I know that I don't agree with a lot of Bono's politics- like the whole letting African nations out of debt with our tax money--BUT the guy is no hypocrite, and that is why I can respect his views even though I disagree with them. He gives away large amounts of time and money to causes he believes in, and as he is a Christian I believe his motivation is a good one.
For every Bono out there, I want to see pictures of their mansions, planes, limousines and staff. It would be a healthy antidote to the pictures their public relations firms try to create of them.
I have no problems with people getting rich, even filthy rich. I do mind being lectured by them while they live the life that people would kill for.
When Bono moves into a middle class house and flies coach to his concerts after having given all his possessions to the poor, then will I listen to him as and advocate for the poor. Until then, he is a rock star with a publicity gimmick. And people who say they take him seriously are cynics or gulls.
Hey, do you remember these lyrics?
She loves you yeah, yeah, yeah
She loves you yeah, yeah, yeah
She loves you yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah......
These "brilliant" lyrics were written by none other than the Beatles, probably the best musical group of all time. One doesn't have to dig far to find lyrics that they wrote that are very meaningful. The same is true with Bono. Among my favorites are these from "The Fly":
It's no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest
It's no secret ambition bites the nails of success
Every artist is a cannibal - every poet is a thief
All kill their inspiration and sing about the grief
All that being said, I don't like Bono's politics better than any of the rest of you. The main thing to remember here is that we aren't electing him to public office. We are simply enjoying his music. I love his voice and his music.
Can I make my OWN millions and give vasty sums away to the charities I want to give it to BEFORE foreigner Bono asks my government to snatch it from me and give it away to HIS pet causes?