Do you think Bono is a....

[Zippy]

smug, greedy, self-obsessed, hypocritical twat?

well somebody clearly does(besides me) as direct action group Art uncut are planning a visually spectacular protest at U2's Glastonbury performance. This is a protest against Bono and his groups tax evading antics which deprive the Irish people of millions which could fund public services.

Considering he's always running his mouth about poverty and how we should all give to help the starving I think its utterly outrageous that he has over £400mill just sitting in various shifty global accounts just accumulating even more millions. How the hell does he live with being such a fcking hypocrite? Why does he need that much money himself if he's so concerned about the starving millions in the world? As it not occurred to him how many lives his money could save?

Normally I wouldn't say rich or famous people have a duty to save the world but he uses the whole charity schtick to promote himself and grandstand with world leaders. He obviously doesnt even believe that charity begins at home.

What a douche.

Do you think he's a hypocrite?

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/u2-face-protest-over-tax-dodge-164535027.html#mwpphu-container

[Niamh.]

yeah, he's just not living in the real world I think, he's forgotten what normality is

[Kerry]

Don't know much about him anymore. Detested him years ago and doubt my view would change from the bits and bobs I've heard

[patsylimerick]

No, I don't agree. What he does with his own finances is nothing different from what most millionaires and billionaires do all over the world to avoid giving the taxman half of what they have. It's probably not commendable, but who of us would give the taxman more than we actually have to?
In relation to using charity to promote himself; well he doesn't have to promote himself, does he? He was HUGE before he ever became vocal on world poverty. He is admirably well versed on global economics and geo politics which is very refreshing in the general run of celeb charity divas. The man has a brain.

Finally, if he was just a rockstar and didn't lobby for action on global poverty, would anyone give a shoite where he holds his bank accounts? Erm, no. They wouldn't. He is the perfect example of someone who doesn't have to do this. He has an incredibly successful international music career, a family (a wife he's been with since he was 17, by the way, how refreshing) and a hell of a lot of friends who universally speak highly of him. He doesn't have to give a ****, but he does. How he can be the subject of such vitriolic criticism in a celebrity world almost completely peopled in 2011 by self-serving, vacuous, greedy, greedy superficial numpties, it baffles me how HE is the target.

The logic appears to be; if he was an abjectly stupid and avaricious celebrity - as so many of them are, that would be fine - because then he wouldn't be a hypocrite. Once more, I feel like I inhabit an alternate universe.

Also, as I mentioned his wife Ali, she has been a tireless advocate for the sick and abandoned children of Chernobyl for some 25 years. She's a stunningly beautiful woman married to a superstar who is only ever seen in public when she is advocating, eloquently and modestly on their behalf.

Would that all the 'smug, hypocritical twats' of the world were like these two.

[Stu]

No, I don't agree. What he does with his own finances is nothing different from what most millionaires and billionaires do all over the world to avoid giving the taxman half of what they have. It's probably not commendable, but who of us would give the taxman more than we actually have to?
In relation to using charity to promote himself; well he doesn't have to promote himself, does he? He was HUGE before he ever became vocal on world poverty. He is admirably well versed on global economics and geo politics which is very refreshing in the general run of celeb charity divas. The man has a brain.

Finally, if he was just a rockstar and didn't lobby for action on global poverty, would anyone give a shoite where he holds his bank accounts? Erm, no. They wouldn't. He is the perfect example of someone who doesn't have to do this. He has an incredibly successful international music career, a family (a wife he's been with since he was 17, by the way, how refreshing) and a hell of a lot of friends who universally speak highly of him. He doesn't have to give a ****, but he does. How he can be the subject of such vitriolic criticism in a celebrity world almost completely peopled in 2011 by self-serving, vacuous, greedy, greedy superficial numpties, it baffles me how HE is the target.

The logic appears to be; if he was an abjectly stupid and avaricious celebrity - as so many of them are, that would be fine - because then he wouldn't be a hypocrite. Once more, I feel like I inhabit an alternate universe.

Also, as I mentioned his wife Ali, she has been a tireless advocate for the sick and abandoned children of Chernobyl for some 25 years. She's a stunningly beautiful woman married to a superstar who is only ever seen in public when she is advocating, eloquently and modestly on their behalf.

Would that all the 'smug, hypocritical twats' of the world were like these two.
Bang on.

He seems like a great bloke. If people want to interpret a man shouting aloud about causes as him being smug than they will find a way. Maybe because they are insecure about their own apathy, I don't know.

He hasn't really put much of a foot wrong in his career. This 'Bono is a wanker' thing is completely the invention of the celebrity world to waste up some column inch and fill time on popcorn brained countdown shows and gossip updates.

I'd rather direct my attention to the many other cultural cancers/nations sweethearts. It's indicative of the type of world we live in that more young people probably care about thinking Bono is a wanker than about the great albums he has put out with the rest of the lads.

'Nah I don't know what the Joshua Tree is, but that Bono is a right egotistical **** lol'

[Zippy]

Finally, if he was just a rockstar and didn't lobby for action on global poverty, would anyone give a shoite where he holds his bank accounts? Erm, no. They wouldn't.

Yes they bloody would.

And if you can't see the hypocrisy of him banging on and on about greed and global poverty whilst having hundreds of millions laying idle and finding crafty ways of shirking his responsibilities as a tax paying Irish citizen then I just give up. If he cares so much about people badly off then why is he not happy to pay his share of tax?

Greedy hypocrite whichever way you slice it. Unless you think he actually needs £400 million to live on?

He should put his money where his mouth is.

[patsylimerick]

with thanks to Blozor

The other thing Bono is most criticized for is his charity work. If there's one thing middle class Americans can't seem to understand it's the ability to care about other people who are not, specifically, themselves. The main complaint I tend to hear is that people resent Bono for asking them to give up any of their money for these causes when Bono is, himself, rich. Apparently, the rich are obligated to donate their entire earnings to the poor so that the middle class can continue donating nothing but their arrogant indifference.

