Dear Bono,
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI)was deeply disturbed to learn that that you are scheduled to perform in Israel this coming summer. Two years ago, you were invited by Israeli President Shimon Peres to attend a conference in Israel marking Israel‘s contributions to medicine, science, and conservation; we urged you then, as a prominent activist on issues of global inequality and a campaigner for basic human rights, to say no to Israel, especially since the invitation coincided with celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state.[1] You did not go to Israel then; we call on you now not to grant legitimacy to a state that practices the most pernicious form of colonialism and apartheid.
Of all the 'celebocracy' Nobo is the one I despise the most. My buddy the Pope, my buddy Tony Blair. What a slimy rat. How anyone can take the human rights pose seriously is beyond me. This is from a write-up of a U2 preening session -
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'At one stage, Bono blindfolds himself, writhes meaningfully around and then sets off a firecracker: presumably igniting a symbolic flame, but in very real danger of setting fire to his trousers. At all times, the band congratulate themselves on their raw courage in espousing human rights. "Is this a time for keeping your mouth shut?" roars Bono at one stage. Well, given it was only the Dixie Chicks and not U2 who risked record sales by explicitly opposing the Iraq war, it would seem that in Bono's case the answer is, erm, yes.'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/feb/22/u2.musicdocumentary
Bono .... what a poser. Hollywood/ the entertainment biz is like politics, I guess. If you are going to get anywhere, you are either going to have no opinion politically or you are going to mouth opinions that fit the mainstream. Even the "left", the Hollywood liberals, will come out against the war but would never not "support the troops" and you certainly won't hear them defend Palestine.
ReplyDeleteWell, that poser has raised billions of dollars for a rather good cause, precisely because he stays out of the opinion business. I personally do not care about his opinion as long as he is successful in easing Africa's debt and helping the AIDS cause.
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