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From Time:
Monday, Mar. 25, 2002
Bono's Mission
"After 20-plus years of great music, the melody that Bono has found to combat poverty
and AIDS is undeniably his greatest hit."
JAY HEIMBACH
Alexandria, Va.
Thanks for the terrific article on U2's Bono and his efforts to save Africa from financial
ruin [Music, March 4]. He's not a saint. He is a hardworking, real man, using his gifts to
inspire us in song and make a difference in the world. Some issues are so overwhelming
that most of us don't even try to fix them. Bono can't save the world by himself, but like
others who have shown the way, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi,
he is proving that one man can make a difference.
CAROLINE HARTMAN
Minnetonka, Minn.
Bono may be smarter, better informed and more committed than other cause-happy
celebrities, but Africa's problems are larger than his ego. After living in Africa nearly six
years, I returned to the U.S. with more questions than answers. But you don't have to live
there to know that the continent is rife with corruption and that most foreign aid does little
to enrich the life of the average African. Debt relief is a noble idea, but until Africa can rid
itself of corrupt autocrats, it will probably be just another way for those leaders to beef up
their fat Swiss bank accounts.
MOLLY LEUSCHEL
St. Albans, Vt.
In a society in which we seem to spend more time talking about what Britney Spears is (or
isn't) wearing and who in Hollywood is sleeping with whom, it is refreshing to see someone
with Bono's influence and fame doing something positive. Bravo, Bono!
DANA M. CAIN
Port Orchard, Wash.
I am a longtime U2 fan, not just because of the band's music but also because of their
politics, their message and their Christian hearts. Can Bono make a difference? Not by
himself. But the world is a better place because people like him are doing something
positive. Bono's celebrity status may get him in the door, but his brains and his sincere
heart are what keeps him at the table.
LISA RENNINGER
Bartlett, Ill.
Bono is more than a pop icon, more than a rock god, more than my idol. He's a guy who
cares about the world around him and fights to right its wrongs. And that's what makes
him so damn cool!
CHRISTINE CRESPO
Davie, Fla.
I am a 24-year-old Nigerian and have often viewed celebrities' "concern" for Africa with
annoyance. My reaction to Bono was different; I was impressed. He is right in advocating
not just debt relief but also the lowering of trade restrictions on African countries. What
Africa needs is not gifts of fish but fair access to the fishing pond.
AMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Mansfield, Conn.
--Can a pop star be a legitimate political activist? Some of you were skeptical to the point
of scorn. "How easy it is for a windbag celebrity, who pays no price for being wrong, to
throw his fame around and make grand pronouncements," criticized a reader from Georgia.
"The court jester may attend important meetings," wrote a Floridian, "but he is still just a
clown." Suggested a Louisianian: "If Bono wants to help the poor, he should start by selling
his expensive sunglasses and wristwatch. Mother Teresa he's not." And a Minnesotan was
downright caustic: "Can Bono save the world? Sure, when Cher cures cancer and Britney
Spears has a plan for peace in the Middle East." Ouch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just read some of the letters from the newest Time magazine. For the most part, the feedback from the readers was positive.
However, some people still choose to be ignorant and associate Bono with every other no-nothing star who associates themselves with good causes strictly for promotional services. How sad.
Curious to read your thoughts on this topic.
Monday, Mar. 25, 2002
Bono's Mission
"After 20-plus years of great music, the melody that Bono has found to combat poverty
and AIDS is undeniably his greatest hit."
JAY HEIMBACH
Alexandria, Va.
Thanks for the terrific article on U2's Bono and his efforts to save Africa from financial
ruin [Music, March 4]. He's not a saint. He is a hardworking, real man, using his gifts to
inspire us in song and make a difference in the world. Some issues are so overwhelming
that most of us don't even try to fix them. Bono can't save the world by himself, but like
others who have shown the way, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi,
he is proving that one man can make a difference.
CAROLINE HARTMAN
Minnetonka, Minn.
Bono may be smarter, better informed and more committed than other cause-happy
celebrities, but Africa's problems are larger than his ego. After living in Africa nearly six
years, I returned to the U.S. with more questions than answers. But you don't have to live
there to know that the continent is rife with corruption and that most foreign aid does little
to enrich the life of the average African. Debt relief is a noble idea, but until Africa can rid
itself of corrupt autocrats, it will probably be just another way for those leaders to beef up
their fat Swiss bank accounts.
MOLLY LEUSCHEL
St. Albans, Vt.
In a society in which we seem to spend more time talking about what Britney Spears is (or
isn't) wearing and who in Hollywood is sleeping with whom, it is refreshing to see someone
with Bono's influence and fame doing something positive. Bravo, Bono!
DANA M. CAIN
Port Orchard, Wash.
I am a longtime U2 fan, not just because of the band's music but also because of their
politics, their message and their Christian hearts. Can Bono make a difference? Not by
himself. But the world is a better place because people like him are doing something
positive. Bono's celebrity status may get him in the door, but his brains and his sincere
heart are what keeps him at the table.
LISA RENNINGER
Bartlett, Ill.
Bono is more than a pop icon, more than a rock god, more than my idol. He's a guy who
cares about the world around him and fights to right its wrongs. And that's what makes
him so damn cool!
CHRISTINE CRESPO
Davie, Fla.
I am a 24-year-old Nigerian and have often viewed celebrities' "concern" for Africa with
annoyance. My reaction to Bono was different; I was impressed. He is right in advocating
not just debt relief but also the lowering of trade restrictions on African countries. What
Africa needs is not gifts of fish but fair access to the fishing pond.
AMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Mansfield, Conn.
--Can a pop star be a legitimate political activist? Some of you were skeptical to the point
of scorn. "How easy it is for a windbag celebrity, who pays no price for being wrong, to
throw his fame around and make grand pronouncements," criticized a reader from Georgia.
"The court jester may attend important meetings," wrote a Floridian, "but he is still just a
clown." Suggested a Louisianian: "If Bono wants to help the poor, he should start by selling
his expensive sunglasses and wristwatch. Mother Teresa he's not." And a Minnesotan was
downright caustic: "Can Bono save the world? Sure, when Cher cures cancer and Britney
Spears has a plan for peace in the Middle East." Ouch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just read some of the letters from the newest Time magazine. For the most part, the feedback from the readers was positive.
However, some people still choose to be ignorant and associate Bono with every other no-nothing star who associates themselves with good causes strictly for promotional services. How sad.
Curious to read your thoughts on this topic.