Everyone cites how much Bono and U2 are roughly worth, which are figures available to the public, but no one seems to note donations that Bono or the band makes to charity, particularly because there is no real quantifiable evidence. This is because the band demands their donations be kept private, which is how donations are supposed to be made, modestly. If someone flaunts their donation, they're doing it for vanity or recognition. However, when the president of Amnesty International or Careflight says U2's donation was "sizeable," I'm sure they're not just bull****ting us.

The problem with the argument is that Bono could donate his entire net worth to charity, and it would still only make a dent in the campaign, and then Bono would be just as poor as the people he's trying to help. Everyone would regard it as an amazingly stupid move, despite it's pretty much what everyone wants to see him do right now, and he would lose his political clout because no one would respect his judgment anymore. It's easier to ask hundreds of millions of people to give dollars than it is for one person to give several million dollars. It'd be easier to write a check and be done with it; it costs a lot more to give your time for upwards of three decades now. The next time you're brandishing Bono a hypocrite for preaching charity while being rich, ask yourself how much money you've donated to charity lately. Even if Bono donated nothing but his time, it'd still be far more than the majority of his detractors have donated, so shut the **** up.

[Beastie]

Bono is a bellend. Like the rest of us! :hugesmile:

[Patrick]

http://soundslikeshark.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/bono-south-park-turd.jpg

[joeysteele]

Hmmm, I voted no he wasn't but then read all the posts,Zippy has convinced me that I was wrong to do so, very strong and valid points you make on this one Zippy.

[Zippy]

Ughh

if you have to resort to a copy/paste jobby then you should go to bed. Im not even reading all that.

[Stu]

Ughh

if you have to resort to a copy/paste jobby then you should go to bed. Im not even reading all that.
Why not? It's a perfectly reasonable argument. Not 'resorting' to anything.

[patsylimerick]

Ughh

if you have to resort to a copy/paste jobby then you should go to bed. Im not even reading all that.

OK, how about a question. Why does his caring about poverty bother you?

Oh, and here's another one. Are all famous people who avoid tax hypocrites? All of them? Because most of them are at it. Footballers, for instance, use all kinds of tax avoidance methods to categorise their income in such a way as to make their taxable income shrink drastically. The BBC's presenters have an advisory service on how pay less tax. Everyone and his or her mother seeks to avoid paying less tax. U2 - and it was all of them, by the way, not just Paul Hewson - were facing a tax bill of 42% and they chose to move a chunk of that money eastward. I said at the very get go that this move is not commendable. However, it doesn't necessarily negate the good that the man does - his charity work or his wonderful music.

[Zippy]

OK, how about a question. Why does his caring about poverty bother you?

Oh, and here's another one. Are all famous people who avoid tax hypocrites? All of them? Because most of them are at it. Footballers, for instance, use all kinds of tax avoidance methods to categorise their income in such a way as to make their taxable income shrink drastically. The BBC's presenters have an advisory service on how pay less tax. Everyone and his or her mother seeks to avoid paying less tax. U2 - and it was all of them, by the way, not just Paul Hewson - were facing a tax bill of 42% and they chose to move a chunk of that money eastward. I said at the very get go that this move is not commendable. However, it doesn't necessarily negate the good that the man does - his charity work or his wonderful music.

His blatant hypocrisy bothers me. He obviously enjoys hobnobbing with the worlds elite politicians(you can see him jizzing his pants). Seems to me he uses the whole "cumbya lets end world poverty" schtick as a way of making him look like the male version of Mother Theresa.

But did she have £400mill stashed away and a team of accountants(crooks) hiding her wealth? No!

People go to prison for not paying tax. Unless they're wealthy enough to use the very best accountants, clearly.

So he's a crook and a hypocrite.

[patsylimerick]

His blatant hypocrisy bothers me. He obviously enjoys hobnobbing with the worlds elite politicians(you can see him jizzing his pants). Seems to me he uses the whole "cumbya lets end world poverty" schtick as a way of making him look like the male version of Mother Theresa.

But did she have £400mill stashed away and a team of accountants(crooks) hiding her wealth? No!

People go to prison for not paying tax. Unless they're wealthy enough to use the very best accountants, clearly.

So he's a crook and a hypocrite.

He's got more fans than most of them put together, so I think they probably quite enjoy his company too. Not a crime, is it? And he's deeply religious; not my bag and not something he's very vocal about for fear of villification (small wonder, eh?). But his spirituality probably has something to do with his philantrophism. Would it be better, for you, if he kept his books in boy scout order and his mouth shut about the political, financial rape of the third world?

So is every footballer/actor/singer who similiarly employs accountants for the same purpose equally worthy of scorn?

No, people go to prison for evading tax, not for avoiding it. If they did, the prisons would be full of the great and the mere mortal.

No he's not a crook. And he's got a damn lot more about him than some of the legitimately labelled twats who get salivated over on the Internet and couldn't find Uganda on a map.

[InOne]

Bono is one of those I've always loved for the music and never given a thought about his personal life or what he does outside the band, I like it better that way.

[MTVN]

This is a difficult one, I like Bono & have a lot of respect for the charity work that he does do, and which shouldnt be disregarded. I also dont see why you say "he obviously doesn't even believe charity begins at home" as though it's shameful thing to think; if he did believe that then he's right, it doesn't. But it does seem pretty hypocritical of him to preach charity while at the same time avoiding paying much needed tax money. It's hard to defend a thing like that because the only motivation for doing it is greed really, if that money is just sitting there idle

[Stu]

Bono moved the business to Holland at a time Ireland was prospering too, it should be pointed out. Plenty of people here were trying to avoid tax because the government was absoloutely raping it from us. We were rich, greedy bastards.

It's not as if he wanted to bring his own people back to the famine era.

[Zippy]

He's got more fans than most of them put together, so I think they probably quite enjoy his company too. Not a crime, is it? And he's deeply religious; not my bag and not something he's very vocal about for fear of villification (small wonder, eh?). But his spirituality probably has something to do with his philantrophism. Would it be better, for you, if he kept his books in boy scout order and his mouth shut about the political, financial rape of the third world?

