The Sydney Morning Herald pipes in with a feature on Bono's activism and quotes some wisdom from protester Angela Christie outside the WEF conference:
"It's like he suddenly wants to be the secretary-general of the United Nations, or wants the Nobel peace prize or something. He should be cool and hang out with normal people, not these old guys who wouldn't even know one of his records."
Quite.
Where am I?
You are reading "Eeew, like… OLD people!", a post on U2log.com, published on February 6, 2002
recent posts
- Daily Digest for September 1st
- Bono and The Edge on 2DayFM radio (audio clips)
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- Vienna photo slideshow by “despicable_me”
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I agree with the protesters. What’s going on with you Bono?
I agree with the protesters. What’s going on with you Bono?
I do not agree with this latest news about Bono activism and behavior… It is easier to criticize him, because he is doing his best to change something in the world… and he is being successful with it… and the same people that is criticizing him, is not doing anything … even moving a finger to change something.
The people use to believe and support the wrong people… that ones that use drugs, sing bad words, and have a bad behaviour. If he is right or not to be talking and discussing politician with that guys, trying to get they support, it is because he knows what he is doing and that sometimes to reach our objectives we have to talk with people that we don’t like… it is normal in our life, if you spend just a little time thinking about your life in your work and personal life you will see what I am talking about… feel free to send me messages and I wanna scream that:
I SUPPORT BONO AND U2 IN WHATEVER THEY DO TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER !!!
I do not agree with this latest news about Bono activism and behavior… It is easier to criticize him, because he is doing his best to change something in the world… and he is being successful with it… and the same people that is criticizing him, is not doing anything … even moving a finger to change something.
The people use to believe and support the wrong people… that ones that use drugs, sing bad words, and have a bad behaviour. If he is right or not to be talking and discussing politician with that guys, trying to get they support, it is because he knows what he is doing and that sometimes to reach our objectives we have to talk with people that we don’t like… it is normal in our life, if you spend just a little time thinking about your life in your work and personal life you will see what I am talking about… feel free to send me messages and I wanna scream that:
I SUPPORT BONO AND U2 IN WHATEVER THEY DO TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER !!!
If you want to make the world a better place, you’re going to need to get in there with the people who make the decisions. While going to the rival WORLD SOCIAL FORUM might have made more sense morally… obviously the politicians, the people that need to be reached, are at the WEF. The fact that he could get in there and talk to them, something I’m sure a lot of protestors would like to do, says a lot.
If you want to make the world a better place, you’re going to need to get in there with the people who make the decisions. While going to the rival WORLD SOCIAL FORUM might have made more sense morally… obviously the politicians, the people that need to be reached, are at the WEF. The fact that he could get in there and talk to them, something I’m sure a lot of protestors would like to do, says a lot.
..some very sensible arguments!
..some very sensible arguments!
Bono’s not a “traitor”! He’s a Trojan Horse. He’s the one with the guts, intelligence, focus, resolve and opportunity to understand that you have to change things from the inside. And if the world economic elite are following his lead, then we all ought to be thrilled. Anyone who doesn’t get that isn’t really paying attention to the details. Check out the video footage of Bono speaking at the forum on macphisto.net and decide whether Bono is “hob-nobbing”. I don’t think so. He admits he is out of place – and that he went to the WEF because the main TV media would not help him carry his message. All they want is happy schlock and they’re afraid of angering their corporate sponsors – the same ones held spellbound by him in NYC. He’s making EVERYONE uncomfortable right now – but that’s nothing new – he’s been “&%#$ing up the mainstream” for years. He’s the Gladiator in the ring with the lions that has everyone’s attention and he’s going for it. We should all be cheering wildly…
Bono’s not a “traitor”! He’s a Trojan Horse. He’s the one with the guts, intelligence, focus, resolve and opportunity to understand that you have to change things from the inside. And if the world economic elite are following his lead, then we all ought to be thrilled. Anyone who doesn’t get that isn’t really paying attention to the details. Check out the video footage of Bono speaking at the forum on macphisto.net and decide whether Bono is “hob-nobbing”. I don’t think so. He admits he is out of place – and that he went to the WEF because the main TV media would not help him carry his message. All they want is happy schlock and they’re afraid of angering their corporate sponsors – the same ones held spellbound by him in NYC. He’s making EVERYONE uncomfortable right now – but that’s nothing new – he’s been “&%#$ing up the mainstream” for years. He’s the Gladiator in the ring with the lions that has everyone’s attention and he’s going for it. We should all be cheering wildly…
“Keep your friends close. And your enemies, closer.”
-Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”
“You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”
-Proverb
“You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it, too.”
-Anne Lamott, “Bird By Bird”
The protestors are there to shine the spotlight on the problems. Bono is there to affect change.
He’s always been the first to admit that there’s nothing worse than a rock star with an opinion. But he’s to be commended for knowing where his influence can be useful.
It’s easy to make puppets and march in the streets. The challenge lies in forming a cohesive argument and getting in front of the decision makers to plead your case. Bono’s done just that. He’s an activist, no matter the stage.
“Keep your friends close. And your enemies, closer.”
-Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”
“You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”
-Proverb
“You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it, too.”
-Anne Lamott, “Bird By Bird”
The protestors are there to shine the spotlight on the problems. Bono is there to affect change.
He’s always been the first to admit that there’s nothing worse than a rock star with an opinion. But he’s to be commended for knowing where his influence can be useful.
