(11-18-2006) Howard, Costello differ over value of Bono's advice - SMH*

[HelloAngel]

Howard, Costello differ over value of Bono's advice


By Sandra O'Malley Hanoi


PRIME Minister John Howard yesterday took aim at rock star activists such as U2 singer Bono for failing to acknowledge how globalisation was helping lift millions of people out of poverty.

He had terse words for "pop culture" figures who criticised world leaders for their efforts on poverty but did not take account of how global trade had already helped millions better their lives. "It's popular of course to be in receipt of admonitions from leaders of pop culture, if I can put it that way, and others to do more to lift the world's poor out of their current state," he said during a keynote address to business leaders.

"Some of those commentators are not so ready to acknowledge the extraordinarily large number, the billions of people in this region and in other parts of the Asia region, that have been lifted from poverty over the last 25 years as a result of the application of the principles of innovation and globalisation."

But Treasurer Peter Costello, in Melbourne to chair the G20 meeting, yesterday announced plans to see Bono tomorrow.

"We are trying to arrange a time and I'm keen to see him on Monday if he is free," he said.

Mr Howard's comments came hours before he headed into the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders' summit in Hanoi where freeing up world trade is one of the top agenda items.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/ho...of-bonos-advice/2006/11/18/1163266833737.html

 

[doctorwho]

Bono's efforts have mainly focused on Africa, where many millions are still in dire poverty. It's like the Prime Minister wants to have someone pat him on the back for his very very very minor role in helping some, while turning a blind eye and ignore hundreds of millions still in poverty. In other words, this is a very typical political response - something I'd expect a Bush to say. I'm rather disappointed this came from the Prime Minister of Australia.

 

[Vincent Vega]

Howard is, sadly, no way better than Bush.

 

[biff]

"He had terse words for "pop culture" figures who criticised world leaders for their efforts on poverty but did not take account of how global trade had already helped millions better their lives."

But Bono has consistently stressed the importance of trade in helping people out of poverty. Howard's clearly not been listening (not even remotely a surprise).

 

[Jamila]

Howard is, sadly, no way better than Bush.

Actually, when it comes to committing money to fight AIDS and extreme poverty in the world, Australia under John Howard is even WORSE than George Bush!


And I never thought that I could honestly say that someone was worse than George Bush, but Howard is.

KUDOS TO BONO FOR NEVER GIVING UP.

 

[Vincent Vega]

That's right. Howard does everything Bush tells him, but with helping Africa it seems that Bush didn't tell him what to do.

I find the paralells between Howard - Costello and Blair - Brown are very funny.

With both it's PM and Treasurer, both used to be best friends and helped each other to get into the position they are in, and both now would love if the other just left because they are more opponents than partners.

 

[JimmyChicken]

John Howard is George Bush's puppet. George Bush says "Jump" and John Howard says "How high"

 

[Neenie]

I’m a little confused why Bono wasted a whole hour of his life with that weasel (Peter Costello).

Traditionally, the ultra conservative Howard government has had no commitment to tackle poverty. And currently has "zero" interest in increasing foreign aid.

Costello obviously used an hour of Bono to justify the governments stubborn “do nothing stance” on aids and poverty. It was no surprise to read in the morning herald that Costello refrained from announcing any changes to Australia's foreign aid or trade policies. But was left with a little boost to his image….