So is every footballer/actor/singer who similiarly employs accountants for the same purpose equally worthy of scorn?

No, people go to prison for evading tax, not for avoiding it. If they did, the prisons would be full of the great and the mere mortal.

No he's not a crook. And he's got a damn lot more about him than some of the legitimately labelled twats who get salivated over on the Internet and couldn't find Uganda on a map.

Yes, he's a crafty crook.

And as I already stated, I do not expect every rich or famous person to save the world with their money. But when you are going to continually stand on platforms preaching about greedy countries depriving the poorer countries then you really should take a look at your own backyard. He's depriving poor people in Ireland of his taxes.

Which also brings me to the point I caught earlier about how him giving money will not change the huge poverty situation much. Well if we all took that attitude then nobody would give anything! Im pretty sure him giving £100mill would make a damn sight more difference than me giving a fiver.

Excuses.

[Stu]

Still though that fiver is also needed.

If we all took that attitude ...

[Omah]

Don't know much about him anymore. Detested him years ago and doubt my view would change from the bits and bobs I've heard

Yeah, he was a pompous and pretentious prig in the '80's - too much money has made him into a complete and utter t**t ..... alongside the equally abhorrent so-called "Sting"..... :yuk:

[joeysteele]

Yeah, he was a pompous and pretentious prig in the '80's - too much money has made him into a complete and utter t**t ..... alongside the equally abhorrent so-called "Sting"..... :yuk:

I agree.
Also as to Sting,now he is so arrogant.

[Zippy]

Yeah, he was a pompous and pretentious prig in the '80's..

*prick

and 90s and OOs...

One of those earnest religious gonks who fancy themselves as a bit of a Jesus incarnate.

Lose all your wealth, Bono, and we might just fall for it. Jesus with £400mill and a team of crafty accountants doesn't quite work though.

[Scarlett.]

Meh, Bono's alright, his cause is worthy....it's Geldof that irritates me with his global warming crap - When he's the one flying around the world in jets and wasting energy with these 'Save teh werld' concerts

[Shasown]

Bono a crook nah he isnt no way, a hypocrite, nah I dont think so, you dont know how much he has in his bank accounts, you have no idea how much he gave to charity over any financial period, you have no idea of his real worth. You havent got a clue about the way U2's finances are set up.

Talk about lashing out in a blind rage.

However he did manage to persuade Gordon Brown and other political leaders to write off billions yes thats billions not just thousands or millions of pounds of debt owed simply on interest on third world debt. And in some cases writing off the debt totally. To be frank not enough is done but...

If nothing else it was a start. And he went out and done that, not anyone else, he did...

Then there is the One campaign try reading up on it.

He also puts his hand in his pocket when its his round, unlike that twat McGregor ;)

Oh and one other thing he may not be the best singer in the world but he is a fecking great songwriter and he can move an audience to actually do something as opposed to a lot in the pop/rock world.

Work out how many lives he has saved in Central and South America, Africa, Asia etc. how much money has flowed into Amnesty, One, Greenpeace and a good many other organisations he has gobbed off about. Then come back and tell me Paul Hewson doesnt deserve to have whatever wealth he does have (which, and lets face it you dont really know, you assume some gob****e journalist is accurate).

Good luck to the man I say!

[Zippy]

Bono a crook nah he isnt no way, a hypocrite, nah I dont think so, you dont know how much he has in his bank accounts, you have no idea how much he gave to charity over any financial period, you have no idea of his real worth.

However he did manage to persuade Gordon Brown and other political leaders to write off billions yes thats billions not just thousands or millions of pounds of debt owed simply on interest on third world debt.


You seriously think they wrote those loans off just because he asked them to? Those loans were never gonna be paid anyways, as everybody knew, so really it was just a superficial gesture. They were all just basking in phoney glory.

As for not knowing what he does/doesn't give; if he gave substantial amounts we'd hear about it one way or another. Huge money doesnt get shifted around that quietly. And with all the flack he's had about this issue I doubt he'd want to keep it all that hush hush.

[Lee.]

Ive not read any of this thread ad I need to sleep soon... but don't even get me started on Bono.. I've had many an argument about him!

It honestly baffles me why he is disliked... I daresay people will be quick to tell me why, but I only see a good person

[Shasown]

You seriously think they wrote those loans off just because he asked them to? Those loans were never gonna be paid anyways, as everybody knew, so really it was just a superficial gesture. They were all just basking in phoney glory.

As for not knowing what he does/doesn't give; if he gave substantial amounts we'd hear about it one way or another. Huge money doesnt get shifted around that quietly. And with all the flack he's had about this issue I doubt he'd want to keep it all that hush hush.



Thats very true the loans could nor would ever have been repaid but you are missing the point, those countries were PAYING the interest to service those loans and it cost them big style. It may seem a superficial gesture on the part of the UK, it wasnt seen as that by the countries paying back, it really was a life saver. Think about it in some cases their GDP equates to what the UK annually spends on baby wipes

The argument about what he spends on charity, good one mate but unfortunately it cuts both ways, do you not think some whistle blower would have come right and said he only gives twenty euros to Mencap Ireland, by now, its a good earner for someone if its true aint it?

I will tell you something though, you can check if you like its public record, last year he gave over 1.2 million Euros to an Irish Charity as a one off, how does that grab you?

Anyway you wont check, coz you have a hard on for Bono hating this week, thats cool fill your boots mate.

[Zippy]

Anyway you wont check, coz you have a hard on for Bono hating this week, thats cool fill your boots mate.

This week? Try forever.

And you've just contradicted yourself by suggesting his charity donations are secret...then posting an amount he supposedly gave. Yeah Im sure that amount really forced him to use his teabags twice for a few months.

[Shasown]

This week? Try forever.

And you've just contradicted yourself by suggesting his charity donations are secret...then posting an amount he supposedly gave. Yeah Im sure that amount really forced him to use his teabags twice for a few months.

Where is the contradiction?