It’s easy to make puppets and march in the streets. The challenge lies in forming a cohesive argument and getting in front of the decision makers to plead your case. Bono’s done just that. He’s an activist, no matter the stage.
Hmmm…there has to be a better argument for not getting involved in the world’s problems than “it’s not cool”. Bono knows (and has said) that the people in power are not pretty (or cool), but they are the ones who must be persuaded to affect change in the world. Bono’s far cooler than the rest of us who sit around and grumble instead of getting out there and DOING something.
Hmmm…there has to be a better argument for not getting involved in the world’s problems than “it’s not cool”. Bono knows (and has said) that the people in power are not pretty (or cool), but they are the ones who must be persuaded to affect change in the world. Bono’s far cooler than the rest of us who sit around and grumble instead of getting out there and DOING something.
:begin rant:
typical SMH journalism.
not exactly a lot of intellectual effort gone into that piece.
must have taken all of 30 minutes to type up.
I remember a line in a certain song, off a certain album, from a long, long, time ago: “I can’t change world, but I can change the world in me. So I Rejoice..”
->..err or something like that..
Lack of self belief has never been one of Bono’s problems.
And now he is, demonstrably, helping to change the world, and generally doing much more good than than sorry arsed SMH journalists.
:end rant :
:begin rant:
typical SMH journalism.
not exactly a lot of intellectual effort gone into that piece.
must have taken all of 30 minutes to type up.
I remember a line in a certain song, off a certain album, from a long, long, time ago: “I can’t change world, but I can change the world in me. So I Rejoice..”
->..err or something like that..
Lack of self belief has never been one of Bono’s problems.
And now he is, demonstrably, helping to change the world, and generally doing much more good than than sorry arsed SMH journalists.
:end rant :
I’ll vote for Bono as secretary-general. Anyone else?
Einstein failed math.
BTW, did anyone notice that after the WEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation announced plans to donate $ 50 million to African health organizations? And did anyone see Bill Gates posing with Bono? Hmmm. Connection? Those who argue Bono should put his own money on the line for his cause don’t seem to understand that his fortunes amount to pocket change in the face of the debts owed by these nations. He might be able to pay for a few months of debt for Liberia, maybe. Using his position to free up funds from those who have it to spare (hint: govt+industry) makes much more use of his status. He derives his influence not from his wealth but his legendary persona and charisma, and his intelligence. Forget that he didn’t make it into Trinity College
I’ll vote for Bono as secretary-general. Anyone else?
Einstein failed math.
BTW, did anyone notice that after the WEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation announced plans to donate $ 50 million to African health organizations? And did anyone see Bill Gates posing with Bono? Hmmm. Connection? Those who argue Bono should put his own money on the line for his cause don’t seem to understand that his fortunes amount to pocket change in the face of the debts owed by these nations. He might be able to pay for a few months of debt for Liberia, maybe. Using his position to free up funds from those who have it to spare (hint: govt+industry) makes much more use of his status. He derives his influence not from his wealth but his legendary persona and charisma, and his intelligence. Forget that he didn’t make it into Trinity College
Maybe Bono just wants to use his position responsibly and try to make the world better, is that enough to get the stones thrown at you in this day and age or what???
Maybe Bono just wants to use his position responsibly and try to make the world better, is that enough to get the stones thrown at you in this day and age or what???
Hold on, she said it’s time to call Sting? isn’t he the sell-out guy?
Hold on, she said it’s time to call Sting? isn’t he the sell-out guy?
Should he fuck young woman like Mick Jagger in his spare time? An uninteresting discussion.U2 has always been about changing the world.If you don’t agree with Bono’s way, take the highway and spend some time with Mick..I’m sure you’ll have fun.
Should he fuck young woman like Mick Jagger in his spare time? An uninteresting discussion.U2 has always been about changing the world.If you don’t agree with Bono’s way, take the highway and spend some time with Mick..I’m sure you’ll have fun.
i THINK THAT JIST BECAUSE HE HAS MANNY STRONG BELEFS THAT HE ACT APON HE SHOULD BE LOKED DOWN APON i THINK THAT THE FACT THAT HE IS DOING WHAT HE THINKS IS RIGHT INSTEAD OF DOING WHATS “COOL” AND DOING WHATS WRITE IS AN AMAZING QUALITY
i THINK THAT JIST BECAUSE HE HAS MANNY STRONG BELEFS THAT HE ACT APON HE SHOULD BE LOKED DOWN APON i THINK THAT THE FACT THAT HE IS DOING WHAT HE THINKS IS RIGHT INSTEAD OF DOING WHATS “COOL” AND DOING WHATS WRITE IS AN AMAZING QUALITY
Bono has had, and is still having an extremly successful career. He has fame, wealth, power and an intelligent, unselfish, caring mind. He is using his position in life to change what we can all see is desperately wrong and needs to get better. He is provoking change to make life fair and happier for thousands and thousands of people. He is doing all he can in his power to achieve this. Bono deserves respect and support. And immeasurable thanks.
Bono has had, and is still having an extremly successful career. He has fame, wealth, power and an intelligent, unselfish, caring mind. He is using his position in life to change what we can all see is desperately wrong and needs to get better. He is provoking change to make life fair and happier for thousands and thousands of people. He is doing all he can in his power to achieve this. Bono deserves respect and support. And immeasurable thanks.