Posted on 04/23/2005 6:58:06 PM PDT by wesley_windam-price
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, fighting to save his government, took a hit from another corner on Saturday -- rock superstar Bono.
Bono said he was disappointed Martin had not kept an earlier promise to boost Canada's foreign aid to a level equivalent to 0.7 percent of gross domestic product.
"I'm bewildered really. I'm disappointed. I've not given up hope. I really can't believe that Paul Martin would want to hold up history, or indeed would hold up history," Bono told CBC radio in an interview broadcast on Saturday.
Bono, a tireless campaigner on behalf of the poor in Africa and other regions, also read out the number of Martin's office and urged Canadians to flood his office with telephone calls.
"We were looking for Canada to lead rather than be a laggard ... what's upsetting about this is it feels like business as usual," added the star.
Bono's annoyance contrasts sharply with his November 2003 address to a conference of the ruling Liberal Party, which elected Martin as leader.
On that occasion Bono lauded Martin's promise to sharply increase foreign aid but said he would be keeping a sharp eye on the politician, warning prophetically: "I'm going to be the biggest pain in his ass."
Martin is currently scrambling to keep his minority government alive amid growing anger over a Liberal Party cash-for-favors scandal.
"This is no time to just turn inward. I know there are problems here at home. But don't lose your focus, Prime Minister, on how history will remember this moment," said Bono.
You know, I love U2's music, but I really wish that Bono would just STFU.
Most "stars" turn viciously socialist, after they've made their millions.
It is absolutely amazing how the media foists theatrical props to the status of statesmen.
Well Bono has been at it for a while and I think he's actually effected policies in this sphere. There's no doubting his sincerity.
Bono is a chump. The minute he joins UNICEF, I will stop doubting his sincerity. Although, chastising Canada puts him in my good graces.
"Hold up history"? That's exactly what Bono and the rest of the "Shut Up and Sing" crowd are all about...God forbid we should all move past the past.
Mr. Decent Voice/Beautiful Lyrics should take a long look at actress/activist Sharon Stone's career. Or how about Bridgette Bardot? Babs and her clothes line technique?
Handsome, multi-talented Alec Baldwin became a full-time activist...Hello?
Word of advice to Bono: Don't be the punchline of a low joke...
I agree, but leave it to FR to attack, attack, attack. I guess sitting at your computer whining all day is a better angle than actually doing something, like Bono is. Yeesh.
Regardless of whether or not Bono is sincere in his philanthropy, nobody likes a pompous ass. And Bono is definitely being a pompous ass here.
No he's not. This is his issue, and he feels strongly about it and he works tirelessly towards it. I respect that.
No he's not. This is his issue, and he feels strongly about it and he works tirelessly towards it. I respect that.
Is he demanding governments around the world to donate taxpayer monies to other governments?
Yes, it's commonly known here as Foreign Aid.
Well stated. However, when was the last time anyone on FR thanked Bill Gates for his extraordinary philanthropic contributions instead of bashing MS?
As you said, it is his issue. Not Canada's issue. If Bono wants to give 0.7% or 99.7% of U2's earning to kids in Africa, it's his business. But to "demand" that a sovereign nation like Canada dedicate a portion of its GDP to his pet cause is the very definition of being a pompous ass.
How does he monitor where the taxpayers monies go?
How does the taxpayers monies combat the "poor"?
Pretty bold talk for a mediocre singer.
Geez.
I'm not going to say what he really is.
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