(Will give you clue, in some countries donations have to be given openly and declared in order for tax relief to be claimed by the charity or for the donator to claim back the tax paid etc, hope the smell of urine doesnt spoil the bonfire)

[Lee.]

Bono donated 6 million pounds of his own money towards live 8 a few years ago..

[Zippy]

Bono donated 6 million pounds of his own money towards live 8 a few years ago..

Correction; U2 the whole group and their manager donated 6 million DOLLARS (£3.3 mill at the time) from the profits of their Vertigo tour which included a Live8 concert.

These are the kind of charity donations that are done like a business deal; theyre buying good publicity and getting tax breaks for their donations too.

Either way, not quite the "£6mill of his own money" you suggest. His share was apparently more like £665k reading reports.

[patsylimerick]

Correction; U2 the whole group and their manager donated 6 million DOLLARS (£3.3 mill at the time) from the profits of their Vertigo tour which included a Live8 concert.

These are the kind of charity donations that are done like a business deal; theyre buying good publicity and getting tax breaks for their donations too.

Either way, not quite the "£6mill of his own money" you suggest. His share was apparently more like £665k reading reports.

OK, I'll take it you didn't read the earlier post, because you said you didn't, so I'll paraphrase. Mind you, it baffles me why anyone would want to debate with two fingers in their ears.
Bono and U2 almost never disclose what they give to charity; they're damned if they do and damned if they don't (disclose that is), as your above contribution so acutely demonstrates.
However, the President of Amnesty International, when pushed by journalists, admitted to 'sizeable' donations from the band. How sizeable? We don't know. Because U2 don't want us to know. It's almost as if the only way he can win is to stay away from the issue entirely. That's really, really sad.
I've accepted that the tax avoidance is not commendable. Why can you not separate the two issues? Or address the fact that the vast majority people, relatively speaking, try to avoid paying more tax? In the Irish case, most of our tax take is going to pay senior bank bond holders. I'd prefer Bono concentrated his mind on world debt, to be honest.

[Stu]

Meh, Bono's alright, his cause is worthy....it's Geldof that irritates me with his global warming crap - When he's the one flying around the world in jets and wasting energy with these 'Save teh werld' concerts
He should really stick true to his word and live like he is in the stone age. I'm sure he would raise money and awareness far easier that way. It's a much better way to convince everyone to simply change their energy useage by a teeny, tiny amount if he just lives in the forest walking everywhere putting on untelevised, acoustic concerts.

Silly do gooders. Always trying to do good. **** off with your black kids and global wobble, Geldof.

[Lee.]

What Shasown says ^

[Livia]

I love U2, and Bono in particular. I imagine all those that loathe him so deeply never really liked him in the first place. Personally, and it's the same with all celebrities that I like, I don't much care what he does in his private life.

[Niamh.]

This thread has been an interesting read, Patsy your first post was very convincing and I've done a u-turn because of it. You're spot on actually.

[Scarlett.]

He should really stick true to his word and live like he is in the stone age. I'm sure he would raise money and awareness far easier that way. It's a much better way to convince everyone to simply change their energy useage by a teeny, tiny amount if he just lives in the forest walking everywhere putting on untelevised, acoustic concerts.

Silly do gooders. Always trying to do good. **** off with your black kids and global wobble, Geldof.

He goes on about normal people using too much energy when he uses 10x as much, everyone is already aware of global warming, we don't need some rich bloke telling us to turn our televisions off standby

[Stu]

He goes on about normal people using too much energy when he uses 10x as much, everyone is already aware of global warming, we don't need some rich bloke telling us to turn our televisions off standby
Everyone is not aware of global warming though. They think they are but how many can really tell you about it or explain it?

What has his money got to do with it? I'm tired of this reverse snobbery. You have money thus you can't preach to me. It's absurd. You're still ignoring the logistics of it. That 10x energy and x amount of money he is using to put on televised rock concerts is attempting to save more than enough power/raise x more money that was spent putting it on in the first place. That's the idea.

You need to reach a global audience in a way that appeals to them. How do you think the ratings for Live Aid and Live 8 would have done if it didn't have anything to do with music for christ sake.

Geldof and Bono are doing a hell of a lot more with their means than I am with mine and for that I applaud them. Who are my to scrutinise if they 'mean it' just because they are famous.

[ElProximo]

I love U2, and Bono in particular. I imagine all those that loathe him so deeply never really liked him in the first place. Personally, and it's the same with all celebrities that I like, I don't much care what he does in his private life.

I think you have it all wrong. Can you believe it? No, its not the same people as if to dismiss this.
Even if it were - still deal with the criticism being put out there.

As for private and personal lives I would agree but that isn't what's happening here. Nobody cares about his personal life,
however,
what he has done is buy and impose himself into the public square with these very public missions, mandates and organizations.

What's worse than some criticisms about tax-evasion or being a flaming hypocrite on electricity is that he has been promoting (publicly) some political agenda's which have caused a tremendous amount of harm to the poorest people on Earth.
His devotion to the Global Warming Hoax movement surely resulted in the deaths of so many Africans.
Not intentionally but what's bothersome is that it wasn't 'good intentions gone wrong' but egotistical intentions.

But as always South Park so crudely called this one right too. Bono is a mega-ego who has lost touch with reality and is dead-set determined to be the biggest, greatest, saintliest so-and-so whether you like it or not.

[Scarlett.]

Everyone is not aware of global warming though. They think they are but how many can really tell you about it or explain it?

What has his money got to do with it? I'm tired of this reverse snobbery. You have money thus you can't preach to me. It's absurd. You're still ignoring the logistics of it. That 10x energy and x amount of money he is using to put on televised rock concerts is attempting to save more than enough power/raise x more money that was spent putting it on in the first place. That's the idea.

You need to reach a global audience in a way that appeals to them. How do you think the ratings for Live Aid and Live 8 would have done if it didn't have anything to do with music for christ sake.

Geldof and Bono are doing a hell of a lot more with their means than I am with mine and for that I applaud them. Who are my to scrutinise if they 'mean it' just because they are famous.

