Bono: George Bush, evangelicals saved 9 million AIDS victims

The Washington Examiner' Washington Secrets ^ | June 24, 2013 | Paul Bedard

[2ndDivisionVet]

U2 frontman Bono, who moonlights as an activist for the poor and sick in Africa, is crediting evangelical Christians and former President George W. Bush for saving 9 million from the ravages of AIDS, a campaign the musician said is blessed by God.

"This should be shouted from the rooftops. This is a heroic American story," Bono said in a remarkable radio interview with Jim Daly, the president of Focus on the Family, to be broadcast by the group Tuesday.

Talking freely about God, his marriage, and his relationship with Jesus in the interview provided in advance to Secrets, Bono said that evangelical Christians helped him sell the Bush administration on fighting AIDS in Africa, which he compared to the biblical humanity in tackling leprosy.

"It was the evangelicals that did that," said Bono. "Because they, like myself, pestered George Bush and the administration, who actually deserve praise for starting this out," he added of the $15 billion President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief program.

The interview marked a shift for Focus on the Family as it expands its ministry to offer a voice to those not typically considered Christian-focused and broaden its reach to new generation.

"The way Bono lives out his faith is a message we are trying to emphasize with families every day," said Daly.

In the interview, recorded at New York's American Bible Society, Bono didn't hide his ties to God or the lessons he learned from his example. "I believe that Jesus was, you know, the son of God," he said, adding, "Jesus isn't letting you off the hook."(continued)

[Rodamala]

A few weeks back, around the time of the Bush Library dedication, I watched the Dana Perrino (sp?)... you know the girl from The Five who was on his staff as a speechwriter... well I distinctly recall President Bush speaking very fondly during that interview of Bono. It’s an odd pairing but apparently both men have a great amount of respect for each other.

[SaraJohnson]

Bi-sexuality is common in Africa. That is why it spread to the general population...and why it is spreading in America’s Black community.

[Ann Archy]

BINGO!!! It’s OUR money that did this.

[SeminoleCounty]

When Bono claps his hands....a child starves in Africa

When Paula Deen claps her hands....a pan of cornbread is ready

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks 2ndDivisionVet. Others would have helped, but they were too busy blaming evangelicals.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I don’t understand your comment. AIDS has devastated central and southern Africa. Not so much a “males only” disease there: lots of wives and mothers have fallen victim, as well as children who were infected when they were born, or left orphans from both parents dying of AIDS complications. Somewhat different in Africa than in San Francisco or Manhattan.

[Mrs. Don-o]

How do you know he never said a good word for George Bush? It's more likely that he never said a good word that was reported. Even Bono can't control a Bush-o-phobic press.

I suppose thus, because Bono went out of his way, more than once, to praise Sen. Jesse Helms, and all the do-gooder bien-pensants and lefty philanthropoids were shocked, shocked.

Say what you will about Bono, but he did better than embrace "lepers," he embraced Helms.

[GOPJ]

"It was the evangelicals that did that," said Bono. "Because they, like myself, pestered George Bush and the administration, who actually deserve praise for starting this out," he added of the $15 billion President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief program.

You're right - takes courage to stand with conservative Christians... will the IRS and New York Times go after Bono now? Wouldn't surprise me...

[Navy Patriot]

It's more likely that he never said a good word that was reported.

It seems you are correct, and I may have been a little hard on Bono.

Even Bono can't control a Bush-o-phobic press.

But only a little, 'cause there I disagree, he could have put the truth in the lyrics of his best music and watched the MSM slime try to sensor that.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Good idea, actually :o)

[Mrs. Frogjerk]

LOL! Yes we did!

[Mrs. Don-o]

One other thing I'd like to mention. Bono often writes lyrics which are like parables: fascinating to some because "This is beautiful" or "This has a spiritual dimension" but quite clear to others that "This is preaching Christ."

Now, that's an outstanding achievement, being able to say/sing/show something that gets past the skeptic/ atheist's initial resistance, but which unfolds its whole story if they keep paying attention.

An outstanding example of this --- I think --- is the video and song, "Magnificent" (YouTube link).

At first glance it seems like just the cultural assertiveness of Western European rockers rocking in Morocco, striding through an Arab/Muslim city.

Then it seems like a promise that "Western culture" will life the veil of Arab traditionalism and liberate Muslim people.

Then, if you pay attention to the lyrics, you see layer after layer of Biblical imagery in the Magnificent lyrics (Link)

And when you see it, you can't un-see it: I mean, it's there in almost every line. It links right up to Isaiah 5:7-8 saying

God "will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken."

This is a Messianic prophecy, and Bono is pitching it straight at the Muslims--- but in "parable" form, so it gets past external and internal censors.

Beautifully done. Watch it, and see if you can see it as a prayer.

[GOPJ]

Psalm 100 (King James Version)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

******************************************************

"I give you back my voice From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise" Bono

*********************************************************

“Stop asking God to bless what you're doing. Find out what God's doing. It's already blessed.” ― Bono

Thanks for the ping Mrs. Don-o ... very nice post...

[Mrs. Don-o]

You are welcome!