No disrespect intended, I love the man's music, but (imho) I would NOT
consider his life and contributions exemplary.

much respect,

Crystal
"Don" yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:A7eOg.5184$xg7.274@tornado.socal.rr.com...

I read this string real quick and maybe I missed the point, but it
appears that someone feels Bob marley is not worthy of the highest
recognition in Jamaica. Please tell me I got the wrong idea? We all
know how different things would be in Jamaica and the world if it
wasn't for Bob's influence (negativity aside). This is reggae music
we're talking about and it's changed my life and still ministering to
me. I know I'm not alone.

Crystal wrote:

that's correct. I think his music is worthy of awards, but as far as a
humanitarian type or economic award? I think not.

Yes, roots reggae has influenced my life as well, as have other genres of
music. I have been an avid listener since 1970. It has reminded me of what
is important to me.

I think people like Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela , Dr. King deserve the
highest types of honor as they have effected change intentionally and on a
much more global perspective.

Jamaica is warm, and a great tourist destination. That is what I see that
reggae has done for the country. Many people are still very impoverished,
and crime is up. Overall the music itself has not, (in my opinion) helped.
People go to the island and stay in resorts and have no contact with the
local economy. Most people who work the resorts are from other places, and
many of the goods are imported.

I
That, of course, is my opinion only.

much respect,

Crystal
"Cokni" gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1158440804.382881.114310@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...

Let's see, I can think of a million stories. There is one that came through
Stephen Davis [I think] of unarmed women and children who walked up against
armed white South "African" troops in protest of poor healthcare and lack of
food and water with Zion Train playing on a Cassette player. Why is it that
music can do what no politician can do.
Never having spent time in a north shore resort [ I was working in
Kingston], I can only imagine what it might be like. All I can say is like
so many have said, I saw Bob give away thousands of dollars a day to all
kinds of people that came by his house, not to mention all the food and
everything else he provided to me and hundreds of others. Virtually anyone
had free access to him, at least in terms of being close enough to pull a
trigger on him - I cannot believe he survived long enough to die from
cancer. Again, Bob didn't build the Jamaican resorts, but he made it
possible for many starving Jamaican musicians to start making a living by
touring and having their music becoming somewhat of a paid occupation. I
agree that these other men you mentioned have also made a positive impact
along with others. Too bad that whoever the man or woman is that is
bringing spirituality as a means of solving problems, is NOT listened to by
the majority of people. For example Martin helped us, but can we really say
that the US ghettos are any better as a result of his work? Even people ...

Do you know who wrote "We shall overcome?" In my opinion they deserve
musical recognition as well. But not something like a nobel.

much respect,

Crystal
"Don" yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:gNePg.5512$%%i.4779@tornado.socal.rr.com...

I understand what you are saying. I just don't agree with the level of
award you are suggesting, that's all:-)

much respect,

Crystal
"Don" yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:gNePg.5512$%%i.4779@tornado.socal.rr.com...

Cool - Crystal - Bob would probably agree with you. This fits in the same
category as Mick Jagger getting Knighthood and Keith Richards who would turn
it down if offered, has the respect of nearly every musician alive.
Until later... :-)
Don
"Crystal" comcast.net> wrote in message
news:HMSdndxmQLcLHZDYnZ2dnUVZ_rydnZ2d@comcast.com...