I can't really argue with ya, I guess your right :)

[Livia]

El Proximo... Don't bother replying to me. I have no interest in your opinions. You could start an argument in an empty room.

[Zippy]

OK, I'll take it you didn't read the earlier post, because you said you didn't, so I'll paraphrase. Mind you, it baffles me why anyone would want to debate with two fingers in their ears.

Obviously I have replied to several posts in this thread as is flaming obvious. But Im not responding to something youve copy/pasted from elsewhere out of pure laziness. Theyre not even your words so why you think I need to reply to them Im not quite sure. You're not debating by stealing other peoples words.

And the example I gave of a donation was a specific one which was clearly done as part of promoting their tour and Live8. It was correcting a big untruth that was posted. Lets stick to facts here.

I have addressed both the tax issues and his charitable donations. You need to wake up and realise that they are actually very interlinked; charity begins at home and the millions that he is denying the Irish goverment could be spent on new schools, new parks, new roads etc etc Ireland is not a rich country and he should be proud to pay his due taxes...if he's the caring saint he parades himself as. If if if...

Obviously you still fail to see the blatant contradictions in how he conducts himself so Im not gonna waste too much time on you.

Besides all that, he should bloody stick to his job. Nobody elected him to be a politician and he really has no place next to elected world leaders. He's just an absolute egomaniac. Because being a huge rockstar isnt enough, right?

Bottom line; he talks the talk but doesnt walk the walk. Nobody needs to hear some megarich tax evader preaching about poverty or charity. NOBODY.

[ElProximo]

El Proximo... Don't bother replying to me. I have no interest in your opinions. You could start an argument in an empty room.

Better yet, don't bother replying to my replies. They are not for you and I'd expect you to ignore them.

They are for others to learn about and discuss your poor thinking ability and 'chick logic' problems.
Think of your posts as being 'made the example'.

[billy123]

Well only 30 seconds into the set and bono is getting a laser shone in his face this could get interesting.

[Stu]

He doesn't mind. He probably paid off the laser guy because his ~doing it for attention.

Someone had a plate of ham sandwiches at Morrissey before him.

Cocks will be cocks etc.

[billy123]

He doesn't mind. He probably paid off the laser guy because his ~doing it for attention.

Someone had a plate of ham sandwiches at Morrissey before him.

Cocks will be cocks etc.They seem to have stopped doing it for now.
Ham sandwiches at morrisey! now that is funny nobbish but quite amusing.

[Grimnir]

1 word 4 letters and it begins with C ends in T

that what bono is

[joeysteele]

I love U2, and Bono in particular. I imagine all those that loathe him so deeply never really liked him in the first place. Personally, and it's the same with all celebrities that I like, I don't much care what he does in his private life.

You have done it again Livia, made me think as has Patsylimerick too. I think I was maybe correct to in my first choice have voted no that he isn't a hypocrite.

I think I've been a bit unfair to him.

[Livia]

Better yet, don't bother replying to my replies. They are not for you and I'd expect you to ignore them.

They are for others to learn about and discuss your poor thinking ability and 'chick logic' problems.
Think of your posts as being 'made the example'.


I wonder why you feel the need to be so deeply unpleasant. You reply so that others can discuss my poor thinking ability? Maybe a more suitable topic would be your own slightly mental pontification on... well... everything.

I wouldn't mind so much if you could have a reasonable discussion, but you can't. I feel that you purposefully choose my posts to ridicule and I'm asking you to stop.

[patsylimerick]

Obviously I have replied to several posts in this thread as is flaming obvious. But Im not responding to something youve copy/pasted from elsewhere out of pure laziness. Theyre not even your words so why you think I need to reply to them Im not quite sure. You're not debating by stealing other peoples words.

And the example I gave of a donation was a specific one which was clearly done as part of promoting their tour and Live8. It was correcting a big untruth that was posted. Lets stick to facts here.

I have addressed both the tax issues and his charitable donations. You need to wake up and realise that they are actually very interlinked; charity begins at home and the millions that he is denying the Irish goverment could be spent on new schools, new parks, new roads etc etc Ireland is not a rich country and he should be proud to pay his due taxes...if he's the caring saint he parades himself as. If if if...

Obviously you still fail to see the blatant contradictions in how he conducts himself so Im not gonna waste too much time on you.

Besides all that, he should bloody stick to his job. Nobody elected him to be a politician and he really has no place next to elected world leaders. He's just an absolute egomaniac. Because being a huge rockstar isnt enough, right?

Bottom line; he talks the talk but doesnt walk the walk. Nobody needs to hear some megarich tax evader preaching about poverty or charity. NOBODY.

It's funny, really, because I don't do gifs, or whatever they're called, I'm not well versed on linking etc. I almost entirely depend on my own words on here. But if you want to fling that as a criticism, fair enough, point taken. I would just ask politely that you reflect on the fact that all of our opinions and views are shaped by the sum of our experiences and what we have read, or more pertinently, not read, shapes us as human beings. We are none of us origiinal. We are the sum of our genes, influences and experiences. So we can twist it and turn it and pound seven shades of shoite out of it to make it our own. But I, personally, have no problem in acknowledging a situation where someone else's words are worthy of applause and repitition. It's not something I do often, but if it's worth quoting, I see no shame in doin so.

But getting back to the subject of the thread, the one thing that unites us all is that we are all going to shuffle off this mortal coil and the very most we can hope for is 80 vital years. I admire anyone who takes a chunk of those years and devotes them to increasing knowledge, awareness or a sense of community. Through his music, Bono has done all three. Through his charity work, Bono has attempted to do all three. If he hasn't succeeded because some people feel that a positive and laudable message cannot be accepted without dissecting the messenger, so be it. I don't think much can be served by my defense of him; but I'll defend him anyway. Because I'd accept mountains of pomposity and vast oceans of illusions of grandeur if the payback was an increased awareness of and discomfiture at the things that divide us.

But that's just me. And your opinion is as valid as mine. The problem is that mine is also as valid as yours.

[Niamh.]

Well, You actually changed my opinion on Bono Patsy I have to say but to be fair, apparently, he's had multiple affairs throughout his marriage but she decided to accept them :/ which is worse imo

[patsylimerick]

Well, You actually changed my opinion on Bono Patsy I have to say but to be fair, apparently, he's had multiple affairs throughout his marriage but she decided to accept them :/ which is worse imo

Niamh, sorry, I meant earlier to say thanks. I hope that's not true, but if it is, I still think (hope) that my arguments stand. I mean, I'm not perfect - who is? We've all done absolutely stupid and unpleasant things to other people in our lives, to varying degrees of awfulness, but it doesn't and shouldn't negate the worth anything that we have done, could do or might do that's brilliant, inspired and worthwhile. If the negatives are awful, the positives don't count. Anyone who in any way harms a child, murders or rapes is beyond redemption. But beyond that, shouldn't we argue that you take the bad with the good and applaud anyone who makes us think or act in a better way? I think we should.

[Niamh.]

Niamh, sorry, I meant earlier to say thanks. I hope that's not true, but if it is, I still think (hope) that my arguments stand. I mean, I'm not perfect - who is? We've all done absolutely stupid and unpleasant things to other people in our lives, to varying degrees of awfulness, but it doesn't and shouldn't negate the worth anything that we have done, could do or might do that's brilliant, inspired and worthwhile. If the negatives are awful, the positives don't count. Anyone who in any way harms a child, murders or rapes is beyond redemption. But beyond that, shouldn't we argue that you take the bad with the good and applaud anyone who makes us think or act in a better way? I think we should.

No, you're right and I actually felt a bit ****ty after I read you're post. He's a celebrity and tbf most of them do sweet f all for society, Bono does alot of good and yeah, he should get credit for that.

[lostalex]

Bono is a good person. He's saved millions of lives.

How many lives have you saved?

[joeysteele]

No, you're right and I actually felt a bit ****ty after I read you're post. He's a celebrity and tbf most of them do sweet f all for society, Bono does alot of good and yeah, he should get credit for that.

Patsylimerick and Livia altered my thinking back too Niamh. My first feeling was he wasn't a hypocrite,I should have stuck with that.

[MTVN]

Security men ended up taking down the protest baloon :laugh: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13913831

[ElProximo]

Bono is a good person. He's saved millions of lives.

How many lives have you saved?

I suggest he has been part of a movement that has killed millions of people. Especially the poorest in third world countries.
And contributed to a lot of human suffering and poverty among those same peoples.

I wouldn't mind so much if you could have a reasonable discussion, but you can't.

I have no doubt that we are unable to have a reasonable discussion and that, to you, in your mind, you are convinced it seems 'unreasonable'.
No doubt whatsoever.

I feel that you purposefully choose my posts to ridicule and I'm asking you to stop.


No you don't. You don't feel that way. You wrote that for the purpose of building a 'story' or 'case' which you will hope will eventually get me banned from TiBB.

Instead of building a fake case to manipulate censorship why don't you use the block function as you promised.

[patsylimerick]

I suggest he has been part of a movement that has killed millions of people. Especially the poorest in third world countries.
And contributed to a lot of human suffering and poverty among those same peoples.

I have no doubt that we are unable to have a reasonable discussion and that, to you, in your mind, you are convinced it seems 'unreasonable'.
No doubt whatsoever.




No you don't. You don't feel that way. You wrote that for the purpose of building a 'story' or 'case' which you will hope will eventually get me banned from TiBB.

Instead of building a fake case to manipulate censorship why don't you use the block function as you promised.


:joker: With respect, that must be the singularly most nonsensical sentence I've ever read on here. Would you care to explain how?

[ElProximo]

:joker: With respect, that must be the singularly most nonsensical sentence I've ever read on here. Would you care to explain how?

Yes. Well actually Lord Monckton can explain how the Global Warming Scare and its 'solutions' as frequently promoted by Bono ultimately starve millions to death on this planet:

zdhI_ccw3_M

Of course, there is more details to be found. Films like 'not evil just wrong' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_Evil_Just_Wrong) and some others have documented just how exactly the Global Warming Swindle keeps the poorest people on Earth in poverty.

You bet - Bono has done a great deal to promote a false movement that ultimately killed a helluva lot of poor people. Starvation.. a horrific way to die as well.

[patsylimerick]

Yes. Well actually Lord Monckton can explain how the Global Warming Scare and its 'solutions' as frequently promoted by Bono ultimately starve millions to death on this planet:

zdhI_ccw3_M

Of course, there is more details to be found. Films like 'not evil just wrong' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_Evil_Just_Wrong) and some others have documented just how exactly the Global Warming Swindle keeps the poorest people on Earth in poverty.

You bet - Bono has done a great deal to promote a false movement that ultimately killed a helluva lot of poor people. Starvation.. a horrific way to die as well.

Christopher Monckton is relatively bearable - compared to some of the absolute nut-job cospiracy theorists he associates with. His credibility was pretty much shot, however, when he sank to likening his political opponents to Hitler. I've a very open mind on the global warming debate; I don't necessarily think the human contribution to emissions is as significant as some global warming doomsayers contend. However, it is certainly true that we need to think more about the rate at which we are running out of traditional fuel options and examine the alternatives available to us - alternatives which would at least improve our living environment in terms of air, water and soil pollution. I would like to see a much greater debate on the issue. There is an unhealthy aversion to questioning the received wisdom of the loudest representatives of the scientific community.

The funny thing is, Bono advocates debate and discussion. He's forever encouraging people to arm themselves with information and to make informed decisions.

Most importantly, however, while Bono has spoken about global warming, his platform is tackling global poverty; rooting out governmental corruption and tackling our insane systems of global money lending. That saves lives - it doesn't cost them - and potentially millions of them.

[ElProximo]

His credibility was pretty much shot, however, when he sank to likening his political opponents to Hitler.

No. His credibility stayed the same but he did earn more respect for simple accurate reporting.

Most importantly, however, while Bono has spoken about global warming, his platform is tackling global poverty; rooting out governmental corruption and tackling our insane systems of global money lending. That saves lives - it doesn't cost them - and potentially millions of them.


Bono isn't in any kind of elected position or in any place of expertise to be 'telling anyone' anything or to be 'speaking out' about things like he is 'for poor people' while someone else is 'against poors'.

I can go on television tomorrow and 'tell you' its time to help the poor and say how I'm taking a stand against it.
Then appear places looking concerned and 'damning those who cause this'.

Meanwhile, US and British troops killing Taliban is a very very effective way to eliminate corrupt governments.
(and one would hope this works on Ghaddafi one day).

Meanwhile, drilling mass amounts of oil all over the place is a very very effective way in reducing food prices for the worlds poorest people and getting them air-conditioners, stoves, pure water etc.
We absolutely know this in centuries of demonstrated practice.

And there are already THOUSANDS of organizations sending tens of thousands of workers to Africa in hands-on money-where-your-mouth-is well-digging missions.
Most of these are Christian orgs but plenty are plain 'secular' type groups of some kind.
So who the hell needs Bono to show up like he came up with the idea.
What Bono should do is join one of the many many Roman Catholic orgs in Ireland who have (before Bono) already put in place all kinds of volunteer positions.
I know 16 year old girls who spent 2 months in Africa hand-shoveling wells and swinging hammers for real.
Never saw Mr. Amazing shut the hell up for once and do that. And not for some 1 day self-glorifying documentary.
No... go try and match the teen girl from our Church youth group for 2 months. Then talk.

/medication induced rant

[Shasown]

No. His credibility stayed the same but he did earn more respect for simple accurate reporting.



Bono isn't in any kind of elected position or in any place of expertise to be 'telling anyone' anything or to be 'speaking out' about things like he is 'for poor people' while someone else is 'against poors'.

I can go on television tomorrow and 'tell you' its time to help the poor and say how I'm taking a stand against it.
Then appear places looking concerned and 'damning those who cause this'.

Meanwhile, US and British troops killing Taliban is a very very effective way to eliminate corrupt governments.
(and one would hope this works on Ghaddafi one day).

Meanwhile, drilling mass amounts of oil all over the place is a very very effective way in reducing food prices for the worlds poorest people and getting them air-conditioners, stoves, pure water etc.
We absolutely know this in centuries of demonstrated practice.

And there are already THOUSANDS of organizations sending tens of thousands of workers to Africa in hands-on money-where-your-mouth-is well-digging missions.
Most of these are Christian orgs but plenty are plain 'secular' type groups of some kind.
So who the hell needs Bono to show up like he came up with the idea.
What Bono should do is join one of the many many Roman Catholic orgs in Ireland who have (before Bono) already put in place all kinds of volunteer positions.
I know 16 year old girls who spent 2 months in Africa hand-shoveling wells and swinging hammers for real.
Never saw Mr. Amazing shut the hell up for once and do that. And not for some 1 day self-glorifying documentary.
No... go try and match the teen girl from our Church youth group for 2 months. Then talk.

/medication induced rant

Point being Bono has a platform from which to rant and people listen, Amnesty receive huge boosts both in interest and donations every time he takes up for one of their causes, Live Aid and Live 8 received huge boosts because of his gobbing off. Could rattle off a whole list of other causes he has publicised.

While he isnt in an "elected" position it could be argued he is one voice for ordinary people and he has been doing the socio political ranting for a long time, people do follow the causes he promotes. And the band he fronts still packs them in.

Would him giving up his time to assist in the digging of a well have reduced thrid world debt as much as him button holing world leaders like Gordon Brown to "drop the debt"? Or giving out a text number at every single concert on the Vertigo tour for people to support the campaign to drop Third World debts?

He uses what he has (fame and a wide audience), effectively for the betterment of others. Could he do more? Yeah he probably could, so could we all.

[patsylimerick]

No. His credibility stayed the same but he did earn more respect for simple accurate reporting.



Bono isn't in any kind of elected position or in any place of expertise to be 'telling anyone' anything or to be 'speaking out' about things like he is 'for poor people' while someone else is 'against poors'.

I can go on television tomorrow and 'tell you' its time to help the poor and say how I'm taking a stand against it.
Then appear places looking concerned and 'damning those who cause this'.

Meanwhile, US and British troops killing Taliban is a very very effective way to eliminate corrupt governments.
(and one would hope this works on Ghaddafi one day).

Meanwhile, drilling mass amounts of oil all over the place is a very very effective way in reducing food prices for the worlds poorest people and getting them air-conditioners, stoves, pure water etc.
We absolutely know this in centuries of demonstrated practice.

And there are already THOUSANDS of organizations sending tens of thousands of workers to Africa in hands-on money-where-your-mouth-is well-digging missions.
Most of these are Christian orgs but plenty are plain 'secular' type groups of some kind.
So who the hell needs Bono to show up like he came up with the idea.
What Bono should do is join one of the many many Roman Catholic orgs in Ireland who have (before Bono) already put in place all kinds of volunteer positions.
I know 16 year old girls who spent 2 months in Africa hand-shoveling wells and swinging hammers for real.
Never saw Mr. Amazing shut the hell up for once and do that. And not for some 1 day self-glorifying documentary.
No... go try and match the teen girl from our Church youth group for 2 months. Then talk.

/medication induced rant

Bit in bold...................... It's not working very well at the moment, is it? Or have I missed something and are they no longer hungry and dying?

Oh, and what happens when it runs out?

Very, very many young Irish catholics travel abroad to do charity work, or stay at home to do it. I'm sure Bono's no different. Thing is, he's kept it up for a hell of a long longer to most. And he is listened to by millions of fans so of course he's a powerful tool in raising awareness.

[karezza]

Pay your taxes you tosser!

[ElProximo]

Bit in bold...................... It's not working very well at the moment, is it?

It is working well. This is why food is more plentiful around the world.

Or have I missed something and are they no longer hungry and dying?

Yes many are starving and dying in poverty. There are criminal reasons for this but an overall problem is people like Bono using his big platform to influence more and more caps and blocks to drilling and producing mass amounts of cheaper energy.

Oh, and what happens when it runs out?

Food prices will increase and the poorest people will face starvation.

Very, very many young Irish catholics travel abroad to do charity work, or stay at home to do it. I'm sure Bono's no different. Thing is, he's kept it up for a hell of a long longer to most. And he is listened to by millions of fans so of course he's a powerful tool in raising awareness.

Bono doesn't do anything but use his name to promote a movement that is 'saving the Earth' but keeping the poorest human beings poor and in need.

[Zippy]

Bono isn't in any kind of elected position or in any place of expertise to be 'telling anyone' anything or to be 'speaking out' about things like he is 'for poor people' while someone else is 'against poors'.

I can go on television tomorrow and 'tell you' its time to help the poor and say how I'm taking a stand against it. Then appear places looking concerned and 'damning those who cause this'....

Quite. Its obvious he's driven to do it for his own ego. Self appointed saint Bono.

Pay your taxes you tosser!

Exactly. Saint Bono who avoids paying millions in taxes. Not so saintly after all.

[patsylimerick]

Quite. Its obvious he's driven to do it for his own ego. Self appointed saint Bono.



Exactly. Saint Bono who avoids paying millions in taxes. Not so saintly after all.

:sleep: It doesn't really matter if he's doing it to try and develop a wart on his knob. HE'S DOING IT.

[Zippy]

:sleep: It doesn't really matter if he's doing it to try and develop a wart on his knob. HE'S DOING IT.

There are millions of people worldwide slogging their asses off day in, day out for the good of others. Missionaries et al. Theyre the true saints DOING IT for no self interest whatsoever. And they don't have a pot to piss in.

Save your praise for those not some mega rich popstar.

[patsylimerick]

Their are millions of people worldwide slogging their asses off day in, day out for the good of others. Missionaries et al. Theyre the true saints DOING IT for no self interest whatsoever. And they don't have a pot to piss in.

Save your praise for those not some mega rich popstar.

No they are not doing it "for no self interest whatsoever". Everyone has an ego. Everyone gains as they give; that's how we're programmed and thank God it is. Self-interest is a vital component of being human. It's a matter of scale. And Bono happens to be at the other end of the scale in terms of fame - and in terms of criticism; and even arguably in terms of ego. So what? Everything's relative. He does more than his fair share and he's a lazy, easy target for criticism the progeny of which completely baffles me.

[Zippy]

No they are not doing it "for no self interest whatsoever". Everyone has an ego. Everyone gains as they give; that's how we're programmed and thank God it is. Self-interest is a vital component of being human. It's a matter of scale. And Bono happens to be at the other end of the scale in terms of fame - and in terms of criticism; and even arguably in terms of ego. So what? Everything's relative. He does more than his fair share and he's a lazy, easy target for criticism the progeny of which completely baffles me.

He gets far more than his fair share of payback just for making a few speeches. Lording it up with world leaders, receiving peace awards, revelling in the saintly glow that his fans bestow on him....yeah, thats quite some reward for making a few very obvious speeches. Because saying that rich goverments should not be feeding off dirt poor countries is a mindblowing revelation, right?

Meanwhile, you might care to address the fact he avoids paying much needed taxes. Which is, after all, at the core of this issue.

[patsylimerick]

He gets far more than his fair share of payback just for making a few speeches. Lording it up with world leaders, receiving peace awards, revelling in the saintly glow that his fans bestow on him....yeah, thats quite some reward for making a few very obvious speeches. Because saying that rich goverments should not be feeding off dirt poor countries is a mindblowing revelation, right?

Meanwhile, you might care to address the fact he avoids paying much needed taxes. Which is, after all, at the core of this issue.

I have done. Several times, if you read back, I've said what he's doing with his personal finances is less than commendable. I think he should pay his tax in Ireland. People are complex. There is no black and white. Look, if you're not going to read what I'm saying, it's not really worth the effort.

[Zippy]

I've said what he's doing with his personal finances is less than commendable. I think he should pay his tax in Ireland. People are complex. There is no black and white.

Complex? what's so complex about not wanting to give back to your very own people?

It's a very simple morality. And his morality is inconsistent. Probably because simply paying his due taxes doesn't get him praise and glory.

[patsylimerick]

Complex? what's so complex about not wanting to give back to your very own people?

It's a very simple morality. And his morality is inconsistent. Probably because simply paying his due taxes doesn't get him praise and glory.

So is most people's, you'll find. If it's even possible to define consistency in morality, as morality is purely subjective.

[Zippy]

So is most people's, you'll find. If it's even possible to define consistency in morality, as morality is purely subjective.

I find his contradictions glaringly obvious. And unjustifiable. Though, bless, you will keep trying.

[Vicky.]

Wow zippy. You have a lot of hatred inside you :sad:

[Zippy]

Wow zippy. You have a lot of hatred inside you :sad:

For some. I actually struggled to come up with a list of celebs I hate recently. But the few I dont like....I really really don't like.

[patsylimerick]

I find his contradictions glaringly obvious. And unjustifiable. Though, bless, you will keep trying.

So by saying 'I' are you accepting that morality is subjective, that everyone's morality would be contradictory to somebody, and that Bono is no more contradictory than most? It's purely a matter of exposition and dissection. None of us would do so well under that kind of scrutiny. He shines as someone who gives time, lots and lots of time - which is far more precious to someone who has lots of money than money is. He's also extremely well-informed and smart, which is like a bucket of cold water of refreshing in a celebrity culture that vomits out inanity.

[Livia]

Bob Geldof lives in London. He is Irish though... I wonder which country gets his tax, and whether that is okay with everyone. Perhaps we should research it so that people can get suitably outraged if his money doesn't go where they think it should go. Also, all the British actors and musicians that live elsewhere in the world... perhaps we should remind them that there's a recession at home, and if they don't cough up we're going to have the same meaningless uproar over their tax as other people are making over Bono's.